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Well it happened to us today. Just left home approximately 10 miles and bang. I immediately knew what had happened, I don't know why. Fortunately I was doing about 40-45mph accelerating after a roundabout when all hell let loose. I hit the hazards and steered into a layby, I think those behind could see my predicament. I found 2 wheel bolts and the wheel arch. The roadside was thickly wooded and despite a search  I could not find the wheel. I shuddered to think if it had hit anyone but fortunately as I was on  stretch of dual carriageway the path was deserted. A quick call to Green Flag and arrangements were made to take my van direct to my dealer. Tomorrow will be spent on the phone to the CC Insurance dept and cancelling the sites we were going to. I have already cancelled todays, that was the first thing I did when we got back home.  Still no one was hurt, metal can be repaired but why is this happening. I have been caravanning for over 20 years and although I have heard of it happening to others, it has never happened to me. I have been driving for over35 years and have never had a car wheel fall off. The wheels were checked 5-6 weeks ago.

I am hoping the damage is not to severe, there doesn't seem to be any holes through into the interior so hopefully its a new wheel assembly and a few cosmetic touches only. The bolts were checked with a torque wrench only about 5 weeks ago.

You really should be ashamed of yourself

I quote you on  They were only checked 5 or 6 weeks ago !

Hope other people can take notice and check wheel fixings before every trip !

Quote: Originally posted by brianconwy on 07/9/2011

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Why is it that caravan wheels should be checked every trip when nobody would dream of checking their car wheels before every trip ( or ever )?

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Quote: Originally posted by Big Al on 07/9/2011

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You really should be ashamed of yourself

I quote you on  They were only checked 5 or 6 weeks ago !

Hope other people can take notice and check wheel fixings before every trip !

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Quote: Originally posted by Jerry+Tina on 07/9/2011

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<img style="WIDTH: 410px; HEIGHT: 305px" src="https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a225/JerryCuth1/Van22.jpg" width=800 alt=600>

I am hoping the damage is not to severe, there doesn't seem to be any holes through into the interior so hopefully its a new wheel assembly and a few cosmetic touches only. The bolts were checked with a torque wrench only about 5 weeks ago.

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Seems to be happening a lot recently, tell me if I'm wrong, but I reckon its a problem caused by the combination of alloy wheels and  fixing bolts. Never used to hear of it  as a problem when wheels were fitted to studs with bolts.

Comment regarding not checking car wheels - I agree, but they do have to be retightened if a wheel has been changed, which suggests to me that alloy wheels dont always sit snugly on the hub.

I had my van serviced last week and when I picked it up the technician insisted on checking all of the wheel bolts in front of me with a torque wrench before I took it away.

I am new to caravanning - but I keep reading of these instances. Maybe I should invest in a torque wrench?

Gotta be honest I never think of checking the alloy wheels on my car!