Lug Nut Torquing; Spare Tire Carrier; Tire Rotation; Axles And Bearings - Airstream CLASSIC 2024 Owner's Manual

Maintenance

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
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 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�
WARNING
Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts.
Tightening by hand or with an impact wrench is
not recommended. For lug nut torque values,
Specifications on page 4-3.

Spare Tire Carrier

The spare tire for Airstreams are 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 of the tire carrier to be lowered and the
spare tire to be removed.
8-10
1
6
4
2
see
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.

Tire Rotation

(10,000-mile intervals)
Radial Tires

Axles and Bearings

WARNING
Never allow heat to be applied to the axle tube
because the rubber providing the spring torsion
action will be severely damage.

Rubber Torsion Axle Alignment Specifications

Toe-In and Camber Specifications
Toe-In each side 1/16 in.
Camber each side 3/4
degrees positive

Nev-R-Lube Drums/Bearings

Classic trailers 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.
Tolerance 1/8 in. + or -
Tolerance 3/4 degrees +
or -
2024 Classic