Trailer Jack for non aluminum M trailer and Lug nut size

[R Rae]

Should thousands of MacGregor trailers be running around the roads with MARGINAL WHEEL STUDS perhaps it is a subject that should be aired on a regular basis.....!!!.........

Possibly one reason for wheel lug failure could be lug nuts are being over torqued without realising it, therefore distorting the threads. Add a spot of salt water, or lake water without any protection on the threads themselves, could be an accident waiting to happen...............And if the Mac. community is alarmed at the supposed higher than normal incidence of lug failure, then shouldn't all of us be treating ourselves to a nice new torque wrench, and rather sooner than later...........!!

Interesting discussion...............

[Danimal]

What type of plug does the trailer have to plug into the tow vehical.
My guess would be the inline 4 prong.
Since most SUV's have the 7 prong circular plug, I guess an adapter would be needed.

Dan

[royhud]

This is my first post or reply and I really didn't want to start with one of my mistakes, but last winter towing my to Florida I noticed a sharp jolt and looked in the rear view mirror to see the right wheel and tire running along side the truck next to the guard rail. Now I have towed trailers all my life and I even lived in an Airstream for a over a year which I towed around the country, so I always check the bearings and lug nuts regular. This particular situation regarding the involved leaving when there was 2 feet of snow on the ground and the temperature at 5 degrees above. I did not check the lug nuts that morning due to the weather conditons, but the lug nuts were good several months before, and that was my mistake. Needless to say I could not just put the spare on, so roadside assistance was required to take the wheel back to their shop and press in new lug bolts. The other problem was finding another 14 inch wheel and tire, even on I-75. I now check the bolts regularly, every 150 miles or so, even when it's miserable weather. I was lucky that there was no serious conseqeuences or other damage. The only problem was the trailer fender being pushed up a little when the wheel and tire wanted to escape. Regarding a jack if you need to use it, I carry an inexpensive small floor type hydraulic jack from Kragen; works just fine.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

This is my first post or reply and I really didn't want to start with one of my mistakes, but last winter towing my to Florida I noticed a sharp jolt and looked in the rear view mirror to see the right wheel and tire running along side the truck next to the guard rail.

Royhud -- I also know the experience seeing a Mac trailer wheel passing me by after hearing a loud "thud". My event occurred at approx. 55-60 mph, fortunately in light traffic. Amazing how far a loose wheel will continue to roll down the highway
Anyway, every lug bolt sheared off with no prior warning such as wobble or trailer noise. I likewise failed to recheck & torque the lugs properly.