Spare tire tool - whatcha use?

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally posted by rockintom: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by D and J: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Plus, I discovered yesterday that they gave me the wrong tool to lower my spare tire. Heck that's worth the trip alone!

We discovered that we don't have a tool for that either. Must remember to get one when we are in SC at the end of September </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Am I missing something? My "spare tire carrier" tool is a offset 3/4" box end rachet wrench....nothing special. Maybe new models have something different. What's up? rockin' </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The above comes from my recent discussion about bumps on my slide roofs. Not being able to change my tire, I called (very nice) Donna in PI Parts.

For the first time, I learned that PI does not supply the tool to lower the spare tire. Nor do they supply a lug wrench for these 16" tires. (That lug wrench looking tool is a backup device for the stabilizers.)

Which would explain why the manual has no information about changing a tire. (Hey ExcelRVGuy - maybe a simple entry in the manual that the customer should purchase these tools. Otherwise one (me) finds out at the most inconvenient time. I couldn't even tell a tow truck operator in advance what I needed to get the spare tire down. Come to think of it, a page with suggested stuff a new owner should purchase. I know that Lazy Daze puts this in their manual and I found it very helpful.)

Anyway, this post serves as notice to others unaware. And to ask what tools you purchased. I figure to get a good X lug wrench. Tom mentioned "a offset 3/4" box end rachet wrench."� But as far as I can see, and I can't see much in that little hole, I need a tool to insert into a female hex end. Maybe ½"� across or so. Maybe PI changed the mechanism since Tom purchased his trailer way back in 2005. Hey Tom, do you have indoor plumbing in that old thing, or was it an option?

[Bruce and Jenna]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rockintom:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by D and J:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
Plus, I discovered yesterday that they gave me the wrong tool to lower my spare tire. Heck that's worth the trip alone!
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We discovered that we don't have a tool for that either. Must remember to get one when we are in SC at the end of September </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Am I missing something? My "spare tire carrier" tool is a offset 3/4" box end rachet wrench....nothing special. Maybe new models have something different. What's up? rockin' </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The above comes from my recent discussion about bumps on my slide roofs. Not being able to change my tire, I called (very nice) Donna in PI Parts.

For the first time, I learned that PI does not supply the tool to lower the spare tire. Nor do they supply a lug wrench for these 16" tires. (That lug wrench looking tool is a backup device for the stabilizers.)

Which would explain why the manual has no information about changing a tire. (Hey ExcelRVGuy - maybe a simple entry in the manual that the customer should purchase these tools. Otherwise one (me) finds out at the most inconvenient time. I couldn't even tell a tow truck operator in advance what I needed to get the spare tire down. Come to think of it, a page with suggested stuff a new owner should purchase. I know that Lazy Daze puts this in their manual and I found it very helpful.)

Anyway, this post serves as notice to others unaware. And to ask what tools you purchased. I figure to get a good X lug wrench. Tom mentioned "a offset 3/4" box end rachet wrench."� But as far as I can see, and I can't see much in that little hole, I need a tool to insert into a female hex end. Maybe ½"� across or so. Maybe PI changed the mechanism since Tom purchased his trailer way back in 2005. Hey Tom, do you have indoor plumbing in that old thing, or was it an option?

[D and J]

I just use a cresent wrench to lower and raise my spare tire.

Lug nuts are 7/8" (at least this what I have been attaching to my torque wrench )

[rockintom]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bruce and Jenna:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rockintom:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by D and J:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
Plus, I discovered yesterday that they gave me the wrong tool to lower my spare tire. Heck that's worth the trip alone!
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We discovered that we don't have a tool for that either. Must remember to get one when we are in SC at the end of September </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Am I missing something? My "spare tire carrier" tool is a offset 3/4" box end rachet wrench....nothing special. Maybe new models have something different. What's up? rockin' </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The above comes from my recent discussion about bumps on my slide roofs. Not being able to change my tire, I called (very nice) Donna in PI Parts.

For the first time, I learned that PI does not supply the tool to lower the spare tire. Nor do they supply a lug wrench for these 16" tires. (That lug wrench looking tool is a backup device for the stabilizers.)

Which would explain why the manual has no information about changing a tire. (Hey ExcelRVGuy - maybe a simple entry in the manual that the customer should purchase these tools. Otherwise one (me) finds out at the most inconvenient time. I couldn't even tell a tow truck operator in advance what I needed to get the spare tire down. Come to think of it, a page with suggested stuff a new owner should purchase. I know that Lazy Daze puts this in their manual and I found it very helpful.)

