8-8
Lug Nut Torquing
Trailer wheels must carry much higher loads per wheel
than passenger car or truck wheels. Each wheel may
carry 1000 pounds and higher. Furthermore, wheels on
tandem axle trailers do not steer, and are subjected to
very high side load stress whenever the trailer makes
a tight turn. When going around corners, especially on
slow, tight turns, the wheels are subject to very strong
side loads. Although the materials and manufacturing
methods are maximized for this kind of service, these
extra loads can cause stress, which can result in
flexing and loosening of wheel nuts.
Before each trip and any time a wheel is replaced, be
sure to tighten the wheel nuts, following the lug-pattern
sequence shown below. If the wheel was replaced,
check the torque every 5, 25, and 50 miles.
1
2
3
4
6
5
If you notice wheel wobbling, or hear a rattling sound
coming from a wheel, especially at low speeds, a
wheel lug nut may have come loose. This problem is
usually caused by improper tightening, or by faulty or
damaged lug bolt threads.
If suspicious of a loose lug nut, safely stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Put up warning devices and check
the tightness of all the lug nuts. Tighten all lug nuts
to the specified torque, using a torque wrench. If stud
threads are damaged or faulty, get professional service
help�
NOTE
Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts.
Tightening by hand or with an impact wrench is not
recommended. Torque Aluminum
Wheels to 110 ft.
lbs and Steel Wheels to 100 ft. lbs.
Spare Tire Carrier
The spare tire for Airstreams is stored under the front
of the trailer. The front handle of the tire carrier is a 1
in. tube protruding out from under the front A-frame
on the curbside. It is secured by a bracket and bolt
along the inside of the A-frame rail. Removing the bolts
allows the front on the tire carrier to be lowered and the
spare tire to be removed.
WARNING
The spare tire carrier is designed to carry an
undamaged tire and rim assembly of the type and
size specified for the trailer. Never place a severely
damaged wheel assembly with a damaged partial
tire, or a rim only, in the carrier.
Rubber Torsion Axle Alignment Specifications
Toe-In and
Camber Specifications
Toe-In each side 1/16 in. Tolerance 1/8 in. + or -
Camber each side 3/4
degrees positive
Tolerance 3/4 d
or -
Nev-R-Lube Drums/Bearings
All Caravel models are equipped with Nev-R-Lube
bearings. Dexter’s Nev-R-Lube bearings are comprised
of opposed tapered roller bearing cones sealed
inside of a precision ground, one-piece double cup
arrangement. These bearings are designed with
a small amount of axial end-play. The end-play is
essential to the longevity of the bearings service life.
Nev-R-Lube Bearing Inspection
1�
Jack trailer at marked
JACK
location pad behind
axle on main frame.
2�
Check for excessive wheel end-clearance by
pulling the tire assembly toward you and by
pushing the assembly away from you. Slight end-
play is acceptable (0.001 to 0.010 in.).
3�
Rotate tire slowly forward and backward. The
wheel assembly should turn freely and smoothly.
4�
Excessive wheel end-play, restriction to rotation,
noise, or bumpy rotation should be remedied by
replacing the bearing unit.
5�
Bearing units should be inspected every year or
12,000 mi., whichever comes first.
A slight amount of grease-weeping from the seal area
is normal. Excessive leakage may indicate abnormal
bearing operation. Bearing end-play inspection,
drum removal/installation, and bearing replacement
Summary of Contents for Caravel 2023
Page 1: ...2 0 2 3 C A R A V E L O w n e r s M a n u a l SCAN ME...
Page 4: ...2023 Caravel NOTES NOTES...
Page 6: ...2023 Caravel 1 2 Introduction NOTES NOTES...
Page 24: ...2023 Caravel 3 12 General Information NOTES NOTES...
Page 48: ...2023 Caravel 5 20 Interior NOTES NOTES...
