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03-03-2013, 06:21 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2013 27' FB Classic
Clermont
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 431
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Changing a tire -- thoughts on Trailer-Aid Plus
Has anybody ever used a device similar to trailer aid for tandem axles?
You drive your good tire up on the ramp, which would allow you to remove the other tire.
I would be interested on your thoughts -- it weighs in at 8.5 lbs. There is a lighter version at 5 lbs.
__________________
Tom & Lori
2013 27 FB Classic Limited
2019 Ford F250 King Ranch 6.7L Diesel
WBCCI 03288 TAC PA-17
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03-03-2013, 06:41 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1961 24' Tradewind
1969 29' Ambassador
1970 21' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,783
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You can change a tire with that however you can do the same thing with boards or ramps you use for leveling and not have to buy and carry an extra device.
Have done it many times.
__________________
Rick Davis 1602 K8DOC
61 tradewind, plus a few others
13 Ram 2500 TD
99 Dodge TD 577K miles
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03-03-2013, 06:44 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2004 25' Classic
Prescott
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 623
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That works good. I have one that came with the trailer. Never used it and it sits on a garage shelf. I, like many others, use the leveling blocks when needed to change a tire. Already have them, so no need for anything extra.
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Julia & Bob
W/ Deedee & Boo
AIR #30685
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03-03-2013, 07:26 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Pfafftown
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 918
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Trailer-Aid
I've used Trailer Aid twice. The first time I took it to the tire shop where they used it to change out my 15" wheels for 16" wheels. I didn't trust them using jacks on the underside of the trailer. The tire tech loved it and wanted his boss to get one.
The second time I used it to change a flat. It is very quick and simple to use. I carry it the back of my truck "just in case" whenever I'm traveling with the Airstream. As others have pointed out you can easily accomplish the same result with your lego leveling blocks or boards. The Trailer Aid just makes the process a little simpler since you only have one "part" to mess with. Count me as a satisfied customer.
__________________
Chuck
Airstream - 2008 Safari 27FB SE (Sweet Pea)
TV - 2022 Ford F350 King Ranch, 6.7 Diesel, 4X4 (Big Red)
WBCCI 3823 - Unit 12 | AIR 48265
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03-03-2013, 06:46 PM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
2013 27' FB Classic
Clermont
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 431
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Thanks for the responses. I carry two blocks of linkx levelers - so I should be ok if I need to change a tire.
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Tom & Lori
2013 27 FB Classic Limited
2019 Ford F250 King Ranch 6.7L Diesel
WBCCI 03288 TAC PA-17
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03-03-2013, 07:09 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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I used it (the model without the riser pad at the wheel pocket) last fall to install new 16" wheels/tires. Works great, the wheel pocket provides a little extra stability. So I carry it and no jack.
doug k
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03-03-2013, 07:30 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Flying Cloud
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,917
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I've used it many times since 1996, and I never leave home without it. Mine is just like to one in the picture.
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Ken L 2019 Flying Cloud 27FB
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 6.2L Max Tow Four Corners Unit WBCCI #5783
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03-03-2013, 08:32 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari
Fairhope
, Alabama
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 305
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Excellent product
I have used my Trailer Aid only once with our Airstream, and it paid for itself right then and there. It was our second trip out with the AS and having the Aid simplified the process and helped stabilize the trailer while changing the flat.
While it is true you could use leveling blocks, the Trailer Aid incorporates a wheel detent which acts much as a chock and arrests the movement of the wheel being lifted. Justify the investment by having a tool specifically designed for the task of safely changing a tire on a dual axel trailer.
We were first introduced to this product back when we pulled a horse trailer, and believe me when you are changing a flat with horses aboard you want all the stability you can get.
Just my two cents, but money well spent.
__________________
Tom and Robin
2007 Safari 25' FB Twin
"If you have to go through a minefield....follow somebody"
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03-03-2013, 08:40 PM
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#9
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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I made a set when I bought the trailer in 2009.
Luckily, I never had to use it, but there it is, ready to go. 2"X10" with dowels to keep the stack true.
