Changing a flat tire

2012Coleman wrote:
Do you have to unhitch from the TV when changing a flat?

Actually it is better for stability to be attached. Set the parking brake firmly on the TV.

I guess a lot of the different responses are dependant on the type of suspension you have. Best thing to do is try it out at home or in a parking lot and make sure whatever method you choose works before it becomes a necessity.

My TT is a traditional tandom axle with spring over axle and an equalizer. I can't use a trailer aid because the other axle will droop too much. My frame is 18" off the ground, no way to safely lift from the frame. For me, I use my Expedition's scissor jack placed under the U-bolts on the affected wheel. It requires very little lift above the normal ride height, and directly under the u-bolts, springs is the strongest point anyway. Had a flat a few weeks ago. 20 minutes and I was on my way.

Francesca Knowles wrote:
If you're going to try to lift at a single point (perch) on one side, you'll need more jack since you'd be lifting half the trailer weight. But if you run 'er up on boards like you've done, then just jack the flat's axle enough to make the tire clear the ground, a one tonner will do.

It's not o.k. to actually "lift" the trailer by putting a jack under the axle, but once weight's been mostly removed via running it up on ramps it's no problem to raise the wheel that way.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I looked at that jack, and it's a 2-ton. I've only had it for decades, so ..... oh, never mind ;)

Yes, I carry enough boards with me to get the good wheel off the ground should I need to. We have road service, so in many cases we'd just call them. But when I've used road service in my car, they've often been hours getting there. I'd like to be able to change a flat if I need to.

I use the trailer aid and I have tested it on level pavement it works for my trailer.

westend wrote:
I have Torflex axles and I've never tried using a wheel lift to raise the tires off the ground. I'm sure it could be done because you don't have the spring hangers and bending of the spring affecting the lift. For me, it's just as easy to position a bottle jack under the frame near the axle brackets and lift from there.

Good points. Thanks for the reply.

2012Coleman wrote:
Do you have to unhitch from the TV when changing a flat?

I say no. Weight is on the tongue on the TV, or weight is on the A frame jack. I think it would be safer hooked to the TV because it will help to keep the trailer from rolling/shifting and falling off the jack while changing the tire.

Do you have to unhitch from the TV when changing a flat?

I was instructed by the dealer not to jack on the axel tube but to use the TT frame close to the flat tire.

I use a 5 ton bottle jack on short sections of 2 x 8 boards and chock everything. I also used a jack stand as a backup.

I call AAA

Old-Biscuit wrote:
That is why I don't have one of them 'trailer aids'....can't get enough height to raise flat tire

Bottle jack under axle spring perch is ALL that is needed.

+1
Just need it up 1/4" to swap the tire. Very little extra weight is on the jack.
Mine is a 2 ton, 2 stage bottle jack.