Changing a trailer tire on the rim is a process that requires careful attention to detail, the right tools, and a solid understanding of safety procedures. While it might seem daunting, this skill is essential for any trailer owner to avoid being stranded on the side of the road. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently and safely accomplish this task.
1. Gathering Your Tools and Assessing the Situation
Before you even consider attempting to change a trailer tire, ensure you have all the necessary tools readily available. A flat tire on a trailer can be frustrating, but being unprepared can make the situation significantly worse.
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- Spare Tire: A properly inflated spare tire is non-negotiable. Ensure it’s compatible with your trailer’s axle and wheel.
- Lug Wrench: This is your primary tool for loosening and tightening lug nuts. Make sure it’s the correct size for your trailer’s lug nuts. A four-way lug wrench (cross wrench) offers added leverage.
- Jack: A bottle jack or a scissor jack rated for your trailer’s weight is crucial. Verify the jack’s weight capacity exceeds the weight of the trailer at the jacking point. Consider a hydraulic jack for easier lifting, especially for heavier trailers.
- Jack Stand(s): NEVER work under a trailer supported only by a jack. Jack stands are essential safety devices to support the trailer after it’s been lifted. Use at least two for added security.
- Wheel Chocks: These prevent the trailer from rolling while you’re working. Place them securely on the tires opposite the flat.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Essential for working in low-light conditions.
- Owner’s Manual: Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific jacking points and safety recommendations.
- Reflective Safety Triangles or Flares: Place these a safe distance behind your trailer to warn oncoming traffic.
- Socket Set (Optional): A socket set with the correct size sockets can be helpful if your lug nuts are particularly tight.
- Penetrating Oil (Optional): If lug nuts are rusted or seized, penetrating oil can help loosen them.
- Torque Wrench (Optional but Recommended): To ensure proper tightening of lug nuts after installation.
Assessing the Situation:
- Safety First: Before starting, park your trailer on a level, stable surface away from traffic. Engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks. Activate your hazard lights.
- Identify the Problem: Confirm which tire is flat and inspect it for obvious damage (e.g., puncture, sidewall blowout).
- Locate Jacking Points: Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual to identify the recommended jacking points. These are typically reinforced areas on the trailer frame near the affected tire.
2. Lifting the Trailer and Removing the Flat Tire
With your tools ready and the situation assessed, you can proceed with lifting the trailer and removing the flat tire. This is where careful execution is paramount for safety and efficiency.
Lifting the Trailer:
- Chock the Wheels: Ensure wheel chocks are securely in place on the tires opposite the flat.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point. Double-check its placement and stability.
- Raise the Trailer: Slowly and steadily raise the trailer until the flat tire is completely off the ground and you have enough clearance to remove it and install the spare.
- Secure with Jack Stands: BEFORE working under the trailer, immediately place jack stands under the trailer frame near the jacking point. Ensure the jack stands are properly seated and securely supporting the trailer’s weight. NEVER rely solely on the jack.
Removing the Flat Tire:
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. IMPORTANT: Loosen them before completely lifting the tire off the ground. This utilizes the ground for leverage and prevents the tire from spinning. Loosen them in a star pattern (opposite nuts) to ensure even pressure distribution.
- Completely Remove the Lug Nuts: Once the lug nuts are loosened, fully lift the tire off the ground using the jack and remove the lug nuts completely. Place the lug nuts in a safe place where they won’t get lost.
- Remove the Flat Tire: Carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel hub. It might be stuck due to rust or corrosion. Wiggling the tire gently can help.
3. Installing the Spare Tire and Lowering the Trailer
Installing the spare tire and lowering the trailer requires equal care and attention to detail as the removal process. Proper tightening of the lug nuts is crucial for safe towing.
Installing the Spare Tire:
- Align the Spare Tire: Carefully align the spare tire with the wheel studs.
- Mount the Spare Tire: Push the spare tire onto the wheel hub until it sits flush against the hub.
- Hand-Tighten the Lug Nuts: Install the lug nuts by hand, tightening them in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
- Lower the Trailer Slightly: Lower the trailer until the spare tire just touches the ground. This provides resistance for tightening the lug nuts.
