Changing a flat on the road...

[Iresqu]

Camping season is almost here and I want to know what you all do to change a flat on the road. Specifically What kind of equipment do you use/recommend to get that flat tire off the ground? Thanks

[chuckster57]

I use the truck jack, and have a 4 way lug wrench in the basement. Hate to admit it, but I've learned how to do it quickly with my previous rig.

And Welcome to the Forum!!

[14george]

Got a flat when I got to the campground used truck jack could use leveling blocks too

[Iresqu]

Thanks for the input. Are you placing the jack under the axle or the frame?

[Trailertrash]

I make my wife get under the trailer and bench press it. Seems impossible but she is a big lady.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Iresqu

Thanks for the input. Are you placing the jack under the axle or the frame?

I place it under the axle at the bottom side of the spring perch.

[gearhead]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/29764300?w...005632&veh=sem

[audio1der]

After using a large floor jack with a very high reach and a couple chunks of 2x4 not get the trailer high enough to raise the other wheel, I piledmy 14 Lynx levellers into a ramp. That wasn't high enough.
This season I am buying a stout bottle jack, a piece of 2x6 and the Lynx levellers. I'm confident that will do the trick.

[Larry1013]

I carry a battery operated impact wrench along with long handle 1/2? drive rachet. Mine happens to be the Craftsman C3 19.2v with a lithium battery.

I also use the impact wrench to set the scissor jacks when I am leveling the trailer.

I have a few pair of the Harbor Freight mechanic gloves also to help handle the dirty tire and protect hands if the tire is hot.

[natedog_37]

I bought this

http://www.amazon.com/Andersen-3600-...ers+and+RV%27s


One of them is for changing the tire.

[trucker LOU]

Hey, whatever you choose try it out at home before to make sure everything works together. Then put all the stuff in the trailer.----Lou----

[Barbell]

Never had the pleasure YET. We have a torque wrench to check the lug nuts torque before a trip to loosen and a 4 way once they are loose. Dexter says do not jack on the axle. Have the truck jack and a number of blocks so can jack on the frame. The other option is to use the 6 way leveling system to get the tire off the ground. We were told when we bought this fiver that tires were good for two years only regardless of mileage. So far have not had to change one on the road.

[hemisareslow]

I had a set of heavy duty plastic ramps that I used to change the oil in my truck...since I've put a lift kit in my truck I no longer need the ramps at home and keep one in the camper....by putting the not flat tire on the same side as the flat tire up on the ramp the flat tire is more than enough off the ground to change and you don't have to monkey with a jack and blocking....just be sure to loosen the lugs before putting it on the ramp if you don't have a cordless impact gun

[PARAPTOR]

Originally Posted by gearhead

http://www.walmart.com/ip/29764300?w...005632&veh=sem

Just had a chance to use my new Trailer AID Plus, DO NOT ask why (see today post on MAXXIS). Tried using it on my Tandem axle RAPTOR, well about an inch short. Story of my LIFE

Used a bottle jack to raise axle more, I guess could have put board under it but did not want to chance the trailer aid plus sliding on it

[PARAPTOR]

Okay played around with the Trailer Aid Plus which did not work on the Raptor. Looked closer at the trailer Aid markings on actual unit indicates TRAILER AID, looked at box it clearly identified TRAILER AID PLUS so I tried it. Backed on to it with the RAPTOR. Nope that did not work just smashed the box identified as TRAILER AID Plus. After playing around with it I have concluded that the plus actually should read "PLUS BOTTLE JACK"

Tried TRAILER AID PLUS BOTTLE JACK and was able to get wheel off the ground. Guess going to need a TRAILER AID PLUS + with at least two pieces of that black rubber type material. CONCLUSION: Stored TRAILER AID with my BOTTLE JACK. After this experience think I will go back to using the phone first (GOOD SAM Roadside Service)

[JRTJH]

Yup, That's why I always strongly recommend that anyone who hasn't yet changed a tire on the side of the road to go through the procedure in the driveway. What you may "think will work" could be "woefully inadequate" once you get stranded with no way to get extra tools. Remember that just because you can get the "flat tire" high enough to get it off the trailer doesn't mean that the axle is high enough to install a fully inflated tire.

Don't forget that breaking loose rusty lug nuts can be a pain unless you've got a breaker bar or at least a 3' section of steel pipe to slip over the end of your lug wrench.

[Pull Toy]

Triple A (AAA) RV Plus, make it their problem.

Had a blow out on my 16k toy hauler a few years ago on a really ugly shoulder. AAA said "commercial salver", I said "3A RV" guess who won?

BEST $ever spent!!!

[cathcartww]

I have a nice sturdy bottle jack and assorted wood blocks - I refer to jack on the frame to avoid any chance of damage to the axle. I have a 4 spoke lug wrench and carry a cheap electric impact wrench (but that doesn't work without AC power). We lost a China Bomb on I-95 near Stuart, FL, in February, but since I was nursing a broken ankle, we called AAA. They were there in 20 minutes, and had it changed and were out of there quickly. Might not be so fast in a less populated area.

[JRTJH]

There are some places in the southwest, the mountains, the "hill country" and also in the "piney woods" where AAA, Good Sam and Commercial services simply won't respond. If they are available, great, but for those times when "you shouldn't leave home without it".... There's always (no wait, Master Card won't work either out there)....... and, don't even try the "dirt road to Alaska"... They won't "come runnin" even if you could get them to answer on your smart phone.......

[LaTundra]

AAA left me stranded on the side of the road with a busted radiator hose. After being put on hold hold for 20 minutes, they told me "we don't go out that far".
I switched over to Allstate Roadside, they call local mechanics.