Preparing for a flat when (not if) it happens

[OhioMark]

Originally Posted by Steve7

The wood blocks can be used for leveling Jack supports also, front Jack blocks, etc. Can never have too much wood...

I found this one on Amazon. Built in stand and wouldn't (or is it Wood Not?) need the lumber..

[Russb]

Originally Posted by Burgy

NorthernTool has 8 ton jacks on sale for 22.99. 17" total height.

All this talk of flat tires has me wanting to buy a jack now.

Check Harbor Freight for prices on jacks. Hard to beat with the 20% off coupons.

[OhioMark]

I checked, not too many retailers carry the combo jacks (jack+stand). Only Wally world and Amazon.

[Steve7]

Originally Posted by OhioMark

I found this one on Amazon. Built in stand and wouldn't (or is it Wood Not?) need the lumber..

Never seen that one before. I like it. Still nice to have another point of contact though in case it slips off.

[travelin texans]

Have you tried that floor jack on the side of the road, you better find some 2x12" to put under it or a shovel to dig it out, from my experience they will work on concrete/ pavement but are NO good in the dirt, 2 1/2 ton probably wouldn't handle the weight or lift high enough if lifting from the frame. I've got 2-22 ton bottle jacks & have always lifted from the axle as close to the wheel as possible, never in the middle of the axle. This rig has the auto level so I can lift all 4 off the ground if necessary & use the bottle jacks to stabilize the axle so I got rid of my rolling lumderyard & added a couple sets of Lynx Levelers, much lighter & take up very little space.

[Labbie]

Originally Posted by Burgy

All this talk of flat tires has me wanting to buy a jack now.

Is that a Jack Danials? (I hope I didn't offend)

I recently had a flat on my 270BH and luckily I have run through the scenario multiple times in my head. I have a 8 ton and 6 ton bottle jacks that I carry with me, also a whole bunch of 2x6 scraps pieces of lumber (soon to be replaced by 4 x6 pieces) that I used to jack the trailer. I used the 8 ton jack to jack as close to the axle and the 6 ton to jack the leaf spring just enough to get the tire off the ground.

Now I am thinking I might have a bent axle which might have helped cause the tire to wear funny (I didn't see the humor of it). I need to figure out how to check that and find a place to do a better check for me.

[OhioMark]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

Have you tried that floor jack on the side of the road, you better find some 2x12" to put under it or a shovel to dig it out, from my experience they will work on concrete/ pavement but are NO good in the dirt, 2 1/2 ton probably wouldn't handle the weight or lift high enough if lifting from the frame. I've got 2-22 ton bottle jacks & have always lifted from the axle as close to the wheel as possible, never in the middle of the axle. This rig has the auto level so I can lift all 4 off the ground if necessary & use the bottle jacks to stabilize the axle so I got rid of my rolling lumderyard & added a couple sets of Lynx Levelers, much lighter & take up very little space.

How is it a floor jack digs it way into the gravel more so than a bottle jack that has a smaller footprint? I've had the misfortune of changing a couple trailer tires and always felt the floor jack to be more stable over the bottle with wood stints..maybe i was just not doin it right..

Of course I'd rather have the Jack in the bottle, which you ultimately end up on the floor

[travelin texans]

The floor jack has to roll while lifting to keep itself centered under the weight, the bottle jacks doesn't, yes they both sink, but the floor jack digs in. By all means you use what you want as will I, but just passing on what I've learned from my experience.

[OhioMark]

Ah! Now I understand what you mean. You're right. That floor Jack will just dig a hole. I think I'll pull the trigger on the combo jack stand/bottle jack.

[Papa-T]

Originally Posted by OhioMark

Papa-T,

This is a great option for me since I could keep it under the seat in the the TV. How heavy is your 5er?

Dry weight is 7804. But remember your jacking up one tire not the whole camper.

[Papa-T]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

The floor jack has to roll while lifting to keep itself centered under the weight, the bottle jacks doesn't, yes they both sink, but the floor jack digs in. By all means you use what you want as will I, but just passing on what I've learned from my experience.

Honestly I have never had a flat on the side of the road in 18 years. Knock on wood. I have uses it as you said on concrete in my garage. Always figured it would spread out the weight better than a bottle jack. But you make a good point with the rolling to keep itself centered. I will ponder that point and you may have a great point. Always never to old to learn or take advice from someone else. Thanks

[mark5w]

Papa-T, now you just jinx yourself. Please post if you ever get a flat on the highway side.

[mark5w]

I like the combo stand/jack. Tractor Supply has it for $39.99

[woodwalker]

I have a 4 ton bottle jack that I would put under the axle at the spring pack if needed. On mine I put down the 6 point leveling and lift all 4 tires off if needed. In fact I did when installing disc brakes. On all the others I have had the little bottle jack works best. I never carry a spare for the truck just call AAA

[Papa-T]

Originally Posted by mark5w

Papa-T, now you just jinx yourself. Please post if you ever get a flat on the highway side.

Damn I was thinking this after I posted. Knock on wood. Spin three times, wave a feather, let a black chicken fly over me in a hen house after dark, X out a black cat, throw salt over my shoulder, find a four leaf clover. Crap I knew I should've kept my mouth shut. LOL

[Papa-T]

Originally Posted by smw57

So I checked and my lugs are 3/4 " I'll need a deep socket to provide clearance for the center of the wheel. Off to harbor freight (again) for that and the breaker bar.

Picked up a 12 ton hydraulic jack today at harbor freight for $30. Taking it back tomorrow to get one that works

Going thru my scrap wood pile to get a 4x4x12, and some 2x6's
Lot of stuff to haul around and hope you never need to use

You might also need an extension with the deep socket. I have to use an extension with mine or I will hit the center cover.

[OhioMark]

Originally Posted by mark5w

I like the combo stand/jack. Tractor Supply has it for $39.99

I am also going to jump on that deal at Tractor Supply. Thanks for posting!

FYI Mark, double check your clearances on your rig. I just realized this jack starts at 11" decompressed.

[2slick]

Originally Posted by Dayle1

If just changing a flat tire, then it is OK to use a bottle jack on the axle tube between the U bolts. But it should have a curved face or a block of wood added to distribute the weight.

The problem with jacking at the frame is that you must raise the trailer too high to get the tire off the ground. On the side of the road with unlevel ground this creates other risks.

I've seen tire shops lift the trailer by jacking on the axle tube, but as close to the spring pack as possible. With 5200 lb axle tubes over 12 yrs I've never had a bent axle or tire wear issues.

I've never had problems using an 8 ton bottle jack either.

My other advise, always check tire pressure in the spare before hitting the road, a spare with almost no air pressure in it is worthless.

That's the way I do it too. No way I'm gonna lift the whole side of the RV to change one tire. I've never understood the manufacturers position on this.

[OhioMark]

Originally Posted by mark5w

I like the combo stand/jack. Tractor Supply has it for $39.99

Update,

I just measured my trailer axle height. It is exactly 11" and the manufacturer nor the retailers have the exact lowered height. More to come.

Concern is this jack starts too high to fit under the axle..

[harley]

Originally Posted by OhioMark

Update,

I just measured my trailer axle height. It is exactly 11" and the manufacturer nor the retailers have the exact lowered height. More to come.

Concern is this jack starts too high to fit under the axle..

Remember that is 11" with air in the tire,will be less when it is flat. Simply put some blocks under the tires (even the flat)on the flat side to raise over 11"