Removing all four tires from a travel trailer requires careful planning and execution to ensure both your safety and the trailer’s integrity. The process involves properly lifting and supporting the trailer’s frame, followed by the systematic removal of each tire.
Preparation is Key: Safety First
Before even considering touching a lug nut, meticulous preparation is paramount. This isn’t a race; it’s a task demanding precision and caution. Failing to properly prepare can lead to serious injury or damage to your trailer.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-Duty Jack: A bottle jack or a floor jack rated for the weight of your travel trailer (refer to your trailer’s GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – plate) is essential. Never exceed the jack’s rated capacity.
- Jack Stands (4): These are absolutely non-negotiable. Once you’ve lifted the trailer, immediately place jack stands under the frame to support the weight. Choose jack stands rated for at least half the trailer’s GVWR each.
- Wheel Chocks: Securely chock the wheels on the side opposite the one you’re working on. This prevents the trailer from rolling.
- Lug Wrench: Ensure you have the correct size lug wrench for your trailer’s lug nuts. A breaker bar for added leverage is highly recommended.
- Torque Wrench: For properly tightening the lug nuts upon reinstallation.
- Gloves: Protect your hands.
- Safety Glasses: To shield your eyes from debris.
- Owner’s Manual: Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific jacking points and torque specifications.
- Leveling Blocks (optional): May be helpful for initial leveling.
- Wheel Bearing Grease (optional): If you’re planning on working on or inspecting the wheel bearings.
Choosing the Right Location
Select a level, solid surface for the entire operation. Avoid uneven ground, soft dirt, or gravel, as these can cause the jack and jack stands to shift or sink. Concrete or asphalt are ideal. If you must work on a softer surface, use large wooden planks under the jack and jack stands to distribute the weight.
The Lifting Procedure: One Side at a Time
Lifting the entire trailer at once is generally not recommended. Instead, focus on one side at a time.
Locating the Jacking Points
Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual to identify the designated jacking points. Typically, these are reinforced areas of the frame near the axles. Never jack directly on the axle itself, as this can damage it.
Lifting and Securing
- Position the jack under the designated jacking point.
- Slowly and carefully raise the trailer until the tires are off the ground. Lift only high enough to allow for tire removal.
- Immediately place two jack stands under the frame, near the jacking point. Ensure the jack stands are securely positioned and properly support the weight.
- Lower the jack until the weight of the trailer is resting on the jack stands. The jack should remain in place as a backup.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the trailer.
Tire Removal and Reinstallation
Now that the trailer is safely supported, you can proceed with tire removal.
Loosening the Lug Nuts
Before fully lifting the trailer, slightly loosen the lug nuts on each wheel. This is much easier to do while the tires are still on the ground, providing resistance. Use the lug wrench and, if necessary, the breaker bar. Loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts) to ensure even pressure.
Removing the Wheels
- Once the trailer is safely supported on jack stands, completely unscrew the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
- Store the lug nuts in a safe place to prevent loss.
- Repeat for the remaining tires.
Reinstallation and Tightening
- Reinstall the wheels, aligning the studs with the holes in the wheel.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the trailer until the tires just touch the ground.
- Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque in a star pattern. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct torque specification.
- Fully lower the trailer and remove the jack and jack stands.
- Give the lug nuts a final check after driving a short distance (e.g., 50 miles).
Important Considerations
- Wheel Bearing Maintenance: While the wheels are off, consider inspecting and greasing the wheel bearings. This is a crucial maintenance task that can significantly extend the life of your axles.
- Tire Inspection: This is an excellent opportunity to inspect your tires for wear, damage, or uneven tread.
- Rust Prevention: Consider applying a rust preventative to any exposed metal surfaces on the hubs or axles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How often should I remove all four tires from my travel trailer?
You likely won’t need to remove all four tires unless you’re performing extensive maintenance, replacing tires, or storing the trailer for an extended period (and prefer to store tires separately). Routine tire checks and pressure adjustments are sufficient for regular use.
FAQ 2: Can I use an impact wrench to remove the lug nuts?
While an impact wrench can quickly remove lug nuts, it’s generally not recommended for tightening them. An impact wrench can easily overtighten lug nuts, potentially damaging the studs or warping the wheel. Always use a torque wrench to achieve the correct torque specification.
FAQ 3: What if I can’t find the jacking points in my owner’s manual?
If your owner’s manual is unavailable or unclear, look for reinforced sections of the frame near the axles. These are typically the designated jacking points. When in doubt, consult a qualified RV technician.
FAQ 4: What should I do if the lug nuts are seized?
Penetrating oil can help loosen seized lug nuts. Apply liberally and let it soak for several minutes before attempting to loosen them. You can also try using a longer breaker bar for increased leverage. If all else fails, consult a professional mechanic.
FAQ 5: Can I stack the tires under the trailer for storage while it’s on jack stands?
This is not a recommended practice. Stacking tires under the trailer can create a hazardous situation. If a jack stand fails, the tires may not provide sufficient cushioning and could cause significant damage or injury.
FAQ 6: What is the proper torque specification for my travel trailer’s lug nuts?
The torque specification is crucial for safe wheel attachment. Consult your owner’s manual or the wheel manufacturer for the correct torque specification. Using the wrong torque can lead to loose wheels or damaged studs.
FAQ 7: How do I know if my jack stands are rated for the weight of my trailer?
The jack stands will have a weight rating clearly stamped on them. Ensure that the combined weight rating of the jack stands is sufficient to support at least half the trailer’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
FAQ 8: Should I deflate the tires before storing them?
It’s generally recommended to inflate tires to their recommended pressure before storing them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents flat spots. Store tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
FAQ 9: Can I use a scissor jack instead of a bottle jack or floor jack?
While scissor jacks are sometimes included with trailers, they are generally less stable and less powerful than bottle jacks or floor jacks. For removing all four tires, a heavy-duty bottle jack or floor jack is highly recommended for safety and ease of use.
FAQ 10: What if I don’t have a torque wrench?
While a torque wrench is highly recommended, you can approximate the correct torque by using a lug wrench and applying firm pressure until the lug nuts are snug. However, this is not a substitute for using a torque wrench and having the lug nuts professionally torqued.
FAQ 11: How can I prevent rust on my wheel hubs while the tires are off?
Applying a rust preventative spray or grease to the exposed metal surfaces of the wheel hubs can help protect them from rust and corrosion.
FAQ 12: What should I do if I damage a lug nut or stud?
If you damage a lug nut or stud, it’s essential to replace it immediately. Driving with damaged lug nuts or studs is extremely dangerous and can lead to wheel failure. Consult a qualified mechanic for assistance.
By following these steps and heeding these precautions, you can safely and effectively remove all four tires from your travel trailer. Remember that safety should always be your top priority. If you are uncomfortable performing any of these tasks, consult a qualified RV technician.