Tire Changing Question

[danrich]

What kind of a jack do you use to change a tire on a popup?  Where do you put the jack on the trailer to jack it up?

Thanks!

Danny

[AustinBoston]

I have a small hydraulic bottle jack (8,000 lbs?).  I put it on the main frame right BEHIND where the leaf spring connects to the frame.  If you jack in front, you may find that you are just lifting the tongue.  It is best to have the trailer still connected to the tow vehicle.  If the tongue jack has a wheel on it, you will need to secure it if the trailer is not connected to the tow vehicle.  Always chock both sides of the other wheel.

Unrequested info:

I also have a torque wrench to torque the lug nuts to the specified torque (95 to 105 ft-lbs on my trailer).  Be sure to check again at least at the first stop.  I think the owner's manual was written by lawyers (at 1 mile, 5 miles, 10 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles, and every 500 miles after that?!?!), but it should be checked from time to time, and more frequently right after having the wheel off.  The cheap aluminum wheels used on most trailers require the lugs to set after every service.

Austin

[wynot]

What kind of a jack do you use to change a tire on a popup? Where do you put the jack on the trailer to jack it up?
 
Thanks!
 
Danny

I carry a bottle jack with us, just in case.  However, at home, I use a floor jack.  I prefer to lift up as close to the wheel as possible with as little body lift as possible.  Because of the leaf springs, you'll jack a long time before that wheel ever leaves the ground...

[fairweathercamper]

Talk about getting lucky. (Not that kind of lucky, perv.)

I just checked my factory bottle jack that came with my 2005 Toyota Tacoma, its a perfect fit for under the axle of my PU. So if I need it, it will be in the TV anyway. BTW the lug nuts on my 1996 Coleman Laredo and my 2005 Tacoma are the same. I carry a 24" breakerbar as well.  Less tools to carry and keep track of.  :-()

[wavery]

Talk about getting lucky. (Not that kind of lucky, perv.)

I just checked my factory bottle jack that came with my 2005 Toyota Tacoma, its a perfect fit for under the axle of my PU. So if I need it, it will be in the TV anyway. BTW the lug nuts on my 1996 Coleman Laredo and my 2005 Tacoma are the same. I carry a 24" breakerbar as well.  Less tools to carry and keep track of.  :-()

fairweathercamper,

You might want to read your owner's manual on jacking up your camper.

The PU axles are actually pretty fragile and bend easily. Most manufacturers recommend placing the jack on the frame of the camper, just behind the spring.