Spare tires?

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by BCam

Since reading this thread, I did a little research on the plugging kits and pretty much have determined that they're really not an option for Class A tires. Most of the kits I saw online were specifically noted as not for Class A tires. In a couple of references it was even mentioned that using one could make a proper repair impossible.

That's correct. A bad plug job will ruin the tire.

Without sealing the leak from inside, the air will migrate out thru the plys and cords.

If not sealed properly from the outside, water can be hydraulicly pumped into the cords and plys.

[ThePowells]

My solution on the E-450 chassis..


http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...0&d=1528089213


An ATV winch to lower and lift the tire.

[Mr.Goodbar]

Sprinter chassis's come with a spare mounted under the rear end, a bottle jack and tools. Recently, we had a outside right rear tire go while en-route from Hudson to N. Ft. Myers, FL. Didn't know until we pulled into CG. Called Good Sam for service, and they just asked that the spare be out and available when the serviceman came the next morning. I'm 68 and had no trouble getting the hinged cradle lowered, using the MB provided bottle jack, and to slide the spare out. After going to a local tire shop and getting new tire mounted, I had to get the new spare raised back up into place. Lifting was a little harder, but at least I was flat on my back and had the jack to help. MB designed the cradle system so you only have to get it raised up to where some hooks engage, the wing nuts are used to raise it the rest of the way. After all was done, I got thinking if the I had a heavier duty bottle jack and an impact wrench, I probably could've changed it myself. Nah, I'll let GS do it, it was worth the annual cost.

[Phil G.]

Originally Posted by Mr.Goodbar

Sprinter chassis's come with a spare mounted under the rear end, a bottle jack and tools. Recently, we had a outside right rear tire go while en-route from Hudson to N. Ft. Myers, FL. Didn't know until we pulled into CG. Called Good Sam for service, and they just asked that the spare be out and available when the serviceman came the next morning. I'm 68 and had no trouble getting the hinged cradle lowered, using the MB provided bottle jack, and to slide the spare out. After going to a local tire shop and getting new tire mounted, I had to get the new spare raised back up into place. Lifting was a little harder, but at least I was flat on my back and had the jack to help. MB designed the cradle system so you only have to get it raised up to where some hooks engage, the wing nuts are used to raise it the rest of the way. After all was done, I got thinking if the I had a heavier duty bottle jack and an impact wrench, I probably could've changed it myself. Nah, I'll let GS do it, it was worth the annual cost.

As an interesting side note, my 2005 Itasca Class C - based on a Ford E450 chassis - seems to have about the same spare tire arrangement.

It's mounted in the rear up between the frame rails to the rear of the gas tank. It's held in place by a frame that is hinged on one side and that holds the spare tire up in place by supporting the tire from the bottom. The side of the frame opposite it's hinge is held up and in place by a wing nut with large ears.

I can let the tire up and down by using my muscle or the 12 ton hydraulic jack I carry along to raise and lower the side of the tire-holding frame opposite it's hinge.

What I have on my E450 may be about the same arrangement as what the Sprinter chassis has.

[Ron Dittmer]

Our rig stores the spare in the rear up high as shown.


I have handled the front tires when replacing the front shocks, 60 years old at the time and had no trouble man-handling the tires.

I have never used the spare but appreciate the peace of mind in having one.

Even if you can't change a tire yourself, there is often a good Samaritan around to ask for help, whether he does it for you, or the two of you together handle the tire.

I could not imagine driving to Alaska without a spare tire.

[JONWisconsin]

Mine came with one. I would not go any place without it.

[THenne1713]

My 99 Conquest C has hinged triangle rack under rear; my problem was getting tire up onto the rack, and then raising rack; I had to use ratchet straps and lots of trouble, but occurs that my spare scissors jacks might help greatly getting rack up while getting retaining nut installed?

Originally Posted by Phil G.

As an interesting side note, my 2005 Itasca Class C - based on a Ford E450 chassis - seems to have about the same spare tire arrangement.

It's mounted in the rear up between the frame rails to the rear of the gas tank. It's held in place by a frame that is hinged on one side and that holds the spare tire up in place by supporting the tire from the bottom. The side of the frame opposite it's hinge is held up and in place by a wing nut with large ears.

I can let the tire up and down by using my muscle or the 12 ton hydraulic jack I carry along to raise and lower the side of the tire-holding frame opposite it's hinge.

What I have on my E450 may be about the same arrangement as what the Sprinter chassis has.

[THenne1713]

Do you have a rack or place to store a spare?

[tbillet]

Originally Posted by twinboat

That's correct. A bad plug job will ruin the tire.

Without sealing the leak from inside, the air will migrate out thru the plys and cords.

If not sealed properly from the outside, water can be hydraulicly pumped into the cords and plys.

I’ve used a vulcanizing plug kit dozens of times on different cars, light trucks (F250 & Ram 2500), Jeeps (Wrangler & Grand Cherokee), & various atv’s/utv’s.

Never had leaks or other issues. Tires wear out before a plug has ever become a problem.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by tbillet

I’ve used a vulcanizing plug kit dozens of times on different cars, light trucks (F250 & Ram 2500), Jeeps (Wrangler & Grand Cherokee), & various atv’s/utv’s.

Never had leaks or other issues. Tires wear out before a plug has ever become a problem.

Good, so have I, but not on a heavy loaded MH, cruising down the highway on expensive tires.

I've plugged 6 ft tall, wheel loader tires the same way. If we missed the direction of the hole, they would bleed air out of tiny hole in the sidewalls. That's when we would break it down and patch it inside.

[tbillet]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Good, so have I, but not on a heavy loaded MH, cruising down the highway on expensive tires.

I've plugged 6 ft tall, wheel loader tires the same way. If we missed the direction of the hole, they would bleed air out of tiny hole in the sidewalls. That's when we would break it down and patch it inside.

Agree...likely not a permanent solution for MH but a good option vs waiting for hours for roadside service, or having to dismount flat & mount a spare for a small puncture.

Gets you where you’re going until there’s time for an internal patch or replacement tire.