Changing a tire on your travel trailer might seem daunting, but with the right tools, knowledge, and precautions, it’s a task any RV owner can master. Effectively jacking up your travel trailer requires understanding proper jacking points, using appropriate equipment, and prioritizing safety above all else.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Tire Changing Procedures
Dealing with a flat tire is an inevitable part of RV ownership. Ignoring the importance of correct procedures can lead to serious injury or damage to your trailer. This guide, backed by years of RV maintenance experience, will walk you through the steps to safely and effectively jack up your travel trailer and change a tire. We’ll cover everything from essential tools to crucial safety considerations.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before even thinking about jacking up your travel trailer, you need to gather the right tools. Using the wrong equipment is a recipe for disaster. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Properly Rated Jack: This is the most crucial tool. Ensure the jack’s weight capacity exceeds the loaded weight of your travel trailer. A bottle jack, scissor jack, or RV-specific jack are common choices.
- Lug Wrench: Preferably a 4-way lug wrench for added leverage. Make sure it fits your trailer’s lug nuts.
- Torque Wrench: For tightening the lug nuts to the correct torque specification after replacing the tire. This is crucial for safety.
- Wheel Chocks: Absolutely essential! Place them behind the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer you’re working on.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and grime.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Jack Pads or Wooden Blocks: To provide a stable base for the jack, especially on soft ground.
- Work Light: Helpful if you’re changing the tire at night or in low-light conditions.
- Owner’s Manual: Contains crucial information about your trailer’s specific jacking points and torque specifications.
- Reflective Safety Triangles or Flares: To warn other drivers if you’re on the side of the road.
Identifying the Correct Jacking Points
Locating the correct jacking points is paramount. Using the wrong points can damage the trailer frame or even cause it to collapse.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: This is the most reliable source for identifying specific jacking points for your travel trailer model.
- Frame Rails: Generally, the frame rails closest to the tire you’re changing are the safest jacking points. Look for reinforced areas on the frame.
- Axle Placement: While sometimes acceptable, jacking directly on the axle is generally discouraged. It can damage the axle tube over time. Only do so if recommended by the manufacturer or as a last resort. Never jack on brake lines or other components connected to the axle.
- Avoid Plastic Components: Never jack on plastic skirting, steps, or other non-structural components.
Step-by-Step Guide to Jacking Up Your Travel Trailer
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process. Remember to prioritize safety at every stage.
Step 1: Safety First
- Park on a level surface if possible.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels on the opposite side of the trailer from the flat tire.
- Turn on your hazard lights and place reflective safety triangles or flares to warn oncoming traffic.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
- Using your lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Do not remove them completely at this stage. Loosen them enough that you can remove them easily once the tire is off the ground.
- Loosening before jacking up the trailer prevents the wheel from spinning while you’re trying to loosen the nuts.
Step 3: Position the Jack
- Place the jack under the identified jacking point.
- Use a jack pad or wooden block to provide a stable base for the jack, especially on soft ground.
- Ensure the jack is positioned securely and is perpendicular to the ground.
Step 4: Jack Up the Trailer
- Slowly and steadily, begin to jack up the trailer.
- Jack it up high enough to remove the flat tire and install the spare tire with adequate clearance.
- Monitor the jack and the jacking point for any signs of instability. If you see any, stop immediately and reposition the jack.
Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire
- Now that the tire is off the ground, completely remove the lug nuts.
- Carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel hub.
Step 6: Install the Spare Tire
- Mount the spare tire onto the wheel hub, aligning the lug nut holes.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
Step 7: Lower the Trailer
- Slowly and steadily, lower the trailer until the tire is resting on the ground, but the full weight of the trailer is not yet on the tire.
Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts
- Using your lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Once the tire is fully on the ground, use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. This is critical.
Step 9: Final Check
- Remove the jack.
- Remove the wheel chocks.
- Double-check the lug nuts to ensure they are properly tightened.
- Store the flat tire and tools securely.
Important Safety Considerations
- Never work under a travel trailer supported only by a jack. Use jack stands if you need to work under the trailer.
- Always use wheel chocks.
- Consult your owner’s manual for specific jacking point information and torque specifications.
- If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified RV technician.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Use reflective safety triangles or flares to warn other drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What type of jack is best for my travel trailer?
The best type of jack depends on your trailer’s weight and your personal preference. Bottle jacks are powerful and compact. Scissor jacks are often included with travel trailers and are easy to use. RV-specific jacks are designed specifically for RVs and offer stability and safety features. Always check the weight rating to ensure the jack can handle your trailer.
FAQ 2: Where can I find the correct torque specifications for my lug nuts?
The torque specifications are usually found in your travel trailer’s owner’s manual. You can also consult a tire shop or RV service center.
FAQ 3: Can I use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts?
While an impact wrench can be used to loosen lug nuts, it’s not recommended for tightening them. An impact wrench can easily over-tighten lug nuts, which can damage the wheel studs and make them difficult to remove later. Always use a torque wrench to ensure the lug nuts are tightened to the correct specification.
FAQ 4: What if I’m on soft ground and the jack is sinking?
If you’re on soft ground, use a large jack pad or wooden block to provide a wider and more stable base for the jack. You can also dig a small hole and fill it with gravel or compacted soil to create a more solid surface.
FAQ 5: What if I can’t find the jacking points in my owner’s manual?
If you can’t find the jacking points in your owner’s manual, contact the travel trailer manufacturer or a qualified RV technician. They can help you identify the correct jacking points for your specific model.
FAQ 6: How often should I check the torque of my lug nuts?
It’s recommended to check the torque of your lug nuts after the first 50 miles of driving after changing a tire, and then every 100-200 miles thereafter.
FAQ 7: What should I do with my flat tire?
Take your flat tire to a tire shop for inspection. They can determine if it can be repaired or if you need to purchase a new tire.
FAQ 8: Can I use a car jack to jack up my travel trailer?
Generally, no. Car jacks are typically not rated for the weight of a travel trailer. Using a car jack can be dangerous and can damage both the jack and your trailer.
FAQ 9: What are the signs that a jack is failing?
Signs of a failing jack include leaking fluid, difficulty raising the trailer, and instability. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the jack immediately and replace it.
FAQ 10: What if my spare tire is also flat?
This is a serious situation! You’ll need to call for roadside assistance or have your travel trailer towed to a tire shop. Preventative maintenance is key, including periodically inspecting your spare tire’s inflation and condition.
FAQ 11: Should I lubricate the jack?
Yes, periodically lubricating your jack will help it function smoothly and extend its lifespan. Use a lithium grease or similar lubricant specifically designed for jacks.
FAQ 12: Can I change a travel trailer tire by myself?
Yes, with the right tools, knowledge, and precautions, you can safely change a travel trailer tire by yourself. However, if you’re uncomfortable or unsure about any step, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified RV technician.
By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, you can confidently and effectively jack up your travel trailer to change a tire and get back on the road. Safe travels!