Changing TT tire

[p8md]

We bought a used “starter” trailer (18’ Sunrise by Cobra) for our family for really cheap. I know the tires need to be replaced. I’m handy and have removed numerous car tires before, but where do you place the jack on a camper to remove the wheels? I can’t find any owners manual for the camper.

Also, the camper didn’t come with any jacks. What does everyone carry for a road-side emergency (besides the phone number for road-side assistance)?

[DriVer]

Originally Posted by p8md

We bought a used “starter” trailer (18’ Sunrise by Cobra) for our family for really cheap. I know the tires need to be replaced. I’m handy and have removed numerous car tires before, but where do you place the jack on a camper to remove the wheels?

p8md, You are going to need a bottle jack of some 5 tons in capacity. Not because the trailer weighs 5 tons but becuase it a bit bigger and more stable on the ground.

The jack should go directly under the axle in the vicinity of the spring U bolts that attaches to the leaf spring saddle.

Also, the camper didn’t come with any jacks. What does everyone carry for a road-side emergency ...

I have a set of triangle warning reflectors, a number of flashlights and tools adequate enough to change a tire, 4 way lug wrenches are good and a pry bar. A CB Radio may help you but a cell phone is better!

[SuperGewl]

The other option is to go to your local RV store and buy one of those lifty trailer jacks that serves 2 purposes. The neat thing is that yo only have to drive one of the tandem wheels on the same side of the trailer up on it. That will lift the flat tire off the ground. Now if yo only have a single axle then you will need that bottle jack and some wood or go for one of those fancy axle jacks from your RV store.

[Roy W.]

Make sure the bottle jack will fit under the axle or spring pad when the tire is FLAT. Don't ask me how I know.

[RustyJC]

Never jack the trailer directly on the axle. Be sure you place the jack under the spring pad, which is designed to handle the weight transferred to the axle.

In addition to the bottle jack, I carry one of the ramps mentioned earlier as well. It's much quicker and safer to use on the side of the Interstate.

Rusty

[RVhauler]

Have found that on some trailers running the other tandem tire up on a ramp doesn't always allow enough lift to change flat tire. Depends on the suspension. As for ramp/wheel chock/leveling block/etc, I use a 4 X 4 X 12 inch block of wood with ends cut to 45 degree. Works well for many uses/cheap to make if you have a senior moment and leave it for the next camp site occupant