newbee questions about A-frame camper

[ruggb]

So, I finally bought a 2018 Rockwood A213 A-frame. Now I have questions.

RE. 14" tires
1. What do I need for a jack to change a flat and where do I position it?
2. What would be the "normal" PSI for the tire with 65PSI Max?
Tire says "max single load 2040# @ 65PSI cold"
Axle weight = 2296#
Cargo capacity = 702#

RE, a WDH
1. Do I need a sway bar?
2. I read someplace that I must I disconnect WDH to back up. Is that true?

RE, Battery
1. Do I need a battery isolator?

Thanks

[code2e]

Originally Posted by ruggb

So, I finally bought a 2018 Rockwood A213 A-frame. Now I have questions.

RE. 14" tires
1. What do I need for a jack to change a flat and where do I position it?
2. What would be the "normal" PSI for the tire with 65PSI Max?
Tire says "max single load 2040# @ 65PSI cold"
Axle weight = 2296#
Cargo capacity = 702#

I would recommend a small trolley jack. Harbor Freight has them. Your trailer has torsion axle suspension. It is not recommended to jack on the axle itself. Better to jack on the frame just ahead or behind the axle. Be sure to keep trailer hitched so it can't roll. Loosen lugnuts before jacking and save final tightening till back down. Try this once at home so your first time won't be on the side of the freeway.

There is a label with recommended tire pressures on your trailer. Usually on the road side front or the trailer tongue.

[Sealyn]

On a trailer tire pressure should be at max sidewall rating, in your case 65 psi cold. You only have 1 battery so no need for an isolator, I would unplug from tow vehicle when parked and not disconnecting.

[ruggb]

Originally Posted by Sealyn

On a trailer tire pressure should be at max sidewall rating, in your case 65 psi cold. You only have 1 battery so no need for an isolator, I would unplug from tow vehicle when parked and not disconnecting.

There are actually 2 batteries, the trailer and the vehicle. The isolator allows the split charging of a second battery without discharging the primary battery or the start battery. I guess unplugging when parked would work, but then with Start/Stop "technology" maybe an isolator would be appropriate.

[ruggb]

Originally Posted by code2e

I would recommend a small trolley jack. Harbor Freight has them. Your trailer has torsion axle suspension. It is not recommended to jack on the axle itself. Better to jack on the frame just ahead or behind the axle. Be sure to keep trailer hitched so it can't roll. Loosen lugnuts before jacking and save final tightening till back down. Try this once at home so your first time won't be on the side of the freeway.

There is a label with recommended tire pressures on your trailer. Usually on the road side front or the trailer tongue.

I do have a small trolley jack and a large scissor jack. But, I guess, either will need some boards to prop them up to jack high enough. Clearance to the frame is 13" and the trolley height is 13". I have yet to extend the scissor and measure it.



Yes, I see the label says 50#. They are at 65# and Discount Tire, and the other reply, are telling me to set at max = 65#. That is a big variation. Can't imagine why I am confused.

[code2e]

Originally Posted by ruggb

I do have a small trolley jack and a large scissor jack. But, I guess, either will need some boards to prop them up to jack high enough. Clearance to the frame is 13" and the trolley height is 13". I have yet to extend the scissor and measure it.



Yes, I see the label says 50#. They are at 65# and Discount Tire, and the other reply, are telling me to set at max = 65#. That is a big variation. Can't imagine why I am confused.

If you go with the trolley jack, I would try a 4X4 block between the jack and the trailer frame. See if that lifts high enough. Boards under a wheeled jack can spell trouble. Multiple blocks are also to be avoided

As an alternative, a 12 ton bottle jack is 9 inches retracted and up to 18 inches extended. Only use while hitched so it can't tip.

The 50 psi spec is correct. The 65 psi max inflation is only applicable at maximum weight. Your trailer is well under the tires max. 50 will give you best wear and trailer ride. 65 without the weight, would wear the center of the tread and ride rough.