Jack for trailer/spare tire suggestions

[jrussjr]

I am a newbie to camping, I am enjoying learning so much!

I bought my trailer without a spare and any kind of jack. The towing vehicle I have is a 1980 GMC Suburban with original jack; unfortunately, that jack doesn't work properly. What would be a good jack to get for both the Sovereign and Suburban?
Also, what advice can I get as to how/where to acquire a spare tire for the Sovereign as well as where to store it?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jrussjr

I am a newbie to camping, I am enjoying learning so much!

I bought my trailer without a spare and any kind of jack. The towing vehicle I have is a 1980 GMC Suburban with original jack; unfortunately, that jack doesn't work properly. What would be a good jack to get for both the Sovereign and Suburban?
Also, what advice can I get as to how/where to acquire a spare tire for the Sovereign as well as where to store it?

Where do you live?

Andy

[Jammer]

Sovereign has independent torsion axles so if you have a flat you can pull the trailer up onto some blocking using the good wheel on the same side -- either 2x8s or the orange lego blocks work for this -- and change the tire without a jack.

Burb you can get an original jack if you want one on ebay

I carry an 8 ton hydraulic bottle jack which works well for my 'burb and 30' Airstream alike, and carry some plywood pieces to provide a firm support under it. Bottle jacks are compact and reliable and available for around $60-$80 anywhere

Check the classifieds here for tires and rims since people always seem to be switching to 16" wheels and want to sell their old ones

[murreywalker]

This does the job quite well.

Amazon.com: Trailer Aid Tandem Tire Changing Ramp: Automotive

[rperrym]

I also own the Trailer Aid ramp and used it recently to take off all 4 15 inch wheels and mount the 16 inch wheels and Michelins. Worked great.

Rick

[AldeanFan]

I carry a small bottle jack, available at any auto parts or hardware store, it will work for both the truck and trailer. I also carry an assortment of 2x6 blocks that can be used for leveling or for a jack pad. Bottle jacks have a small base and can tip over if the ground is soft or unlevel.

I also carry a 12v compressor, so in the case of a slow leak from a nail or bad valve I can keep the tire inflated long enough to make it to a tire shop.

If you have 6 lug wheels on your Suburban the wheels are the same bolt pattern as the Airstream. My Tundra and Airstream have the same bolt pattern wheels, but the Tundra tires are a lot too big for the Airstream. I bought a standard 6 lug trailer wheel from a trailer supply house and a decent used tire for a spare, the idea is for the spare to get me to the nearest tire shop to replace the blown tire.

Make sure you have a lug wrench too! having a jack and a spare will do you no good if you can't get the lug nuts off!

[Jammer]

While less of a problem with 1970s trailer, a fact to consider is that some wheels have limited lug wrench clearance. A tire cross will not fit, nor will the wrenches that come with most cars or trucks.

[BAB]

Echo the carrying of a bottle jack. Not expensive, don't take up much room, and with a stack of "lego blocks" you can cope with just about any kind of unforeseen complication with either tires, hitch, or whatever!

[switz]

Lego blocks have an issue on soft earth or sand. The first layer will sink in until the block has bottomed out like a cookie cutter.

Then the trailer was not level any more......I wondered what had happened.

[woodfox45]

There is a spare tire bracket that mounts under the front of your Airstream , Andy will have them at Inland Rv . Your spare wheel wants to have 0" offset so it should be a trailer wheel not a truck wheel hope this helps.

[switz]

This link is to a 3 ton combination bottle jack/jack stand. I carry two of them.

http://www.toolsmithonline.com/produ...ack-Stand.html

[m.hony]

I don't have the Trailer Aid ramp.
I use an oil change/auto service ramp- works the same way.
At work we have taken 3-4 foot sections of 8x8 lumber, cut it diagonally, and have 2 trailer change a flat ramps.

[m.hony]

It doubled as a step when needed-

[78black]

I added a spare tire holder under the front near the propane tanks- just like the newer models. I'll post the work pics if anyone's interested. It turned out great! I used a pickup under-bed tire lift.

[78black]

Originally Posted by 78black

I added a spare tire holder under the front near the propane tanks- just like the newer models.Attachment 231625 I'll post the work pics if anyone's interested. It turned out great! I used a pickup under-bed tire lift.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[switz]

I carry a three ton rated combination bottle jack and jack stand. The lock keeps it from falling while the trailer is up in the air.

AlltradeTools - Catalog - 640912 3 Ton All-In-One Bottle Jack/Jack Stand

[paiceman]

Bottle jack for Tow Vehicle

Ramps for Trailer. If using a bottle jack on the trailer be careful to not use the axles as a place to jack. There are four points on an AS that are marked and safe to use a bottle jack on, which is why I use the ramp. Very easy and quick to use.

[switz]

I place the bottle jack between the wheels and lift on the frame doubler.

[78black]

Fyi, as long as only one tire is flat you should be able to hang the bad wheel off a curb or slope if positioned just right, if you don't have a jack.