Need info/advice re torque wrench for motorhome

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johno1234

2808 posts

Uber Geek

#3386528 24-Jun-2025 07:13

Some random thoughts

Before you head off on your travels it would be well worth a practice run wheel change at home in a nice safe flat daylight not raining situation. Pack a flat timber block to put your jack on. If the ground is uneven or soft jacks can be unstable killers. You might already have some blocks for your levelling jacks

Your preparation is admirable. Most people wouldn’t have a clue about torque wrenches.

Definitely pack a pipe to extend your wheel brace to get the wheel nuts off. Either that or an impact wrench. I’m 80kg and not heavy enough to loosen overtorqued nuts with the supplied wheel brace. Loosen the nuts a little before jacking up the vehicle.

I assume you are a member of the motorhome association and AA? They’re a must.

Have great adventures. I’m a little bit envious.

CycleTourer

21 posts

Geek

#3386557 24-Jun-2025 10:01

@pdh @johno1234 Thanks for the feedback 😀 I do have the wheel changing test on my (very long) to-do list -- I tried jacking up the MH over the weekend but since I didn't have the torque wrench at that stage didn't go any further, but definitely want to know that if push comes to shove I can do it. This is what solo motorhoming is...and why I investigated torque wrenches! 😀 Was pleasantly surprised to see that I could move the MH vertically (mind you, it's currently practically empty)!! Yes am a member of both associations and will be buying a product from NZ Roadside Assist (since my MH is over the 3.5t limit of the AA). And yes, a pipe is on the list, both for undoing and doing up the wheel bolts, now that I have the torque wrench for sizing. I'm also very careful to specify no impact guns whenever wheels come off my vehicles, a lesson I learned as a teenager seeing my boyfriend unable to get some undone!!

Huge thanks again, you folks are legends 😇

pdh

344 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3386603 24-Jun-2025 12:10

With the torque wrench that you have bought - at 680mm long - you may well find that you don't need a pipe / extender.

CycleTourer

21 posts

Geek

#3386605 24-Jun-2025 12:20

Yes, will be trying without first -- but will definitely need one for getting the wheelnuts undone!!! The wheelbrace is not nearly that long, naturally.

Ge0rge

2055 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3386606 24-Jun-2025 12:21

Unless the torque wrench specifically states that it can be used with an extension bar / pipe / cheater bar, don't use one. Reputable manufacturers will state in their manual for the wrench if it is suitable for use with an extension or if it must be held in the indicated location on the handle.

CycleTourer

21 posts

Geek

#3393616 13-Jul-2025 10:41

Just an update: I needed to use the wrench today to check my wheelbolts 100km after the wheels were last put on. The wrench was great! I had no idea what to expect, but the click is very clear and I liked the way the wrench works. Plus I was able to do it with just my weight, so no need for an extender bar 😃 (I expect I will still need one for getting the wheelbolts undone -- not with the wrench, of course -- but that's for another day) By the time I'd finished the second wheel I was getting quite good at it!

Huge thanks to all who guided me through this purchase process, you guys rock 😇

pdh

344 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3393679 13-Jul-2025 13:35

That's what we're here for ;-)

Thanks for the feedback.

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