Does anyone have experience and recommendations for torque multipliers--those devices that will allow you to loosen the 450 Ft-Lb lug nuts on diesel pusher Barths? I am thinking one of these will come in handy when I decide to change my brake pads and inspect the bearings, etc.

I think the gas driven units do not have more than 150 Ft-Lb torque on their lug nuts but the rest are not manageable with DIY equipment including air driven wrenches.

Suggestions for brands are welcome. I see some range from $150 to over $650 and wonder which really work.

Most gassers have hub-piloted wheels; ours typically have stud-piloted wheels. The 22.5" wheels and tires are in the 100+ lb. range, not easy to wrestle. I leave anything to do with wheels to my local shop.

A large air compressor and a 3/4"/1" impact wrench are the way to go, IMHO, if you want to try D-I-Y on wheels.

Yes, wheel weight is another serious problem. I even have trouble rotating the tires on my Jeep and they only weigh about 50-60 lb. or so. Lining up the studs seem to be a bigger problem every time I do it.

Tire shops must have portable platforms that pivot as well as raise and lower to the proper location for fitting the wheels back on the rig.

My 22.5 inch tires weigh 110 lbs, the steel wheel is 70 lbs. Gotta be real careful moving them around. I don't allow anyone to touch them other than to mount new tires on the rims. First time i went to take off a tire i could not do it because they had used a 1" air gun to put it on. Had to borrow a 12x torque multiplier to bust it loose. Ended up buying one. Found that both of my front wheels had cracks between 2 of the lug nut holes from being over tightened. Also bought a reversible torque wrench at the same time because on our bus we have left and right handed nuts. Now i can torque to within a pound or two of whatever i want, which is usually right around 480 ft. lbs. Also since i started doing this i can use my 1/2" ingersoll air gun and take off the lug nuts easily. Cost of the 12x wasn't cheap but it is very well made and will last forever, one of the better things that i have bought.

Being in the west and allergic to walking, I carry the standard truck 2 piece wrench and a 4ft section of 1" pipe and am not scared to jump on it. By adjusting the height of the axle you can avoid lifting. And for me- using an air wrench on my rig could very well be a death penalty especially considering how little a life sentence would cost me. at the very least re-tork your wheel every time it leaves the shop. Bad part is the damage to your studs/nuts and wheels from over torking the lugs is hard to detect. But this is the number one safety item especially on a heavy vehicle.