Tire change w/torsion axles

[Robndon]

I have a Flagstaff 8528 has AlKo rubber torsion axles, says in the manual not to jack on axle. How do I change a flat? Can I driven on to a block with good tire? New to this and have a long trip planned.

[jeff64]

Take a look at Tire Aid Plus

[DaveSchwartz]

I'd recommend a hydraulic bottle jack on the subframe between the tires, maybe with a bit of 4x4 to distribute the point-load of the jack.

I'm not a fan of the idea of running just one tire up a ramp and leaving one hanging in the air - that's going to put double the load on the one spindle than it was designed for (and with a torsion axle, double the compressive load on the rubber cords).

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by DaveSchwartz

I'd recommend a hydraulic bottle jack on the subframe between the tires, maybe with a bit of 4x4 to distribute the point-load of the jack.

I'm not a fan of the idea of running just one tire up a ramp and leaving one hanging in the air - that's going to put double the load on the one spindle than it was designed for (and with a torsion axle, double the compressive load on the rubber cords).

Ditto; a bottle jack fits just fine between the tires. Just use enough jack for more than 1/2 the max weight of the camper.
IE I use a 6 ton bottle for our 9,000 pound camper.

[DaveSchwartz]

I had a 2-ton scissor jack that I bought for a TT (after I had a flat where a good Samaritan had to bring out a floor jack from his house) but never used it again. Just upgraded to an 8-ton bottle jack on sale... could lift the whole trailer with ease with that (not that I'm ever going to do so). Only had a choice between a 4 and 8 so went with the 8.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by DaveSchwartz

I'd recommend a hydraulic bottle jack on the subframe between the tires, maybe with a bit of 4x4 to distribute the point-load of the jack.

I'm not a fan of the idea of running just one tire up a ramp and leaving one hanging in the air - that's going to put double the load on the one spindle than it was designed for (and with a torsion axle, double the compressive load on the rubber cords).

Well said.^^ A bottle jack is the correct tool, not a ramp.

[satdog01]

I use a 10 ton bottle jack I caught on sale under the sub frame on my Flagstaff. The larger capacity meant longer upward lift capacity, so both wheels can be lifted at on time. Rotate tires, front to rear, rear to front every 5 k miles or on bearing repack. Use extra chocking on opposite side during this process. Should I need emergency lift, use the 4x6 pt blocks I use under the stab jacks at cig setup. Share same concern of pulling one up on one tire and exposing one axle to extra weight. Happy camping.

[fonzie]

See post #2

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...taff-1636.html

[aceinspp]

Seeing how I carry a 2 2x8 boards for leveling they also server to use for changing a flat tire. Have done this for years with all my torsion beam axles. Never an issues and I never worry about the trailer falling from jack if using along side of high way where 18 wheelers wiz by and lots of wind. Later RJD

[frozen]

If we're afraid to raise one tire off the ground by running the other one onto a ramp, we're overlooking the fact that hitting bumps and dips on the highway repeatedly transfers the load from one to the other. Dips will greatly increase the load on the suspension. And accidentally pulling over a curb will probably lift the rear wheel off the ground too. If these things can't stand being raised onto a ramp, we'd see lots more suspension failures along the road.