Lost a wheel in Austria about 5 years ago….the torque was checked before we started our journey. The insurance company engineer told us it was common in very high temperatures and with lots of braking…we’d just crossed the alps. Following his advice we now have steel wheels. I regularly check the torque and they are always spot on.
I always check the torque of the wheel bolts before every journey, it's part of my pre-driving checks. On a different note, my caravan came out of the factory with the hitch and axle securing bolts not torqued up correctly. They weren't actually loose but, all needed tightening to the specified torque so, possibly could have worked loose. The dealer missed it on the PDI and on two subsequent annual services. The third service and those since have been done by a very thorough mobile AWS guy based not far from you in Burntwood, who tightened everything up. He told me that this is common across all makes of caravan. Definitely worth checking these bolts too.
What if you want to take off a wheel during a trip, say for a puncture? People are obsessed with ensuring the wheels nuts are to the correct torque. They never check to see if the wheel nut(s) will actually come lose and is not seized, given its just sat outside for winter. A better process which is 30 second per nut extra. Crack if off, then re-torque it. Both bases covered. People talk about safety, if you're are stuck on the side of the road or motorway with a flat tyre and you cannot remove and change it. All that extra time waiting for recovery, you are at risk. Check your nuts in both directions.
The truck project sounds great , me personally i would have a centre double bed in back then a shower one side and the toilet the other then walk through a door into the big lounge and kitchen area , then a big hole to access the front cab no need to go out side , that's perfect for a couple and a single person for a live aboard 😀
NOOOOooooo sorry Mark you have made a big mistake to torque your wheel nuts you must first loosen the nuts off or you will be tightening it a little each time you test and this leads to over torque. We once tested this and it is quite surprising on a club sight when a chap was torque if his nut and they were well over. You will get away with once may be twice or so but you will over tighten. Wheels should be checked ideally on every trip there and back and this chap was doing that he just forgot to loosen them. Wishing you and your well James
You cannot just pile stuff into your caravan as there is a payload limit and this payload must include the weight of the battery and gas cylinders. Also you cannot pike everything into the car as you have a maximum train weight. It is not as easy as you think getting the nose weight right. These things are critical to ensure a safe ride and to avoid the snaking as you have cleverly demonstrated in your vlog.
Another useful video for anyone new to caravans and a reminder for those with a bit more experience. Brilliant.
Thanks 👍
Lost a wheel in Austria about 5 years ago….the torque was checked before we started our journey. The insurance company engineer told us it was common in very high temperatures and with lots of braking…we’d just crossed the alps. Following his advice we now have steel wheels. I regularly check the torque and they are always spot on.
Yes the alloy against the steel hub doesn't mix with heat. It's very rare 👍
Ive seen some good conversations with these lorry’s can’t wait to see the end result 👍
Hope we can live upto the good part 🙈
I always check the torque of the wheel bolts before every journey, it's part of my pre-driving checks. On a different note, my caravan came out of the factory with the hitch and axle securing bolts not torqued up correctly. They weren't actually loose but, all needed tightening to the specified torque so, possibly could have worked loose. The dealer missed it on the PDI and on two subsequent annual services. The third service and those since have been done by a very thorough mobile AWS guy based not far from you in Burntwood, who tightened everything up. He told me that this is common across all makes of caravan. Definitely worth checking these bolts too.
Yes good shout, unless being changed they don't normally get checked.
What if you want to take off a wheel during a trip, say for a puncture? People are obsessed with ensuring the wheels nuts are to the correct torque. They never check to see if the wheel nut(s) will actually come lose and is not seized, given its just sat outside for winter. A better process which is 30 second per nut extra. Crack if off, then re-torque it. Both bases covered. People talk about safety, if you're are stuck on the side of the road or motorway with a flat tyre and you cannot remove and change it. All that extra time waiting for recovery, you are at risk. Check your nuts in both directions.
Great comment, we just had a Motorhome that needed new brakes, the wheel bolt snapped it had been done so tight. So great call 👍
Great vlog again Mark every now an again I just slacken wheel nuts off and re toque looking forward to the build
Surely if you slacken them off you would have to recheck them twenty miles down the road. Always recheck nuts at the beginning of ever journey.
@daveandow2809 I do check before every journey and no I never had a problem
The truck project sounds great , me personally i would have a centre double bed in back then a shower one side and the toilet the other then walk through a door into the big lounge and kitchen area , then a big hole to access the front cab no need to go out side , that's perfect for a couple and a single person for a live aboard 😀
👍 Specific reason for the rear section which will become clear soon. 👍
NOOOOooooo sorry Mark you have made a big mistake to torque your wheel nuts you must first loosen the nuts off or you will be tightening it a little each time you test and this leads to over torque. We once tested this and it is quite surprising on a club sight when a chap was torque if his nut and they were well over. You will get away with once may be twice or so but you will over tighten. Wheels should be checked ideally on every trip there and back and this chap was doing that he just forgot to loosen them.
Wishing you and your well
James
When looking at the payload, don't forget to allow for the weight of the Motor Mover if you have one. I normally reduce the payload allowance by 35Kg.
Spot on 👍
Great tips, thanks 👍🏽, self build 😮 where do you start 😅
I'm not sure 😂😂😂. 👍
Did I see the ghost of Sid Barret at 4.19 ?
Possibly 😂
Shine on !
You cannot just pile stuff into your caravan as there is a payload limit and this payload must include the weight of the battery and gas cylinders. Also you cannot pike everything into the car as you have a maximum train weight. It is not as easy as you think getting the nose weight right. These things are critical to ensure a safe ride and to avoid the snaking as you have cleverly demonstrated in your vlog.
Thanks Steve 👍
The Finesse is lush❤
It is lovely 👍
Do we still have to tachometer installed if converting
Has to be fitted and sealed but don't have to use it
No under 7.5ton if its personal use its not needed 👍
Hi Mark
Just a note
when changing a alloy wheel for the steel spare when you get a puncture, will the torque will be different? 🤔
Yes…my handbook has got settings for alloy and steel.
Yes and you should have different wheel bolts also. But unfortunately manufacturers don't supply them.
Can you show us light weight family vans like the ranger gt60 or the adria 542 or sprite musketeer , 5/6 berth , under 1300kg
Hi, do you sell any used parts for a powrtouch motor mover.
We don't sorry. Have you tried Ebay, or direct to powrtouch.
@thecaravanplace thanks for getting back to me, I'll try eBay again
Nuts checked 😁
😂