After how many miles of operation should lug nuts be torqued if a trailer is new or if wheels and tires have been removed?

The correct response indicates that lug nuts should be torqued after 100 miles of operation if a trailer is new or if the wheels and tires have been removed. This procedure is essential because it ensures that the lug nuts are securely fastened after initial use, when they may have had the opportunity to settle or shift.

When new wheels are installed, there is the potential for the lug nuts to loosen slightly due to the materials compressing and settling during the initial use. By re-torquing the lug nuts after 100 miles, you reduce the risk of wheel detachment and ensure a safer operation of the trailer. This practice is a standard maintenance step that emphasizes the importance of checking critical components after a break-in period.

In contrast, the other choices suggest shorter or longer intervals that are not standard for this procedure. An interval of 50 miles may not be sufficient for the necessary settling to occur, while 150 or 200 miles would exceed the typical recommendation, allowing more opportunity for potential looseness that could lead to safety issues. Hence, the recommended interval of 100 miles strikes the right balance for checking the integrity of the fasteners.