Changing tire on a '64 Bambi II

[PA BAMBI II]

What is the proper way to change a tire on a single axle '64 Bambi II? I need to get new tires on it to make it towable, but don't want to damage anything. On Dad's dual axle Airstreams, of course we pulled or backed up on blocks with the good tire and changed the bad tire.

Can't do that with a Bambi!! I am guessing just jacking it right under the axle is the way to go, but like I said, I don't want to damage anything.

Thanks! Ben

[AirstreamGypsy]

Hi Ben,

There is a spot (it might even be marked in some way) just fore or aft of the axle. Just make sure you can feel the "outrigger" or the linear run of the frame and place the jack there. Although my Bambi has been jacked on the axle, I understand that is not ideal. The biggest problem you may have is getting the tire off and on. If the axle is original it may be compressed and so not have as much clearance. Mine were a bear to remove until I finally replace the axle.

Good Luck, Have Courage! And I'll say congrats as it seems as though you have a "new" Airstream.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by PA BAMBI II

What is the proper way to change a tire on a single axle '64 Bambi II? I need to get new tires on it to make it towable, but don't want to damage anything. On Dad's dual axle Airstreams, of course we pulled or backed up on blocks with the good tire and changed the bad tire.

Can't do that with a Bambi!! I am guessing just jacking it right under the axle is the way to go, but like I said, I don't want to damage anything.

Thanks! Ben

Ben.

The best and safety place to place the jack, is on the axle mounting plate, just rearward of the axle. The axle mounting plate is welded to the side of the frame.

If the axle has never been replaced, you may havea problem removing the tire and wheel. The rubber rods within the axle tube may have solidified, locking the axle shaft in place.

When you jack up the trailer, the tire should drop about 3 inches. If that happens, the the rubber rods have not solidified The next axle test is to determine the posoition of the axle torsion arm, with the trailer weihjt imposed on it.

For more axle information, go to the Airstream Central portion of this Forums, and read the article.

Hopefully, your axle is still OK.

Andy