Carry the right equipment

[DaveK98]

I didn't know you could in an emergency pull the trailer missing a wheel on one side?

 

[CUMMINZ]

Back home now!

I appreciate you guys comments. Sometimes there are fellers out there that just don't think or have not thought a lot about what may happen while they are on the road.

Just so happen, the guy was driving a Ford. His trailer tires looked to be in good shape but the blown tire looked like the back of Pres. Kennedy's head.

I really had no business stopping and straining myself like that. I had open heart surgery last year and had my gall bladder out 2 weeks ago. But the little voice inside wanted me to stop.



CUMMINZ

 

[Dual EE]

If you have a flat on the freeway, (if it's possible) drive to a off ramp to change the tire. More then likely the tire is garbage and steel rims are cheap. A few years ago we lost a tow truck operator who was hit by a impaired driver while changing a flat tire on the side of the road. This happened only a short distance from a off ramp.

 

[kelly4463]

CUMMINZ-we need more people like you in this world if it was me i would have done the same thing just good hearted

 

[Grizzly]

I didn't know you could in an emergency pull the trailer missing a wheel on one side?

You can do it by blocking the swivel springs support between the wheels with a piece of 2x4 and a couple of nails. I would have to rethink the procedure again, it's been 11 years since I did that. Maybe someone here has had more recent experience with this procedure.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Jacking axle

Interesting ideas on what to do and not to do when you are jacking an RV to change a tire.



A few ideas.



If you place your jack on the frame anywhere, you have to lift the frame the full length of the spring travel plus the height that the tire is deflated. This could be 12 inches or more.



I think you should place your jack under the lower spring plate that the "U" bolts are attached. This will not do any damage to the axle. The problem with this is you have to have a low profile jack. Even with a low profile jack you might have a very small clearance due to the tire being deflated.



What I did was to place the old gentleman's jack under the spring as close to the plate as I could and raise the axle till I could get by low profile jack under the plate. The rest was easy. I only had to raise the axle the height of the deflated tire, maybe 6 inches. There is a problem with this also is that if you have large tires there maybe a clearance problem getting them out from under the fender flair.



CUMMINZ

 

[SnoKing]

Calling Onstar, suspect it was a cheby.

Could have been a Jimmy!!!! SNOKING

 

[BGlidewell]

the main point is see made here is a case for having the right equipment and knowledge even if you call for service and have someone else perform it (AND get off the road ASAP).



Unfortunately, my RV came without the tools needed to change a tire although it does have full spare. The lug nuts are 1 5/8 I think. That 4way cost almost $50. Plus the 20T jack and blocks of 4x4 maple to lift by the frame. I also have a lugnut cap puller, charger, torq wrench and a battery operated jumpstarter/compressor/flashlight/flasher and electronic flares and so on.

 

[WyattEarp]

Well the most important thing here that Cumminz did and i have done it many times before and will continue is to stop and help stranded motorists, i don't think anything about it, other than hopefully those good deeds will go in my favor if and when the time comes, but i do it because i want to.

I went and bought a 2. 5 ton jack for the '92 3 days after buying it, will come in handy, just haven't gotten in into the tool box in the bed yet, she is sitting in the passengers side floorboard

 

[RBrunson]

I carry all the tools, Gen, air comp, impact wrench, wood blocks, ect. But the one thing that I didn't count on when I had a blow out in the middle of no where in Nevada was that the dang spare would not fit the wheel. Some where between the factory and the dealer, or someone just swapped out my spare for one that looked just like the ones on the ground, except the bolt hole circle was different. This may be only one in a thousand incident but if you have your tires off for some brake maintenance, I would check to make sure that you have a spare that fits.

 

[CPittman]

CUMMINZ mentioned it, but all you guys that have bottle jacks, double check right now that your bottle jack will fit under the axle with a blown tire. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[Bob Cochran]

All above have excellent input and I have ERS from Good Sam too. Air compressor, Generator to run it, jacks, wood, etc. I used to stop more than I do now an never with my wife. I had a friend stop on the way to work for 2 guys and an young boy maybe 8 yo on the side of the road. They beat the heck out of him taking his wallet, etc. It could have been worse and with a little kid there to; what an example!!!! I still try and stop if I can, but I really have to think about it now where before I just did all the time. I am proud of you CUMMINZ we all should do a better job maybe the world would be better including me. The last time I stopped it was a lady with 2 small kids here in Ariz. about 110 degrees her husband and left to get help I left her with my one gallon jug of water and recommendations to keep in the shade. I wached for her husband and found him hitch hiking and gave him a ride to a garage so he coudl get help. These even with my wife I just could not help myself. Here water is almost worth more than a jack. Anyways Merry Christmas to all you.

 

[RBrunson]

CPittman, good advice, lucky that I also had a camp shoval to dig some rock and sand out from under the axel for my bottle jack.

 

[Grizzly]

I little word of "CAUTION" for those that may not know this. Always keep your bottle jack stored in your truck or RV in the upright position. If you keep it horizontal, it will in time leak hydraulic fluid and when you go to use, it may not work.

 

[corprimo]

I use a couple of 12 inch long 4X6's with a 45 degree bevel cut on one end. Normally, they go between the ground and the landing gear when parked, but with a flat, I put a piece of 2 X6 on top of one 4 X 6's in front of the non flat tire, and pull the rig up on it. Flat tire is now high and dry - no jacking required. I also carry an $80 electric impact wrench I got from the "Depot" which I can plug into our 1000 watt Honda generator to remove those pesky lug nuts.

 

[Boomer II]

His trailer tires looked to be in good shape but the blown tire looked like the back of Pres. Kennedy's head. CUMMINZ

Now there's a visual I could have done without.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I looked today and my Keystone Everest the axles are under the springs. Came that way new has not been flipped. I have to use a lot of lumber to crib high enough to reach the frame. Be careful when doing this as if it slids off wow the damage both to trailer and possibly to yourself is great. As stated best to get off highway and on the flatest and firmest ground possible.

 

[CRuth]

Wtg good samaritan. But yes, carry the equipment. Don't have a 5'er myself (just a camper) but I see them and myself I like out of the way areas. ERS isn't going to help you if theres no cell phone coverage. I've been on paved roads where it would be hours if not days before someone came by, and can I even count on them stopping?

 

[tractorseller]

I put a piece of 2 X6 on top of one 4 X 6's in front of the non flat tire, and pull the rig up on it. Flat tire is now high and dry - no jacking required.

Right on. I've done this before. Just remember to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire a little before you pull up on the wood. They make a special little ramp for tandem axle trailers (you pull the good tire up on it and it lifts the bad tire up so you can change it). Can't remember what they're called, but they work.

 

[jwduke]

I carry one of those cheapie 2T floor jacks from Sears ($9. 95) around Christmas time. Works great & fast!