Axle U bolts

[sambam]

I looked in the Dexter booklet that came with my Montana to determine the torque for the U bolts and found a list of torque settings for the different sizes of U bolts. So, I took my calipers out and measured the U bolt to be 1/2". The torque for this size, if I'm looking at things correctly, is 45-70 ft. lbs. I set my wrench for 60 ft.lbs and torqued them down. 3 of them were considerably loose. If not for the MOC, once again, I probably wouldn't have checked these. I believe my Montana would have shaken apart by now while cruising down the interstate if not for the knowledge here. Does that setting sound about right and how often do you check yours?

[rohrmann]

I check mine annually and I torque them to the full 70 ft lbs, which must be done with the full trailer load on the springs. I'm sure Dexter torques the nuts properly at their factory, but until the axle assemblies are installed on the frame and the trailer is fully loaded with that weight on the axles, the springs have not flexed, where the springs are a little straighter and the nuts can be tightened again to the proper torque, which it doesn't seem is being done at the Montana factory, still.

[1retired06]

Once a year.

[jcurtis934]

That's the range that I set mine to way back when. John

[Jimmer]

Great Forum Question. I never thought of checking that. I will definitely check the torque on those bolts before my next trip.

[Dmcgrew]

Thanks!! As I was reading this I got up and checked mine, They were loose and two needed 1 full turn. Will be leaving next week for a trip from Idaho to Northeast and then down to Florida so may have saved me some stress!! Thanks for the knowledge!!

[jameswbarton]

Ditto IRetired!
Keystone owner relations told me once a year on suspension bolts and wheel bearing greasing.