Lug Nut Torquing; Spare Tire Carrier; Tire Rotation; Axles And Bearings - Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition Owner's Manual

Maintenance
• Location and number of studs.
• Center hole diameter for the wheel.
• Wheel-mounting offset from the rim center.
• Rated capacity of the wheel.
• Wheel fastener torque.
• Wheel nut size and shape.
• Impact of any added wheel accessories (such as
decorative center caps) that could affect proper
seating of the wheel to the hub surface.
Refer to the following table for wheel specifications.
Wheel Specifications
Size/Center Size Lug Pattern
In Inches
15 x 6 / 5.5
All wheels have an offset of 0

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. This tends to flex the wheel and gradually
loosen the wheel nuts. 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.
3
5
NOTE
A 3/4" Thin Wall Socket will be needed to tighten or
remove the lug nuts.
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.
8-8
Model
6 Basecamp REI
1
6
4
2
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 Basecamp REI's spare tire is held on the end of a
cable stored under the rear of the trailer using a winch
system. A ratchet, stored under the curbside dinette
seat, has been provided to assist in changing a tire. To
lower the spare tire turn the winch, accessed through
the hole in the rear lower trim, counter-clockwise using
the provided 3/4" socket. To secure a spare tire turn
the winch clockwise to raise the cable and tire up into
position.
NOTE
The spare tire is intended for emergency use only
and is not to be used as a long term replacement.
Airstream recommends driving on the spare tire at
a maximum of 50 MPH for up to 50 miles.
CAUTION
The unit is designed for hand operation only, DO
NOT use impact type tools to drive the device.

Tire Rotation

(10,000-mile intervals)

Axles and Bearings

Each rubber torsion axle is aligned during
manufacturing, and double-checked on a random
basis. Alignment after delivery is the customer's
responsibility.
2023 REI Special Edition