Lowering the Trailer and Final Tightening:
- Tighten the Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Tighten them in stages, gradually increasing the torque.
- Lower the Trailer Completely: Fully lower the trailer to the ground and remove the jack.
- Remove the Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
- Final Torque Check: Using a torque wrench (if available), torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque specification (refer to your trailer’s owner’s manual or a reputable tire chart). This is critical for preventing the lug nuts from loosening during travel.
- Re-Check Lug Nuts: Re-check the lug nuts after driving a short distance (e.g., 50-100 miles) to ensure they remain properly torqued.
4. Post-Change Checklist and Important Reminders
After changing the tire, it’s important to properly store the flat and double-check your work.
Post-Change Checklist:
- Store the Flat Tire: Secure the flat tire in your vehicle or trailer.
- Inspect the Flat Tire: Take the flat tire to a tire shop for inspection and repair or replacement. Don’t continue to use a damaged tire.
- Stow Your Tools: Neatly store all your tools and equipment.
- Remove Safety Triangles/Flares: Carefully remove the safety triangles or flares from the roadside.
- Double-Check: Visually inspect the spare tire and lug nuts one last time.
Important Reminders:
- Safety is Paramount: Always prioritize safety when working on your trailer.
- Regular Tire Maintenance: Check your trailer tires regularly for proper inflation, wear, and damage.
- Proper Inflation: Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure, as specified on the tire sidewall or in your trailer’s owner’s manual.
- Professional Assistance: If you’re uncomfortable changing a tire yourself, seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic or roadside assistance service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What if my lug nuts are completely seized and won’t budge?
Applying penetrating oil and allowing it to soak for several minutes can help. If that fails, try using a longer lug wrench or a breaker bar for increased leverage. Be extremely careful not to strip the lug nuts. As a last resort, consider calling for roadside assistance.
Q2: How do I find the correct torque specification for my trailer’s lug nuts?
Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual first. If unavailable, search online for a reliable tire chart based on your wheel stud size and type. Local tire shops can also provide this information.
Q3: What type of jack is best for changing a trailer tire?
Both bottle jacks and scissor jacks can work, but ensure they are rated for your trailer’s weight. Hydraulic jacks offer easier lifting for heavier trailers.
Q4: Where are the safest jacking points on my trailer?
The trailer’s owner’s manual is the best resource for identifying safe jacking points. These are typically reinforced areas on the frame near the axle.
Q5: Can I use my car’s jack to change a trailer tire?
Potentially, but it’s generally not recommended. Car jacks may not have the necessary weight capacity or lift height for a trailer. Using an inadequate jack can be dangerous.
Q6: How often should I check the torque of my trailer’s lug nuts?
It’s recommended to check the lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving after a tire change, and then periodically thereafter, especially before long trips.
Q7: What should I do with my flat tire after changing it?
Take it to a tire shop for inspection. They can determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Q8: Can I drive on a spare tire for an extended period?
Most spare tires are designed for temporary use only. Refer to your spare tire’s sidewall for specific speed and distance limitations. Replace it with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
Q9: What if I don’t have wheel chocks?
In a pinch, you can use large rocks or pieces of wood placed securely in front of and behind the tires on the opposite side of the flat. However, wheel chocks are always the safest option.
Q10: Is it safe to change a trailer tire on a sloped surface?
No, it is not safe. Changing a tire on a sloped surface significantly increases the risk of the trailer rolling. Find a level surface before attempting to change the tire.
Q11: My trailer has dual axles. How does that affect the tire changing process?
The process is generally the same, but you may need to lift the trailer higher to clear both tires. Ensure the jack stands are properly positioned to support the trailer’s weight. It may be necessary to jack up both axles to facilitate removing the flat.
Q12: What’s the difference between a bias-ply and a radial tire, and does it matter when choosing a spare?
Bias-ply tires have cords running diagonally, while radial tires have cords running radially. Radial tires generally offer better handling and fuel efficiency. Ideally, your spare should match the type and size of your other tires. However, in an emergency, a different type of tire can be used temporarily, but consult a tire professional as soon as possible. It is NOT recommended to mix tire types on the same axle.