Preparing for the inevitable

[mccormj45]

We are about to leave on a 30+ day trip in our new chaparral 29bhs 5th wheel. At some point, either on this trip or another, I'm certain I will need to change a tire. Any suggestions on what type of jack I should purchase and the appropriate jack point on the chaparrals (I haven't called coachman yet)?

Thanks

[Ford Idaho]

Buy a Rapid Jack or something like it, no jack points to worry about.

https://www.google.com/#q=+Rapid+Jack+

[OldCoot]

Why not just replace the tires with a major brand LR D before you go and buy the Anderson Rapid Jack also? OEM tires might cause you some camper damage.

[67cudafb]

Rapid jack good idea but I also carry 20 ton bottle jack in case a little more height is needed. If you have china bombs replace them. We had $6000.00 damage from 2 blow outs.

[vinmaker]

These "china bomb" stories are so scary.

Vin.

[Zolin]

I call them Trail Exploders, not Trail Express.

[Zolin]

Weigh your new rig carefully, balance your load, keep your speed 62 mph or under, tires inflated to max or in compliance with your known load, a spare fully pressured and pray. Check those tires at every stop for heat or deformity. Don't want to discourage you but many if not most factory tires are known junk and can give at any moment. They usually don't have margin for temporary "stress conditions". You may be okay if brand new but there are plenty of premature tire failures occurring on factory tires, then again?????. I would not personally risk a 30 day trip knowing what I have been through and still following all the guidelines above. If you are concerned get a TPMS to help you monitor. The flat tire is not the bigger issue....it's the collateral damage potential that stinks. Upgraded premium tires are your best insurance! Wish I could take a 30 day trip. Have a blast and enjoy that new rig!

[mccormj45]

Thanks for the responses. I purchased the tire traker tpms and going to order a rapid jack tonight. Looks like I'm going to replace the tires as well. I've heard nothing but horror stories regarding the factory tires.

[Zolin]

Sure regret the extra expense, seems unfair to us purchasers of new vehicles. I share your concern and frustration.....I did not even get through first 2 k miles without my first tire problem. 700 of that was the unloaded drive home after purchase. Geez. I can say, however, FR did send me two more Trail Exploders to replace the defective ones. I decided after further thought to replace all 4 with a better quality and thicker sidewall About to pull the trigger when it gets out of the dealer for warranty work. Have fun! Best wishes on your trip. Btw I just picked up a 6 sensor system by TST for 153.99. I called TST Monday and they matched RV Wholesalers price plus programmed and extended the warranty to six years. They will compete against their own vendors prices. I saw the four sensor system for 229. Arrived yesterday. Fantastic company and product

CP in AL

[Zolin]

Oops. I meant 3 years on the warranty for that TPMS

[Jim in Halifax]

Do you really need a jack????? Just drive the good tire up on some boards after you loosen the wheel nuts on the flat tire rim,,,,J

[bpadamson]

It would seem if you drive up on one tire, you just doubled the weight on the good tire. Is that an issue?

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by bpadamson

It would seem if you drive up on one tire, you just doubled the weight on the good tire. Is that an issue?

For the short duration that it is going to be on one tire on one side it should not be a problem.
The Rapid Jack is wide enough to support the width of a tire.

[The_Rhino]

For the short duration that it is going to be on one tire on one side it should not be a problem

I agree... There's a lot more force placed onto a single tire/axle when you hit a pothole at 35mph+ or cut a corner too short & roll over a curb at 5-10mph, etc.

That said, my 6,500 lb. (empty) Tracer uses the same axles, rims, tires, etc. as the heavier 7,500+ (empty) Lacrosse and therefore both designs have the same GVW. This is true for other designs as well - some don't give you as much wiggle-room before you are at your TT's GVW...

[Jim in Halifax]

Originally Posted by Jim in Halifax

Do you really need a jack????? Just drive the good tire up on some boards after you loosen the wheel nuts on the flat tire rim,,,,J

I have don this bfore,,,,NO PROBS!!!!! Jim

[cadman99]

I carry a couple of stacked 2" x 8" about 12" long. Very fast and easy to drive the good tire onto these blocks and get the flat tire off the ground. Also no worry about falling off a jack. With my trailer with springs to took the 2 2" X 8" but on my new torsion axle trailer it can be done with one 2" x 8" and a 1" x 8".

If you don't screw the boards together they can also be used for leveling. Just make sure one is short enough to fit between the two wheels.

[richard rv]

Just my thoughts. Get a Good sam roadside assistance policy. works every where. I'm disabled and this is a life saver. There are other programs you can look in to. Just my opinion 😊

[mccormj45]

Thanks for the responses. I'm taking my 5er in for new tires next week. Now trying to decide on the best tire. The guy at the tire store was trying to sell me Cooper Super Cargo but I can't find anything on Cooper's site about this tire. Keep hearing Goodyear marathon are a good option. Any suggestions/recommendations. Currently have ST235/80R16.

Thanks

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by mccormj45

Thanks for the responses. I'm taking my 5er in for new tires next week. Now trying to decide on the best tire. The guy at the tire store was trying to sell me Cooper Super Cargo but I can't find anything on Cooper's site about this tire. Keep hearing Goodyear marathon are a good option. Any suggestions/recommendations. Currently have ST235/80R16.

Thanks

Not if, but when you have a flat, you want to be able to replace that tire with comparable ones on your unit. Coopers are very good tires, but I think that Marathons have a better availability.