When Tires are Changed on a 5th Wheel

[MSFSnTEXAS]

This is my first time to own a 5th wheel. Lots of questions still. But the immediate question I have is about the tires being changed tomorrow.

Again, I know I'm going to sound like a total fool, but will the 5th wheel remain hitched to the truck when they jack up the 5th wheel to remove the tires? Or do I unhitch from the truck and lower the jacks (front only, rear and front)? Seems to me that if I unhitched and lowered jacks that when they jack up the 5th wheel that it would have a negative impact to the jacks.

[jnharley]

You must follow the recommendations for re torquing the lugs after tires have been removed. It is especially important for aluminum wheels. You have to re torque them every 25 miles for the first hundred miles and then again at 150 miles. If you do not do this, you run the risk of a tire coming off. A pain yes, but very important.

[JIMNLIN]

NHIrish wrote:
And don't let them jack under the axle tube itself. Amazing how many guys start to do that.

Actually its the best/safest/less jacking place to jack from when changing a flat tire on the side of the road for a std leaf spring suspension. Place the jack under the axle tube next to the U bolt and nothing gets bent or crushed.
Both of my truck tire dealers use a lifting beam placed under the trailers axles with one hyd jack under each beam.

Now if its the square thin wall torsion type axle tubes then those thin walls can crush or bend.
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To answer the OP question it doesn't make any difference if the trailer is hooked to the truck or unhooked. A experienced tire shop has the equipment and know how to show you or anyone how its done safely/properly.
Now some guy down on the corner that does mechanic work and sells tires type shop and does a utility trailer once in a while ...... I would avoid them with a heavy trailer.

[wandering1]

Peg Leg wrote:
Leave it hitched. They will jack under the spring shackles for each tire.

If they jack under the spring shackles make them sign an agreement to fix damage to the spring shackles before they start.

[tvman44]

I'd leave 5er hooked to truck. and Make sure they place the jack under the axle at the spring mounts, not in the middle of the axle like I caught one guy trying to do once. 😞

[NHIrish]

Also, make sure that they use the proper (heavy duty metal) valve stems and torque them per spec. I've had more valve stem leaks than I care to think about on trailers.

[NHIrish]

And don't let them jack under the axle tube itself. Amazing how many guys start to do that.

[waltbennett]

Which ever way you go, READ THE DATE STAMP on each tire & don't accept any over six months old.

[byronlj]

Goodyear changed all five of mine at the same time while hooked to the truck and no jacks extended.
Dave

[drfife]

I just raise the entire trailer off the ground with the hydraulic landing jacks.

[laknox]

MSFSnTEXAS wrote:
This is my first time to own a 5th wheel. Lots of questions still. But the immediate question I have is about the tires being changed tomorrow.

Again, I know I'm going to sound like a total fool, but will the 5th wheel remain hitched to the truck when they jack up the 5th wheel to remove the tires? Or do I unhitch from the truck and lower the jacks (front only, rear and front)? Seems to me that if I unhitched and lowered jacks that when they jack up the 5th wheel that it would have a negative impact to the jacks.

Both times I've put tires on mine, I just parked it where the Discount Tire guys wanted it, unhooked, and went home until they called me. I just don't see how jacking 1 wheel up (I was specific about that) at a time, will put that much stress on the landing gear. If it =did=, I'd have =severe= reservations about the whole landing gear system!

Lyle

[Earl_E]

Leave it hitched. The tire dealer will tell you exactly what to do, so don't sweat it.

[Garry_Gayle]

Leave it hitched, if they jack up one side of the trailer at a time that would put a lot of stress on the landing gear.

[MSFSnTEXAS]

rhagfo wrote:
Leave it connected, likely the tire shop will place their jack directly under the spring pad and lift just enough to get the tires clear of the ground. They may use two jacks one on each axle and do the whole side at the same time. have them balanced at the same time. What type and size?

Thank you everyone for your replies. I appreciate the help very much.

Purchased 235/85R16 (G rate, 14 ply). Goodyear - decided to go with what the OEM originally placed on the 5th wheel and what most on this forum were kind enough to educate me about and to provide their advice.

[Old-Biscuit]

I've had them changed with it still hitched to truck and with it unhooked.
Doesn't make any difference.