wheel fell off

[Hollywood]

So when I go to buy my new car, I have to check the oil, coolant level, Trans fluid, Lug Torque and tire pressure before driving off the lot? Shouldn't have to with a boat either.

You're partly right. You won't have to check the oil, coolant level or Trans fluid on a boat trailer before driving off the lot.

Dealer negligence here.

I already placed the blame on the dealer.

I'll agree it sounds like the trailer was neglected

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me a third time???
If I were gride300 you can bet I'd be personally checking my hubs after two explosions!!!

[swooddc]

gride how could you be so stupid. i can't believe the dealer allowed you on the road, what with you not checking the torque on your lugs, or greasing the hubs before you took home your new boat... guess they will let anyone on the roads these days.

[Christopher-W.-Becker]

All,

I always have a torque wrench in the car, even for the car tires (2001 excursion). I check torque every hundred miles on each TILL THEY stay tight. Then once per trip. Usually have them losen after an tire change and they eventually tighten up and stay tight. This comes from my days with DUALY's. On a dualy this is VERY important as the lugs work lose and the inner tire can move opposite the outer tire (F350 Crew) and shear the lugs off all at once. Had this happen one time on a fully loaded F350 and lost both set of rear tires on the highway. Luckily I was not driving but sleeping in the passenger seat. First you say it then you do it ....RIGHT (heck of a wakeup call). Truck comes to a screecthing halt and you watch two tires pass you on the left and two on the right.

Not so much of a problem on the newer dual rear wheel setups, but still happens.

So, I check and torgue regularly. Dont ever want that to happen again, does all kinds of expensive damage. Torque wrench from Sears $100, new hubs, rotors, other components, tow and labor $1,000 dollars. Knowing that they are tight when you hit the road. PRICELESS (Sorry I had to).

Oh, yeah..... I carry my grease gun to the lake in a tupperware container also, and put a squirt or two in if I see the grease is low (Ramlin with center axel fitting under rubber boot) . Dont forget the napkins (you can get tons from McDonalds and Wendy's). Never had a hub failure...DONT want one....would rather ski..... if you know what I mean.

P.S. I do all my own maintenance and have a huge problem paying someone to fix things, which you have to do if it breaks away from home.

Second P.S. I alway carry at 128 plus craftsman set to the lake and HAVE had to use it (never on the boat).

My 2 cents.