Okay, some are aware of the problems I was having with our new trailer and its wheels after only seeing the water four times (two salt, two fresh). The wheel company is sending us new ones, so that's great news. But after I took the wheels off it seems the problem was what I expected, the center caps did hold water. I also discovered that the capped lug nuts were also holding water and already showing signs of cracking.

So my question, what are the best lug nuts for a trailer that will at times see salt water? Are there center caps out there that do not hold water?

Thanks for the help.

I'd go with a quality lug like McGard or Gorilla. I'm sure if you call them, they will gladly help you out. These are solid steel, chrome dipped lugs, not cheapo capped ones.

Good luck!!

Thank you I will look them up!

"Every McGard Lug Nut is guaranteed for life not to rust, chip, or peel!"

I like what they are saying and after a quick look at their site I'm certain that's what I had on my Heritage.

Glad I could help!!

I used the McGard nuts, they hold up pretty well. My trailer has had a mix of salt and fresh, after 4 years, I cleaned up the nuts with some mag polish to remove the surface rust that was forming. I didn't want to hassle with the no-rust warranty. Now, as far as the center caps, they are "the" problem. You 're right, they do hold water, and if that water is salt water, you can kiss your clear coated aluminum wheels good bye. Mine caps are the stainless steel ones. What I did was ordered new ones and drilled about 6 1/4" holes around the perimeter of the cap. That way, the water won't stay inside and wreak havoc with the rims. The caps can be a little tricky to find, I got mine from a place called Recstuff.com. They have a decent selection of sizes, I needed the 4.9" and it was difficult to locate. Good luck!

The trailer builder said they drill holes in their center caps so that water could drain, but surprise-surprise our weren't drilled. I am thinking about just forgoing the center caps and putting a bearing buddy rubber cover on them. But if I do decide to get them, what size hole did you drill into the caps?

The news wheels and lug nuts are both on their way so the boating gods are treating me well right now... just waiting for the next hammer to drop!!

I just drilled 1/4" holes, it's not critical what size you drill. It's just a way to let the water escape.

Yup, drilled 6 1/8 holes around outside of cap.

1/8" holes should suffice. As you drive the water will be flung out with the centrifugal force and by the time you get home the center caps should be dry.