Anyway, this post serves as notice to others unaware. And to ask what tools you purchased. I figure to get a good X lug wrench. Tom mentioned "a offset 3/4" box end rachet wrench."� But as far as I can see, and I can't see much in that little hole, I need a tool to insert into a female hex end. Maybe ½"� across or so. Maybe PI changed the mechanism since Tom purchased his trailer way back in 2005. Hey Tom, do you have indoor plumbing in that old thing, or was it an option? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good Lord Bruce...take a breath! Are we venting or ranting? You are fussing about no lug wrench, but it makes me wonder what the heck you've been using to do your torque check on your lugs or do a tire change in the last almost year? I guess I've never seen a fifth wheel that offers a lug wrench. Maybe some do.

You are right buddy my old Journey is over 3 yrs. old. Indoor plumbing, yeah, but just barely! Lots has change since then. Just to clarify, I've put in a pic of the wrench I was describing connected the shaft that lowers and raises the spare tire carrier. Check it out.

Bruce, remember mental illness never takes a holiday! BTW, We love your blog. The other day my lovely bride was reading it and just started cracking up outloud! What a riot! Thanks, Tom

[clspds]

Tom,

Nice pix. Do you try your dog to your spare? By the way the undercarriage is looking a bit dirty. Maybe an inspection on your rig will be in order soon.

Paul

[rockintom]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by clspds:
Tom,

Nice pix. Do you try your dog to your spare? By the way the undercarriage is looking a bit dirty. Maybe an inspection on your rig will be in order soon.

Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Inspection has been done and determined you're right it is dirty. And are you referring to the chains on the spare??? I use them to tie up the drugs when crossing the border. BTW, are you needing more? I've got a special on your favorite. As you know, I give a good senior discount.

Can't wait to see you guys...only a couple of weeks!

Recon' we's again?

[Still Working "NOT"]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by clspds:
Tom,

Nice pix. Do you try your dog to your spare? By the way the undercarriage is looking a bit dirty. Maybe an inspection on your rig will be in order soon.

Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul,

I was thinking the same thing. HOPEFULLY Tom don't forget to bring the dog inside when going done the road. Otherwise they will be making a movie about him, RV II. Don't think I'll go to it!!

[Bruce and Jenna]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rockintom:
Just to clarify, I've put in a pic of the wrench I was describing connected the shaft that lowers and raises the spare tire carrier. Check it out.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tom,
Thanks for the pic, which explains the confusion here (worth a 1,000 words). It looks to me that our spare tire systems are not the same. Ck these pics:





First one is an access hole in the rear bumper. You can see the female hex end. Next pic shows you the rod to the cable mechanism for the spare. The final pic shows you the mechanism that lowers the tire.

Is this the same as yours? In this discussion, I've been asking about a tool for that hex end in the first pic to turn the rod to lower the tire.

[Still Working "NOT"]

Bruce,

Yours is different than earlier models. I would think that a 3/4" socket on a speed wrench should work. I think that is the same size as most hand crank rear jacks are.

I do have to admit that I carry a full set of tools either on the Excel or on my truck. If I use something on a regular basis's I leave it handy to get to.

[clspds]

Bruce,

Will a socket and extension fit?

Paul

[rockintom]

Bruce,
You are correct, your's is different. While the spare tire carrier mechanism is the same. Mine has the shaft pointing to the curbside, your's is obviously pointing to the rear of the unit, where you have an access hole. Nice IF you have the tool to turn it! I couldn't make out the head of it to determine what might fit on it. Mine you have to get under the rig to unwinch (or winch it up). I see what you're talking about now. Thanks for the pix! I can't believe I got a mental health guy dirty climbing under his rig! What a thrill! You have to get dirty if you own a RV!

BTW. If they had known about the afflictions in the olden day, like they do today, I probably would have been diagnosed with ADHD with a minor in OCD. RX = MD 20-20 in adult size servings once or twice a day as needed!!!

No more mention of the lug wrench situation.

[D and J]

Mine points curbside too, and I gotta tell you, I kinda wish mine was set up like Bruce's.

Except I guess I would have to remove my bike rack if I got a flat on the highway.

I guess mine is ok the way it is.


Oh man, am I ever a waffler!!!!

[rockintom]

Obviously we don't use it too often. At least PI did mount it off to the curbside so when you under it on the side of the road....you're away from traffic! I didn't think bout the bike rack deal, but you are right my bike is quite an ordeal to take down (covered). 6 one way - half dozen another. Tom

[ChiefJohn]

Rockin,
I don't think you're ever at a lost for words?