Nothing ruins a road trip faster than a flat tire. The thought of changing a tire on an RV can be intimidating, but it’s really not much different from changing a tire on a car. Just like any other emergency, the key is to be prepared before a crisis strikes. But don’t worry, you can handle it step by step. So, let’s dive in and learn how to change a tire on a travel trailer.
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Find a Secure Place to Pull Over
When you notice a tire going flat, don’t be tempted to ride it out to the next stop. Sometimes, what appears to be a slow leak can quickly turn into a full-on flat tire. Plus, driving on a flat can cause structural damage to your wheels. It’s best to pull over at the first secure place you find. Look for a flat area with enough space for you to pull all the way off the road. Avoid stopping on an incline or decline, as gravity is not your friend in this situation. Also, make sure the ground is steady and avoid mud or rocks that could shift under your jack. Lastly, always set out appropriate markers like cones or flares to let other drivers know you’re servicing your vehicle, ensuring everyone’s safety.
Loosen the Nuts on Your Flat Tire
Before you put your ramp jack in place, give your lug nuts a quarter turn to loosen them. This will make it easier to remove them once the tire is off the ground. Over time, lug nuts can become difficult to turn due to driving or professional servicing. So, it’s a good idea to loosen them while the wheels are still on the ground. You want your tire to be securely attached, but a little extra elbow grease can go a long way.
Pull Onto a Ramp Jack
Now it’s time to place your ramp jack behind a nearby wheel on the same side as the flat tire. Drive your travel trailer onto the ramp jack to lift the flat tire off the ground, making it easier to remove. Note that if your RV has independent suspension, you may need a higher ramp jack than you think. It’s always a good idea to have a standard jack on board as a backup or for additional support, just in case. Make sure to engage your parking brake once your travel trailer is in position.
Secure Your RV With Tire Chocks
To ensure your RV doesn’t roll inadvertently while you’re changing the flat tire, place tire chocks on the opposite side of your vehicle from the flat tire. This simple step will prevent any movement and help keep you safe. Remember, an RV that rolls or shifts can cause serious injuries or worse.
Remove Lug Nuts and Old Tire
With your vehicle on the ramp jack and the chocks securely in place, remove all the lug nuts from the flat tire. Keep the nuts somewhere secure, like a baggie, pocket, or even a hat, to prevent them from rolling away or getting lost. Once the nuts are off, carefully remove the flat tire and set it aside for now.
Replace With Your Spare
Now it’s time to retrieve your spare tire and place it on the wheel where the flat tire was. Store the flat tire where you got the spare to save space. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them securely. Give them an extra little tug to make sure they’re snug.
Remove Chocks and Drive Off Ramp Jack
With your spare tire securely in place, remove the tire chocks from the opposite side of your RV. If you used a secondary jack alongside the ramp jack, remove that as well. Start your engine, release the parking brake, and slowly drive off the ramp jack. If you have someone with you, they can grab the ramp jack, or you can engage the parking brake again and retrieve it yourself before driving off.
Changing a tire on a travel trailer is not as complicated as it may seem. With a little preparation and following these steps, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared before a crisis occurs. Stay safe and enjoy your road trips!