And all together now:
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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03-04-2013, 04:30 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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I have one and hope I never have to use it. Buying it is probably a guarantee that I won't. Isn't that how it works?
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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03-04-2013, 05:02 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2007 31' Classic
Kansas City
, Missouri
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 300
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I heard a rep from Dexter Axles say that changing a tire with a ramp could bend an axle since it puts excessive weight on one wheel. I've done it and I'll do it again in an emergency but using a jack is probably best when conditions permit.
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03-04-2013, 06:51 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2013 27' FB Classic
Clermont
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 431
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JBinKC
I heard a rep from Dexter Axles say that changing a tire with a ramp could bend an axle since it puts excessive weight on one wheel. I've done it and I'll do it again in an emergency but using a jack is probably best when conditions permit.
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What is the best way to use a jack?
__________________
Tom & Lori
2013 27 FB Classic Limited
2019 Ford F250 King Ranch 6.7L Diesel
WBCCI 03288 TAC PA-17
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03-04-2013, 07:19 PM
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#13
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retired USA/USAF
2001 30' Excella
Somerset
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
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There is a "Jack Point" just to the rear of the rear wheels. It's identified by a diamond shaped marker and indicates a point on the belly at a frame member. Some people do not like using this due to the possibility of the jack slipping and puncturing the belly pan. I've used it with no problem several times ( I also use a piece of plywood to help spread the pressure). Others prefer to jack from the frame near the axels. Choose your own method but try to make sure it's a good structural point. I've never heard of anyone causing axel damage by using the ramp method and would certainly use it while traveling but while at home I'd probably go with the jack just so I don't have to hook it up to lift it.
__________________
Roger in NJ
" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948
TAC - NJ 18
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03-04-2013, 08:10 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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It is safer to use the blocks or ramps than it is using a jack to change a tire.
The trailer won't fall off of the other tire. If you know what I mean.
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03-04-2013, 09:59 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
North/East
, New Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 367
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I would not leave home with my trailer without the Trailer Aid ramp. I've used it on the road to change a tire and recently used it when I converted all four tires from 15" Goodyear Marathons to 16" Michelin tires. It doesn't slip and it has the dip in it to keep the tire in place.
__________________
2007 Safari 25' FBSE LS
2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab 4WD Duramax
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03-04-2013, 10:13 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari
Tyler
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 92
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Have one and have used it, but the wider surface of a 2x6 or 2x8 would be more comforting. Glad I have one though.
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03-04-2013, 10:16 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JBinKC
I heard a rep from Dexter Axles say that changing a tire with a ramp could bend an axle since it puts excessive weight on one wheel. I've done it and I'll do it again in an emergency but using a jack is probably best when conditions permit.
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Bend an axle using a ramp? Not likely, trailer weight was placed soundly on one wheel and tire when the other tire blew out. Wonder if that rep found a job he's more qualified for.
doug k
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03-08-2013, 03:09 PM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
1995 34' Excella
Corinth
, Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 304
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum
Bend an axle using a ramp? Not likely, trailer weight was placed soundly on one wheel and tire when the other tire blew out. Wonder if that rep found a job he's more qualified for.
doug k
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Amen.
__________________
Why settle for anything less?
1995 34ft Classic Excella 1000
2012 Kings Ranch F-250 FX-4, 6.7 diesel, 6 speed auto trans.
TAC # MS-8
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03-08-2013, 03:29 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,223
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I have a 3 ton jack/ stand combo I put between the two tires on the frame. While both wheels are off the ground, I took off one and put the spare on it's place and then took second tire off to take two at a time to Costco to install the Michelins. I reversed the procedure and repeated for other side. Spare made a solo trip for the tire swap.
Found the jack/stand on line. The unit weighs around 20 pounds since it combines two functions.
Also have the tire ramp from initial post. Sometimes a choice may save the day.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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03-15-2013, 06:44 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1996 34' Excella
Elberta
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 837
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Just make sure you have the wheels on the opposite side chocked, front and rear....I'm speaking from experience on this one..
Larry
Quote:
Originally Posted by TG Twinkie
It is safer to use the blocks or ramps than it is using a jack to change a tire.
The trailer won't fall off of the other tire. If you know what I mean.
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