Changing Flat Tire

[Crowman]

Seeking info on proper jack placement to lift flat tire off ground.Dexter states do not lift on the axle. Forest River suggest not placing a jack on the frame as it my bend it.So how does a guy change a tire or better yet what do I tell a tire dealer when they change out all 4 tires ??

Oh this is my first time on the forum.Have been RVing since 2002.Its my first Forest River -- a Cardinal 3350RXL.

thanks

[Moosey1]

If your trailer is new, do not place the jack on the frame as Forest River stated. If they seen an indentation there or something (circular mark from bottle jack for example), they will void your warranty if they looked for it/have the mechanic submit picks.

Since you have double axles, the good tire next to it roll it up on some lego blocks three thick (angle slope on both sides), use your truck jack or bottle jack push up the axel underneath the u-bolt of the bad tire, you will find out it doesn't need to go that high.

As you will get from this site, my way is not the best or is the best. Everyone has an opinion, but this works for me with hardly no effort

[dieselguy]

Boy Howdy, grab some popcorn on this one as it has been cussed and discussed on many a forum. Me and many others for many years have simply placed a jack under the axle in-between the U Bolts and lifted the RV just high enough to get the tire/wheel off … about an inch. Maybe place a jack stand or a pile of wood under the frame for safety. The reason axle manufacturers state not to jack an axle is a blanket CYA statement. Some people just know no better than to place the jack near the middle trying to jack the whole unit up which will damage the axle. I have no answer as to why FR states not to jack the frame as other brands list that procedure along with cribbing as an approved method. I fabbed an adaptor to fit on top of my jack to cradle the axle.

[djousma]

If your Cardinal has the Lippert Level-up hydraulic legs, then just use those to lift the one side off the ground far enough to spin the tire. Just use all the same safety precautions as regular jacking, and do not get under the trailer with out properly blocking the frame.

I've camped on quite a few campsites that were just unlevel enough from side to side that one sides tires were just off the ground.

[babock]

I just use a floor jack(yes, I carry one with me) right where the ubolts attach to the leaf springs. Good luck getting a bottle jack in that same place when your tire is flat...not going to happen.

[270S]

Frame 3" or 4" I or C beams are ok, just not thin 1/8" angle garbage (like tank supports) otherwise you would never be able to use the tongue jack. Just do not "warp" chassis. I almost did just using the corner jacks. Inside door came off!

[TheWolfPaq82]

Haven't had to deal with it yet TG ! but I did make some wood blocks that will go under the frame or the axle where the springs cross.

[txredfish]

I have always just place boards or lego blocks under the good tire and it raises the bad tire off the ground and is safer. Very easy to do. I had a neighbor show me this when I ask if he had jack that would fit under the frame because I was on uneven ground and my jack would not fit. With this method you don't have to worry about the ground or jack fitting.

[ependydad]

I posted the same thing a few years ago. And on my fifth wheel, here’s how I do it.



I just lift the bad tire high enough to be able to put the spare/replacement tire on.

[dieselguy]

Originally Posted by babock

I just use a floor jack(yes, I carry one with me) right where the ubolts attach to the leaf springs. Good luck getting a bottle jack in that same place when your tire is flat...not going to happen.

I guess I have a specially dimensioned jack … used the pictured jack/saddle a couple of times over the years to successfully change a flat. I always forget about the Level Up that is fairly common on larger fivers … it's pretty handy to lift a tire off the ground as well.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by djousma

If your Cardinal has the Lippert Level-up hydraulic legs, then just use those to lift the one side off the ground far enough to spin the tire. Just use all the same safety precautions as regular jacking, and do not get under the trailer with out properly blocking the frame.

I've camped on quite a few campsites that were just unlevel enough from side to side that one sides tires were just off the ground.

X2 I also have one of these heavy duty blocks.

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T...=312128189269&

[Crowman]

Wow they don't make it easy on an RVer,Appreciate the responses and ideas.Both Dexter and Forest River were really firm on no lifting on frame or axle.Maybe I should take my Cardinal to Forest River let them change the four tires to Goodyears !!

Your response had a lot of good ideas for me to think about ---- thanks

[Fishtexx]

Trailer-Aid ramp is the best option IMO if your rig is a tandom.
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T.../dp/B001V8UKBY

[babock]

Originally Posted by dieselguy

I guess I have a specially dimensioned jack … used the pictured jack/saddle a couple of times over the years to successfully change a flat. I always forget about the Level Up that is fairly common on larger fivers … it's pretty handy to lift a tire off the ground as well.

What is the height of your jack? If you have a 15" wheel and the tire is flat to the rim, you have 7.5" minus the amount the axle sits below the center of the axle. Minimum height for an 8 or 12 ton bottle jack from Harbor freight is a hair above 8"...definitely won't fit.


BTW, I had a bottle jack when I had a flat years ago with my tandem boat trailer with 15" wheels. Had to find a bunch of wood and get it up with around 3 different steps while adding wood pieces under the rim until I finally had enough room to get the jack under the axle. That was the last time I carried a bottle jack with me.


Everyone should try changing a flat....a real tire without air in their driveway to try out any method they plan on doing out on the road. Along with my floor jack, I carry heavy duty jack stands.

[bigdaddy1]

rracer gave give advice with trailer aid..use it only once but it does work. Plus, the level-up system will do the trick.

[chaps2018]

My chaparral manual says to jack near the spring hangers on the frame.

I use a trailer aid. That gets it 90% there then just a bit more from a jack to get it off the ground. I stack lynx blocks to get the jack high enough.

Got an http://Andersen Manufacturing 3620 R..._ud.pCbPAPKSP7for Christmas. Not exactly anxious to try it bit it seems like it might be easier to use than the trailer aid.

[18CrewDually]

Bottle jack under the leaf spring u-bolt tie plate if the trailer isn't equipped with a leveling jacking system.

[babock]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

Bottle jack under the leaf spring u-bolt tie plate if the trailer isn't equipped with a leveling jacking system.

Will it fit under there if that tire is completely flat?

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by babock

Will it fit under there if that tire is completely flat?

Yup. Though I don't use a bottle jack anymore since I put my own jacking system on. I fabbed two of these and mounted them to the I-beam frame just behind the rear axle. Those jacks plus the front hydraulic landing gear puts all the tires off of the ground.

[babock]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

Yup.

The reason I asked was it looks like your sidewall height looks like its more than the height above the bottle jack body.