Flat tire - What to do when it happens??

[Bandit12]

I bought one of these to use as a block under my tongue jack pad when parked and as a tire jack if I happen to have a flat on the road.

https://andersenhitches.com/Products...apid-jack.aspx

[Jagiven]

First thing to know, campers do not come with a jack or a lug wrench.

My recommendation, is a bottle jack, rated for the at least the full weight of the tt. I Carry a 3/4" breaker bar, that is 18" long. I have three sockets which fit all my cars, trucks and trailers. I store the breaker bar items under the trucks back seat.

I also have some additional items, such as a safety triangles, safety vest, rain gear, a two prong heavy duty flasher, to flash all the marker lights.

Everything but the breaker bar, and sockets are stored in a large plastic ammo can, in a cargo hold.

I have never had to change one of my TT's tires on the side of the road. I have had to use these items on my brother's PU, as he did not have the right items.

I pulled in behind him, I installed the heavy duty flasher across the two pins on that span the 7 pin key. This makes all the marker lights flash, which is a nice visible safety factor.

[bono]

Why "a bottle jack, rated for the at least the full weight of the tt"? Wouldn't 3/4 of the gross tt weight be enough?

[Duke_26]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I installed the heavy duty flasher across the two pins on that span the 7 pin key. This makes all the marker lights flash, which is a nice visible safety factor.

Can you provide some more info on the flasher and how to do this?

[OCBray]

Which ever jack or jack system you use. keep a 2'x2' square of 3/4" plywood to put under it in case you have to change a tire on wet ground or asphalt when its really hot.

I watched a car fall off of the jack as a guy was changing his tire. We were pulling a boat at the time going the opposite direction on the highway when it happened. We got off at the next exit and backed tracked to the car. The jack had sunk into the asphalt while he was loosing the lugs. It didn't help that he had a car full of people at the time that were too scared to get out. He was lucky that the tire was still attached or he could have been crushed. Luckily I had a scrap 2x8 in the truck. It distributed the weight to keep the jack from sinking into the pavement so we could change the tire.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Duke_26

Can you provide some more info on the flasher and how to do this?

http://rvbasics.com/techtips/emergen...er-lights.html

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ed-4696-2.html

See post #6 and #12. Many discourage this just for show but reserve it for an emergency such as if you call 911 to a campground or are stuck on the side of the road.

The old "Cry Wolf" story.

[nynethead]

I carry a floor jack, T lug wrench and a 4 foot pipe for leverage. Much better than truck jack

[Grey Ghost]

Best thing and easiest thing to do....Call AAA or GoodSam or any of the many companies that offer RV insurance.

[HJ Rosch]

I’m with “norty” all I need is my phone and Good Sam or FMCA or ? Roadside Assistance on speed dial. Not trying to be a smart Alec but my wife and I have discussed this quite a bit and I don’t want to be squatting on the side of a freeway changing the inside rear tire. I also don’t carry a spare.

[JPKendall]

I want everything that I think I need for a large 5th wheel
1) a large bottle jack at least 12 ton, I have 2 heavy jacks.
2) small piece of 2x4 to go between the jack and the frame.
3) 3 6x6x16" to mount the jack on, I want that jack to be very solid.
4) RIDGID impact driver with 5 amp battery.
5) backup strong arm with pipe extension and socket extension
6) torque wench set for 100lbs torque
7) wooden chocks, not plastic
8) a good spare that is equal to or better than the tires that are on the RV
9) a reflective fold up triangle
10) a bright flash light.

That pretty makes up what I have. The last time I changed a blown tire, this made it very easy and safe to change the tire.

Great question!

[JesseS]

As my RV didn't come with a spare, or a jack, I carry a high end tubeless tire repair kit (plug kit) and a high volume air compressor, this fixes most flats, unless it's a blow out of course. I will then have the tire professionally repaired or replaced as needed. I do have Good Sam Roadside but sometime find the wait time excessive. The one flat I had I plugged, drove on into the RV Park (we were close) and called GS, they had a repair truck out first thing in the morning as I told them no hurry, replaced the tire (I get one free tire a year) and done. The best is to avoid flats by purchasing quality tires, changing out any tire that is 5 years old or better, and run the correct air pressure, I have only had one flat in 12 years of RV'ing, and that was a nail.

[Dave A]

Originally Posted by rockaw

OK Murff, you got me beat, I was going to suggest have the wife change it.

How do you find a transvestite on short notice??? Can you Google for one?

[Dgibbster]

We just got a new tire and rim for our new motorhome before our first long trip, just need to mount and balance. Later willbeed to fabricate winch mount under rear. And we have road side assistance that will change a flat for us. 😁

[Dgibbster]

We also have a 12 ton bottle jack and tools with us if we need to change it, hope that never happens 😳

[bleckb]

As a newbie, this is a good thread. Thanks all.

[Hattie]

Anderson Rapid Jack is a great thing to have for changing tires. We also are fans of the Anderson Levelers in conjunction with our LevelMatePro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLW6Pvm0mV4

[JaycoBud]

I use a cell phone. It's small and easy to use to get the job safely. ; - }

[RetiredLEO]

By all means get AND wear a safety vest anytime you are out roadside.
My Son graduated from the Missouri State Hwy Patrol Academy about twelve years ago. That year alone they lost five Troopers hit and killed while they were out of their cars.
When I use to do traffic stops most of the time I would go to the passenger side. Kept out of traffic and could watch a driver's right hand.

[JesseS]

Originally Posted by RetiredLEO

By all means get AND wear a safety vest anytime you are out roadside.
My Son graduated from the Missouri State Hwy Patrol Academy about twelve years ago. That year alone they lost five Troopers hit and killed while they were out of their cars.
When I use to do traffic stops most of the time I would go to the passenger side. Kept out of traffic and could watch a driver's right hand.

I keep a safety vest in my tool box, and use it if I am on the side of the road. When I did traffic I always approached the passengers side, for that reason. Traffic stops on a lonely road is a high stress moment for an Officer, if stopped please roll down your front windows, turn on the dome light, and keep both hands on the wheel, you will be surprised at how much this helps, both you and the Officer.

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by JesseS

...if stopped please roll down your front windows, turn on the dome light, and keep both hands on the wheel, you will be surprised at how much this helps, both you and the Officer.

Amen!