Spare Tire Removal

[MikeRP]

Has any of you had to remove the spare tire to change a flat?

I crawled under the Coach this morning and it has chains and a nut holding the tire on right in the middle.

Looks like one would get crushed taking it off. Any suggestions?

Also what do you need to remove the nuts from the rear duals? What size socket do you need and do you need extensions?

[ATVer]

My 3120 has 7/8" lug nuts. I bought a "new takeout" jack assembly, jack handle, lug wrench, and instructions for the E450. I'm not sure but I believe Ford supplies or used to provide them with the chassis. The instructions say how to use the jack on an E450 and since the only E450 Ford makes is for Motorhomes, I assume the jack is removed by the RV manufacturer. I was told by one RV manufacturer that they remove them because they don't want owners to change tires on a 14K lb vehicle for safety reasons. This is probably why you can find "new takeouts" easily online.

Yes removing the spare tire as originally installed is a pain. Pretty much need a floor jack to lower it or unbolt it, lower it to your chest and slide it out. I adapted a spare tire cable winch from a pickup truck so it can be cranked down with my jack handle.
Most people just pay to have a road service contract and just call somebody if they get a flat.

[MikeRP]

I'm being anal on the tire changing. Me changing will be a last resort. But I like to be prepared. I have both AAA and another tire service contract too.

Can you point out on line where you purchased the jack assembly?

[ATVer]

Originally Posted by MikeRP

I'm being anal on the tire changing. Me changing will be a last resort. But I like to be prepared. I have both AAA and another tire service contract too.

Can you point out on line where you purchased the jack assembly?

Just search EBAY under "econoline jack" and you will get a number of them for sale.

[bclemens]

Jacks do not come with the motorhome prep package on Ford's, we don't take them out. It also doesn't come with a spare or a lug wrench, we have to add those in.

[ATVer]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Jacks do not come with the motorhome prep package on Ford's, we don't take them out. It also doesn't come with a spare or a lug wrench, we have to add those in.

Not to argue and it doesn't matter now for me but my 2012 built in November 2011 came with a spare but no lug wrench. I asked, the dealer checked and told me FR no longer supplies lug wrenches. Guess that has changed back for 2013.

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by ATVer

Not to argue and it doesn't matter now for me but my 2012 built in November 2011 came with a spare but no lug wrench. I asked, the dealer checked and told me FR no longer supplies lug wrenches. Guess that has changed back for 2013.

Not really a change for 2013. With motorhome prep package Ford deletes the spare. They still sent the lug wrench. We install the spare (which is what I intended to say when I said we provide that). This past year Ford has now decided to stop sending the lug wrench as well.

[ATVer]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Not really a change for 2013. With motorhome prep package Ford deletes the spare. They still sent the lug wrench. We install the spare (which is what I intended to say when I said we provide that). This past year Ford has now decided to stop sending the lug wrench as well.

Okay that helps explain why the spare has white lettering and is a different brand. After seeing that I checked to see if the other tires were just turned around with the white letters on the inside but no luck. With a painted body white lettered tires would really set it off in my opinion.