Going to tow for first time.....

[paulkeith]

i'd recommend not putting anti-seize on lug nuts. if you apply too much, it can cause hydraulic lock inbetween the end of the stud and the back of the lug nut (with an enlcosed lug design) resulting in a false high torque reading when torquing the lugs... or...

It also lowers torque readings significantly if you have an open lug or doesn't cause hydraulic lock. Meaning your torque wrench may say you've reached 80 or 90 or whatever, and in reality the lug may be much much tighter to the point of fatiguing the stud.

I realize the benefits (and used to do it myself until I read about these issues) so if you're going to do it, use a VERY VERY small amount. A little goes a long way.

Just some food for thought.

Paul

 

[F350DRW1]

Has this actually happened to you? Hydraulic lock of a lug nut?

 

[iracemine]

I have heard of this for bolts going into enclosed holes (head studs commonly). but I seriously doubt that this would ever be a problem putting on lug nuts. If the torque rating will be sacrificed (on a trailer drum brake of all things) I would take that chance. I have been there. Spending all day trying to get a $25 tire and wheel (walmart special) off of a trailer, that for a pennies worth of grease we could have spent that day on the lake fishing.

 

[caissiel]

I go south every fall and return in the spring. 2500 miles one way. I carry a complete set of tools. Most of the problems will occur at the beginning or the end. That is because you have just finished you checkups or at the end because you tell yourself everything is alright. I have had 2 flats on the trailer, lost a wheel on the truck, and for everytime it was my fault. Check your vehicles and kick the tires and you will have a great trip.