Flat tire

[Dray]

I did some checking this weekend and found out that if I had a flat tire on the PU I wouldn't be able to change it even if I wanted to.  I don't have a lug wrench on the PU, and the one in the TV is a different size.  

The instructions in the owners manual says to call for help if you get a flat.  Hmm...Why is that?  Is it because it's more complicated for reasons like my next question will show.

If I have a flat on either the PU or TV do I need to disconnect to put on a spare?

[Recumbentman]

I bought one of those 4 star lug wrenches from an auto store. this will give you a lot more torque when taking off or putting on. also verify that your TV jack will work on your PU or you will have to get yourself a scissor jack just for the PU. you can get those pretty cheap at a auto yard. I see no reason to dis-connect. if anything it will keep your PU from moving front to back.
good Luck

[greatdane]

No need to disconnect, I just set the parking brake on the TV.

In the PU, I have a lug wrench, jack, wood blocks as the roadside can be gravel, dirt, who knows.  I learned this year to add some heavy leather gloves as the tread from the blowout wrapped nicely around the torsion axle, with nice metal strands like a porcupine sticking out.

Also, be sure to check the air pressure in the spare, and periodically lube the bolts that hold it down.

[He Ruide]

Dray,  I think the lawyers had their say when the section on replacing a flat in your manual was written.  The major issue is where you place the jack (e.g., main frame. cross member, axle).  However, if you practice and take certain precautions you can replace a tire safely.

As others have said you don't need to unhitch your TV, you need to get the right jack (sometimes with wood blocks) and as you discovered the right lug tool.

Here is a photogallery that has safety precautions, tools needed and the process.

Hope this helps.

Ruide

[austinado16]

Man, nice little photo gallery there!  Excellent work!

I was going to say: "Get your PU hooked up to the TV, park it out on the street in front of your house (or in your driveway if flat) and practice changing tires.

It's easy and once you've done it a time or 2, you'll be a pro.

A word of advice on lugnuts.  Buy a can of copper anti-seize compound and coat the threads on all your lug bolts, or the studs that stick out of your hubs....on your cars/trucks/trailers and PU.  You'll be glad you did, because you'll never have to deal with lugnuts or lugbolts that are seized in place.

And always hand tighten!!  If you have tires/wheels installed by a shop, ask them to hand tighten.  The last thing you want out on the road is to discover the bolts/nuts have been installed to umpteen thousand footpounds of torque by some guy with a 1/2" drive air impact!

If you're going to jack up the PU while hooked to the TV, place the jack rearward of the axle so you aren't leveraging against the tongue.

[PattieAM]

A good reason to have 'roadside assistance'!

I had a blow-out a month or so ago, and thankfully had roadside assistance as I don't think my little tow vehicle jack would have done the job....nor did I have the lug wrench to use.

[tlhdoc]

Being hitched up will help keep the PU from moving when you are changing a tire.  You need to place the jack on the main frame of the PU and as close to the axel as you can get it.  I keep a small bottle jack in the TV in case I need to jack up the PU.  Any idea why your tire went flat?  How long has the camper been sitting?

[coach]

I did some checking this weekend and found out that if I had a flat tire on the PU I wouldn't be able to change it even if I wanted to.  I don't have a lug wrench on the PU, and the one in the TV is a different size.  

The instructions in the owners manual says to call for help if you get a flat.  Hmm...Why is that?  Is it because it's more complicated for reasons like my next question will show.

If I have a flat on either the PU or TV do I need to disconnect to put on a spare?

You are ahead of the game! At least you checked. I was stuck in Rock Springs, WY for a hour or 2 wiating on AutoZone to open to buy a 4 way lug wrench. First thing I did with the new TV was to determine if the jack would work on the PU!

[Dray]

Ruide: That's a great website.  Are you making a book or something?  Good stuff.  Thanks

tlhdoc:  It's not flat now.  I just have it on my mind cause lately I got a flat on my TV (not while towing) and had to change it on the side of the road.  It's not fun being broke down on the side of the road, which is why I would like to be able to take care of it myself.  Don't want to have to wait for roadside assistance (even though i have it).

[flyfisherman]

Brings back some memories!  My first PU, a '96 Coleman/Fleetwood and the then TV had the same sized lug nuts. Never thought any more about it after that. Then I changed PUs to a smaller Starcraft which has lug bolts and one day I had a flat and, of course, different sized bolts from the then TV's lug wrench. Great that a passing motorist (the Good Samaritan) stopped to see if he might help and he had one of those 4-way lug wrenches. After changing to a spare and the first auto parts store I came onto I stopped and bought one of those 4-ways and it rides in the back of the truck today.

It do pay to check things out before hand and see what you have.





Fly

[He Ruide]

Ruide: That's a great website.  Are you making a book or something?  Good stuff.  Thanks

Dray,  You are welcome and I'm glad the photographs were of help.  

No I'm not writing a book.  However, since I tend to be long winded, I figured out that photographs was a better way for me to communicate with others.

Take care and I'm glad that you are being proactive in preparing for a flat tire.

Ruide

[Dray]

You are ahead of the game! At least you checked. I was stuck in Rock Springs, WY for a hour or 2 wiating on AutoZone to open to buy a 4 way lug wrench. First thing I did with the new TV was to determine if the jack would work on the PU!

Tire change directions

So I found my lug wrench.  But no jack.  The TV jack might work but would need a bunch of wood to make it high enough to meet the frame.

[flyfisherman]

So I found my lug wrench.  But no jack.  The TV jack might work but would need a bunch of wood to make it high enough to meet the frame.

I picked up one of those 2-ton hydraulic bottle jacks at Wally-Mart some time back (less then ten bucks) and have i ever used that thing. One of the best investments I've ever made! Since I use the old wood block method of leveling the PU, the little jack can always be used to lift the camper via the main frame.



Fly

[coach]

Remember, it will be lower to the ground (the frame) when you need to jack it up  :p .

There is nothing wrong with a stack 'o wood, I use at least one piece above (spread and secure load)  and depending on ground conditions, one or more below (widest and longest for soft ground).

The side of the road is a great place to discuss your trip around Colorado with one of Colorado's finest adding his flashing lights to yours! Luckily is was on a road not only with a shoulder but an asphalt one.  

Jacks and wood also come in handy to raise the tongue wheel up to put something under it to keep it from sinking or ...

[wavery]

When I jack up my trailer I used 2 bottle jacks. One wouldn't raise it high enough to get the tire off the ground. I'd jack it up as high as possible with one jack then put the other jack on a stack of wood and continue until the tire is off the ground.

A better idea is to have an adjustable jack-stand. Jack up the trailer, place the stand under the frame, lower the jack then put wood under the jack and raise it again. Then use the jack-stand to secure the trailer while you work.