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Topic: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts? (Read 592 times) previous topic - next topic
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Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
OK, I don't know the technical name, but the flaps you have to loosen with a wing nut screw where the dually tires are.... 

Every time before I start to travel I check the wing nuts and tighten them.  Someone suggest I get "self locking" wing nut screws, but I still have the same problem.  When I take a trip I check and tighten the wing nuts.  However, invariably sometime on my trip while I'm driving I'll look in the side mirror and see the covers "flapping in the wind."  I pull over and tighten them again, but I must say it's a major PITA - especially on a busy interstate highway

What am I doing wrong?
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #1 –
I haven't found that problem in 6 years and 48K miles.  Could someone have lubricated the threads so there isn't enough friction to keep them secured? It sounds like you properly tighten them at the beginning of the trip.
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #2 –
Hi Cheryl.  Maybe you just need to tighten those wing nuts tighter. Use a pair of pliers to make them really snug.  I didn't like the way the 'wheel skirt' lock screws were done on mine so I changed to a longer screw (stainless all), washers and lock washers, and a keeper ring locktited on to keep the wingnut from disappearing.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #3 –
On ours, I put a couple of rubber washers between the existing fender washers and then sandwiched the wheel flare between and snugged down. They haven't moved a bit.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #4 –
Jon That sounds like the easiest cure for this problem.
      On my TK either the hinge was too far down, or measurements were  wrong somewhere, and the position of the bottom of the wheel cover flap was as much as 1/2" too low. So just tightening the factory supplied wingnut would 'bow' the flap and cause an inch or so gap between the side skirt and flap. Also it just didn't feel right, the wingnut was never quite tight enough.   There were enough problems that the factory changed the fasten down design, about 2000 or so to have a handwheel type knob sideways, with a through hole in the wheel skirt flap.   Easier for service people to see the release mechanism. I don't know how many knobs go missing.    I would at least carry spares, or attach a tether so it would be available.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Cheryl.  Maybe you just need to tighten those wing nuts tighter. Use a pair of pliers to make them really snug.  I didn't like the way the 'wheel skirt' lock screws were done on mine so I changed to a longer screw (stainless all), washers and lock washers, and a keeper ring locktited on to keep the wingnut from disappearing.  RonB

Thanks Ron - I've actually broken my right wrist twice and I aside from the part I'm fairly small, I don't have the strength as my wrist is loaded with "bionic parts."  (plate, screws, and a bone graft).  Looks like I'm going to the hardware store today and I'll take your photo on my phone to use as a guide. 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Jon That sounds like the easiest cure for this problem.
        I would at least carry spares, or attach a tether so it would be available.  RonB

OK, I'll try the washers first.  Thanks...

Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
OK, I don't know the technical name, but the flaps you have to loosen with a wing nut screw where the dually tires are.... 
The correct 'nuts' are NOT wingnuts. They should be a rotary knob with a fairly substantial contact area, and backed up with a rubber washer. The combination provides a lot of friction that will prevent loosening while driving.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #8 –
"Earlier" LDs used wing nuts to secure the fender flaps; I don't know when LD began using the rotary knobs. The shank is likely the same size; maybe call the factory and order four knobs if the wing nut and washer doesn't hold?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #9 –
On my 96, the flap where the wingnut goes finally cracked and I needed to replace the whole cover.
When I ordered the cover from the Mothership, I also got the newer knobs and switched out the old wing nuts for the newer type used. Both side needed drilled out to make them work. Haven't had an issue in years since they were replaced.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #10 –
Instead of using rubber washers, I use nylon washers, between the knob and skirt, to prevent scratching the skirts and the loosening of the knobs.
If this doesn't work, try putting a drop of wood glue into the knob's threads and then screwing it on. The wood glue doesn't bond well with metal and still be removable, with a little more force.
Loctite 242 Blue is another choice, instead of wood glue, available at any auto parts store.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #11 –
I've always worried about losing a "rotary" plastic knob on my LD. Are these unique to Lazy Daze or could you find replacement ones online that are identical?
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
NE88 caravan club
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
I've always worried about losing a "rotary" plastic knob on my LD. Are these unique to Lazy Daze or could you find replacement ones online that are identical?
Yes, I think. Check out this thread. I just bought the ones Larry mentioned. Fender Skirt Nuts/Knobs

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #14 –
 "I use nylon washers..."
---
I don't have washers under the fender flap knobs - they've never come loose - but I use (two) nylon washers under the acorn nut on the spare tire cover.  Spreading the stress over the surface of the washer keeps the relatively small acorn fastener nut from from cracking the hole and allowing the spare tire cover to flap loose.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #15 –
"I don't have washers under the fender flap knobs..."

They help to keep the painted surface of the skirt from being scuffed up!   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #16 –
Yes Joan is correct, the wingnuts went away about 2002, I think.  (Not like I filled in holes on my 'flaps', repainted them and put on the wing nuts as an innovation.)  I just modified it to work better for me. Back through history the fender flaps have changed and morphed a bit. The new hand wheel knob seems to have been a good change, but I did my alteration before those painted knobs came along.
    Thought I'd throw in a picture of my flap holder uppers.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #17 –
"Thought I'd throw in a picture of my flap holder uppers."

Why didn't I think of that??   :'(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
 
Re: Wheel Cover "Flap" and Wing Nuts?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
    Thought I'd throw in a picture of my flap holder uppers.    RonB
That's using your head, Ron.  I usually use my head in a somewhat different manner. <bonk> ;)  
joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE