flat tire

[Tim]

Hi,
I have what is probably a dumb question, but what is the best way to lift a folding trailer to change a flat.  I have a 2004 Bayside.  The manual says nothing about jacking up the camper, only that in the case of a flat tire seek the help of a RV dealer or auto shop.  The only jack that I have is the scissor jack supplied with my Dodge Durango.  Thanks.

[chasd60]

I used my scissor jack supplied with my Dodge Ram and I jacked as close to the wheel as possible on the frame of my Viking. I fugured if the frame could hold the axle up then it should be able to be lifted at that point with a jack.

[tlhdoc]

I used the jack from my TV (tow vehicle) when I had to change a flat.  When I mounted new tires at home, I used a floor jack.  You want to put the jack close to the axle as you can, on the MAIN frame of the camper.  If you look under your camper you will see that some of the frame is heavier than other parts of the frame.  I purchased a bottle jack that stays in the trunk of my PU and will use that in the future if I need to.

[mike4947]

MY first advise is to try it out at home. Things like the jack not fitting under the frame if the tire is flat, not having the right size lug wrench for both the spare tire bolts and the lug nuts, oir the jack not having enough travel to raise the tire off the ground enough to get the inflated spare back on, are just a few of the things better found out in the driveway than on the interstate with tractor trailers doing 70 mph 18 inches from your butt in the dark and/or rain.
 
As for a jacking point, most manufactures recommend using the main frame rail as close to the axle as possible. I always carry a thin block of wood to go betweenthe jack and frame just to give it a little more surface area. I did crimp a frame using a small post top bottle jack one, so I'm a bit gun shy.
 
And also don't forget after changing the tire you've reverted back to the pattern of retightening the lugs after so many miles as well.

[Tim]

Thanks,
It all sounds reasonable and common sense.  Just wanted to make sure before the flat actually happens.  Which I am sure is just a matter of time (considering where I take this thing)  Thank you.

[jstaddwtr]

Tim,

really a good question.  We had a really big blow out in the middle of the midwest somewhere.  We used everything everyone has suggested.  I used a bottle jack on a board and because of the positon our TV jack.  We had a particular problem with the tread of the tire wrapping itself around the axle....it took more time but it all worked out fine.  Luckily when we got to South Bend, Indiana, we were able to get 2 good tires.

Now that it is all behind us, we consider opurselves very lucky and in a lot of ways very happy to have had the experience since .....now months, later we realize we had enough stuff with us to handle it.  Mike is so right to make sure you ahve all the wrenches and stuff you need before it happens.  I remember based on one of Tracy's posts we had purchased the bottle jack at the beginning of the trip.  So glad we did.

[hoppy]

I kept the scissor jack from my old Ford truck when I scrapped her just for this purpose. It is stored in the front storage compartment of the Mesa, right along side the water heater, and right there with the wheel chocks and battery powered flash light are stored. Easy one, two, three access along with the tire wrench provided by Coleman that is mounted on the front wall in there also.

    I want to be able to get my butt off that soft shoulder on the interstate ASAP!

    I have practiced lifting the PU in the driveway a few times just to be ready for when the time comes.

[Havoctec]

The instructions on our 72 Coleman were to lower the front of the trailer as low as possible, drop the rear stablizer jack all the way on the side with the flat.  Raise the front of the trailer.  This worked great.  I have not check the owners manual of our new Starcraft, however I am sure the jack I have for our Truck would also work on the trailer.

[CAPEd CODger]

The instructions on our 72 Coleman were to lower the front of the trailer as low as possible, drop the rear stablizer jack all the way on the side with the flat.  Raise the front of the trailer.  This worked great.  I have not check the owners manual of our new Starcraft, however I am sure the jack I have for our Truck would also work on the trailer.

The '76 Valley Forge that I had did the same thing. But I don't think the stabilizers on newer pop-ups are heavy duty enough to hold up the camper.
Most new campers weigh a LOT more than the older ones.
I'd opt for a jack, just to be on the safe side.

[flyfisherman]

Tim - I suppose we find out all the intricacies about our campers and flat tires by changing one, roadside, in the middle of nowhere! Although I had taken into account about a flat tire before it ever happened, by checking to see if the little hydraulic bottle jack I always carry would fit under the main frame in the exact spot Starcraft recommended for my particular model (just behind the rear of the  leaf spring shackle), and it looked real good ... setting in the driveway.

However, roadside, where it happened, with the tire being flat, was a different matter; first off, with the tire flat, puts everything closer to the ground. (duh ... what's this?). And, the landscape or contour of the road side made it even tighter. Always carry some short pieces of 2 X 4 and 2 X 6 and in this case was able to place a piece of the lumber in front of the flat and pull the TV forward a tad and raising the camper just enough for me to dig out a little slot with an entrenching tool (which I always carry in the truck, too); then managed to get the bottle jack under the main frame at the appropriate place.

Have since found a sale at our local Wally-Mart where they were having a clearance on automotive jacks and I found a 2-ton scissor jack that is only 4" tall (MVP - sale priced @ $7.00), which is lower more then half of the old standby bottle jack. Anyway, this low profile jack has found a home in a  storage compartment, just inside from the outside access door where it can be easily gotten to.

[ScoobyDoo]

than on the interstate with tractor trailers doing 70 mph 18 inches from your butt in the dark and/or rain.

  Why risk your life for a tire that won't hold air? Put on your flashers and idle down the sholder to where there is room.

[mike4947]

Would have if there was anywhere within miles to do that. A rim is cheap compared to my butt. LOL

[ScoobyDoo]

Would have if there was anywhere within miles to do that. A rim is cheap compared to my butt. LOL

Report Post | IP: Logged                                                                           10 miles at 5 MPH is 2 hours, changing a tire too close to trafic can take the rest of your life! Maybe we should practice jacknifeing the pup off the sholder until the left wheel is close to the right side of the sholder and the drive tires are on pavement. The trailer will be leaning but it might be safer.