Changing a flat tire on a travel trailer can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s a manageable task. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process to safely and effectively jack up your travel trailer and replace a tire.
Safety First: The Foundation of Tire Changes
Before even thinking about jacking up your travel trailer, prioritize safety. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s crucial for preventing accidents and injuries. Always park on a level surface, away from traffic. Engage the parking brake and, most importantly, use wheel chocks on the tires opposite the flat. Consider wearing gloves and safety glasses for added protection. Ignoring these precautions can lead to serious consequences.
Essential Tools and Equipment
You’ll need the following tools to successfully change a travel trailer tire:
- Jack: A bottle jack or scissor jack with adequate lifting capacity for your trailer’s weight. Consult your owner’s manual.
- Lug wrench: Specifically sized for your trailer’s lug nuts.
- Wheel chocks: Essential for preventing trailer movement.
- Spare tire: Inflated to the proper pressure.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Safety glasses: To shield your eyes from debris.
- Torque wrench: For tightening lug nuts to the specified torque.
- Jack pads or wood blocks: To provide a stable base for the jack on soft surfaces.
- Owner’s manual: Contains important information about your specific trailer.
- Flashlight or headlamp: In case you’re changing a tire in low light conditions.
- Roadside emergency kit: Including reflective triangles or flares to alert other drivers.
Step-by-Step Tire Change Process
1. Prepare the Trailer
As mentioned, park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Position wheel chocks snugly against the tires opposite the flat tire. These chocks are your primary safety measure against rolling. If the ground is soft, place jack pads or wood blocks under the jack for stability.
2. Locate the Jacking Point
Refer to your owner’s manual to identify the designated jacking points on your travel trailer’s frame. These points are typically reinforced sections of the frame near the axles. Using the wrong jacking point can damage your trailer’s frame. If you cannot find a clearly marked jacking point, consult a professional RV technician.
3. Position and Place the Jack
Carefully position the jack under the identified jacking point. Ensure the jack is placed vertically and securely. For bottle jacks, the base should be fully contacting the ground. For scissor jacks, make sure the arms are properly aligned with the frame. Double-check the jack’s stability before proceeding.
4. Jack Up the Trailer
Slowly and steadily raise the trailer until the flat tire is off the ground and you have enough clearance to remove and replace it. Avoid over-jacking, as this can strain the frame and suspension. Only lift the trailer enough to allow the tire to spin freely and be removed easily.
5. Remove the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Loosen them before completely lifting the tire off the ground; this uses the ground’s friction to help loosen them. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen. Once they are loosened, completely remove the lug nuts and set them aside in a safe place.
6. Remove the Flat Tire
Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the hub. It may be slightly stuck, so gently rock it back and forth to loosen it. Set the flat tire aside, away from your work area.
7. Mount the Spare Tire
Align the spare tire with the wheel studs on the hub. Carefully push the tire onto the studs until it sits flush against the hub.
8. Install and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts) to ensure even pressure. This prevents warping the wheel or damaging the studs. Once all the lug nuts are hand-tightened, use the lug wrench to tighten them further, still in a star pattern.
9. Lower the Trailer
Slowly and carefully lower the trailer until the tire touches the ground.
10. Final Tightening
Before removing the jack completely, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Again, use the star pattern to ensure even tightening. The correct torque specification can be found in your owner’s manual. This step is crucial for preventing wheel detachment while driving.
11. Remove the Jack and Chocks
Once the lug nuts are properly torqued, fully lower the trailer and remove the jack. Remove the wheel chocks.
12. Final Inspection and Storage
Visually inspect the newly installed tire and lug nuts. Ensure everything is secure. Store the flat tire and tools in their designated compartments.
After the Tire Change
After changing the tire, have the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Get your lug nuts re-torqued after driving approximately 50-100 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of jack is best for a travel trailer?
The best type of jack depends on your travel trailer’s weight and your personal preference. Bottle jacks offer high lifting capacity but can be less stable. Scissor jacks are more stable but may have a lower lifting capacity. Choose a jack that is rated for at least half of the trailer’s GVWR. Check your trailer’s specifications for the appropriate jack type and capacity.
2. Where can I find the jacking points on my travel trailer?
The jacking points are typically located on the frame near the axles. Your owner’s manual is the best resource for identifying these points. They are often marked with stickers or indentations.
3. What is the proper torque for tightening lug nuts on a travel trailer?
The proper torque specification is crucial for safe wheel attachment. Consult your owner’s manual or the wheel manufacturer’s specifications for the correct torque value. A torque wrench is essential for achieving the correct tightness.
4. Can I use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts?
While impact wrenches can be used to loosen lug nuts, it is strongly discouraged to use them for tightening. Impact wrenches can easily overtighten lug nuts, damaging the wheel studs and potentially leading to wheel failure. Always use a torque wrench for the final tightening.
5. What should I do if I can’t loosen the lug nuts?
If you’re struggling to loosen the lug nuts, try using a longer lug wrench for increased leverage. You can also try spraying the lug nuts with a penetrating lubricant and letting it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen them again. As a last resort, seek assistance from a roadside assistance service or a qualified mechanic.
6. What if the ground is soft and the jack keeps sinking?
If the ground is soft, use jack pads or wood blocks under the jack to distribute the weight and prevent sinking. Larger pads provide more surface area and better stability.
7. How often should I check the tire pressure on my travel trailer?
You should check your travel trailer’s tire pressure before each trip and periodically during long trips, especially when temperatures change significantly. Proper tire pressure is essential for safe handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
8. What should I do with the flat tire after changing it?
Have the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Check for any damage to the wheel and ensure it is properly balanced before reinstalling it.
9. Can I drive on the spare tire for a long distance?
Most spare tires are temporary and intended for limited use. Check your spare tire’s specifications for speed and distance limitations. It’s best to replace the flat tire with a permanent replacement as soon as possible.
10. What if I don’t have the right tools to change a tire?
If you lack the necessary tools or are uncomfortable changing a tire yourself, contact a roadside assistance service or a qualified mechanic for assistance. Trying to change a tire without the proper tools or knowledge can be dangerous.
11. How do I prevent tire blowouts on my travel trailer?
Regularly inspect your tires for wear and tear, maintain proper tire pressure, avoid overloading your trailer, and replace tires before they reach the end of their lifespan. Proper maintenance is crucial for preventing tire blowouts.
12. What if the wheel studs are damaged?
Damaged wheel studs should be replaced immediately. Attempting to tighten lug nuts on damaged studs is extremely dangerous and can lead to wheel detachment. A qualified mechanic can replace the damaged studs.