Wheel lug torque is the specified force used to tighten the lug nuts that secure a food trailer’s wheels to the hub. Applying the correct torque is essential for safe travel, preventing wheel loosening, stud damage, or complete wheel separation. In mobile food operations, maintaining proper lug torque is a key part of routine safety checks, especially after wheel service or extended travel.
Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended specification, typically between 85 and 120 ft-lbs depending on wheel size and axle rating. After any wheel installation or service, re-torque the lug nuts after 25 to 50 miles of travel. Incorporate lug torque checks into your pre-trip inspection routine to ensure road safety and equipment reliability throughout your food trailer operations.
Load Spread Ratio
The Load Spread Ratio refers to how a food trailer’s weight is proportionally distributed across its axles. In mobile food operations, maintaining a proper load spread is critical to ensure safe towing, protect the trailer’s structural integrity, and meet legal transportation requirements. This is particularly important for dual-axle and tri-axle trailers, where uneven loading can […]
Axle Seal Leak
An Axle Seal Leak occurs when the seal around the axle shaft fails, allowing lubricant to escape from the wheel hub assembly. In food trailers, which carry substantial weight from cooking equipment and supplies, properly functioning axle seals are essential to maintain wheel bearing lubrication and prevent contamination. Leaks are often detected during routine maintenance […]
Axle Alignment Check
Axle Alignment Check is a critical maintenance procedure that involves inspecting and adjusting the position and angle of a trailer’s axles to ensure they are properly aligned with each other and the trailer frame. For food trailers, proper axle alignment is essential to maintain safe, smooth towing, minimize tire wear, and protect onboard equipment. This […]
