Tire/wheel change on the road

[Freeway_Flyer_0]

Acme Tools, has this M-18 FUEL™ & M12 FUEL™ Mid-Torque & Ratchet Combo Kit for $379. Seems like a really good price, question is would this impact driver be a good choice to carry for my truck (3500) and travel trailer. Last time I had a flat I couldn’t break the lug nuts loose.

[jrobert01]

I use a high torque 20v cordless impact driver. have not seen anything it would not loosen even 18 wheeler lugs and you can set torque love mine and i am 75 yrs young always change mine.

[Cummins12V98]

rhagfo wrote:

wopachop wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

wopachop wrote:
If the issue is getting older then ditch the breaker bar idea.

Old?
I’m 48

Sorry was talking to something i read from the OP.

Freeway Flyer 05 wrote:
Problem is I am getting older and not as coordinated!!!

LOL
Pushing 70, but still can handle a breaker bar and the tire and wheel off the DRW.

BEAST

[Cummins12V98]

wopachop wrote:
I dont understand how anyone can afford an RV or a cheap beat up trailer and not have AAA.

I don’t understand why anyone would have such a thing when it’s so cheap to add to your auto policy.

[Cummins12V98]

dedmiston wrote:
Removing the lug nuts is the easy part.

How many of you have used a shovel to dig out under the flat when you don't have a good jack?

After the first time, I was hooked. It's not always an option, but I'll pull into the dirt to change a flat whenever I can. It's so much easier.

Just carry a TrailerAid

[rhagfo]

wopachop wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

wopachop wrote:
If the issue is getting older then ditch the breaker bar idea.

Old?
I’m 48

Sorry was talking to something i read from the OP.

Freeway Flyer 05 wrote:
Problem is I am getting older and not as coordinated!!!

LOL
Pushing 70, but still can handle a breaker bar and the tire and wheel off the DRW.

[wopachop]

I dont understand how anyone can afford an RV or a cheap beat up trailer and not have AAA.

[PastorCharlie]

I purchased an Earthquake Extreme 1/2" 1,200 ft. lbs. 20V Lithium Cordless Impact Wrench (on sale) for under $200.00. I have used it on several projects and it works super.

The lug nuts on my coach torque at 450 ft. lbs. A 150 lb. person jumping up and down on the end of a 6' breaker bar will work or one can use a good impact wrench. I call my road service and wait for them to change the tire.

[JRscooby]

Some will call "apples and oranges", but on wife's car I have painted the jack points white, so she can know where to place the jack. In the trunk is the right sized, deep well, impact socket.* Also a breaker bar and pipe to fit over the handle, so she can use about 3 foot of wrench.
At least once a year she "helps" me rotate tires, to prove to herself she can change a tire. I would hope somebody would help her, and she can call me or for service, but I feel better that she knows.

*impact socket will not break. regular needs extension, so the deep means 1 less piece.

[wopachop]

Grit dog wrote:

wopachop wrote:
If the issue is getting older then ditch the breaker bar idea.

Old?
I’m 48

Sorry was talking to something i read from the OP.

Freeway Flyer 05 wrote:
Problem is I am getting older and not as coordinated!!!

[Grit_dog]

And back on topic, to the OP, yes that would be a good cordless impact wrench for changing tires.
Personally I wouldn’t invest in the combo with the ratchet.
I’ve never found much use for my air ratchets. It’s either by hand or with a small hex drive impact driver.
Air or electric ratchets are well suited for production work like engine rebuilding and handy in tight areas where you can’t get much of a turn on a ratchet.
A better combo would be a 1/2” impact and impact driver, or a cordless drill if you don’t have a good one.

[dedmiston]

Removing the lug nuts is the easy part.

How many of you have used a shovel to dig out under the flat when you don't have a good jack?

After the first time, I was hooked. It's not always an option, but I'll pull into the dirt to change a flat whenever I can. It's so much easier.

[fj12ryder]

Edd505 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
"Last time I had a flat I couldn’t break the lug nuts loose."

Get a breaker bar with a longer handle. It won't have a battery issue when you need it most.

I pushed speed dial "CoachNet" and was on my way in 30 minutes after a young guy showed up. That's what I pay roadside insurance for.

Yeah, tried that once. After an hour they called back and said there was no service trucks where we were. Just because you pay for it is no guarantee they will be able to deliver. Always good to have a "Plan B".

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Edd505 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
"Last time I had a flat I couldn’t break the lug nuts loose."

Get a breaker bar with a longer handle. It won't have a battery issue when you need it most.

I pushed speed dial "CoachNet" and was on my way in 30 minutes after a young guy showed up. That's what I pay roadside insurance for.

30 minutes??? That must be a world record.

Just re read. How long from phone call to his arrival?

When I had a tire issue It took start to finish with spare replaced and tools put away 30 minutes with lugs PROPERLY torqued. Wife said don’t we have coverage for that??? I said yes but how long do you want to set here waiting for their arrival?

That would be my question also, 30 minutes once on scene, BUT how long to get on SCENE???
Near the city likely at least 30 minutes to get to you, out on the open road an hour or two.

[Cummins12V98]

Edd505 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
"Last time I had a flat I couldn’t break the lug nuts loose."

Get a breaker bar with a longer handle. It won't have a battery issue when you need it most.

I pushed speed dial "CoachNet" and was on my way in 30 minutes after a young guy showed up. That's what I pay roadside insurance for.

30 minutes??? That must be a world record.

Just re read. How long from phone call to his arrival?

When I had a tire issue It took start to finish with spare replaced and tools put away 30 minutes with lugs PROPERLY torqued. Wife said don’t we have coverage for that??? I said yes but how long do you want to set here waiting for their arrival?

[Cummins12V98]

fj12ryder wrote:
FWIW, some torque wrenches are not designed to be used to loosen fasteners. Make sure whatever you use doesn't have an issue with loosening.

I'm with the camp that uses the 25" breaker bar from HF. If you have a cordless or corded, be sure to try them out at home just to be sure they work. The lug nuts on my Dodge are supposed to be torqued to 160 lb.ft., and a 1/2" air impact running 120psi won't break them loose.

Don't take those torque numbers too seriously, remember the marketing department puts their spin on those specs. 🙂

I never use my NICE Proto as a breaker bar!