Jack needed to lift trailer after a flat

[bugman3]

What type of jack do people carry in case they do happen to have a flat? Do you store it in the trailer or the tow vehicle?

[AWCHIEF]

For a double axle trailer no jack needed. Theoretically I use my Anderson Levelers on one wheel only.

[Wingeezer]

I used to carry a floor jack (trolley type) with jackstands. Lots of space as I tow with a pickup.

But then I found (as Michael says above) that there is no need for a jack.

I use Lynx Levellers and drive one wheel up onto a pyramid of them, then the adjacent wheel is hanging free in mid air ready to be removed. Only applicable of course on a dual axe trailer.

I find this to be quicker and, I believe, safer than using jacks.

Loosen the lug nuts slightly before the wheel is off the ground - a lot easier! I tighten with torque wrench once back on the ground, then re-torque about 5 miles down the road.


Brian.

[GCinSC2]

Take a look at the jack for your TV. you might be surprised at how capable that jack is if its like the jack found in most pickups.

I can lift my 9000 lb 30' trailer with the jacks from 2 1 ton pickups, that's all 4 tires in the air, 1 per side.

[bugman3]

Thanks, sure easier than carrying the heavy jack.

[Phoenix]

After a blowout and getting stuck in soft sand up to our single-axle Bambi's frame, we carry a floor jack.

We used to have a two ton floor jack, but when attempting to jack up a tire after another blowout (this time on our TV), the two ton model was unable to lift the rear tire of our TV with our Bambi still attached and the truck bed full of camping gear. Consequently, we now carry a three ton hybrid aluminum/steel floor jack (Costco, approximately $100).

The new jack is probably overkill, but the old one was useless. I had to call a tow truck to change the tire, partially due to the dangerous location on an Interstate, where the blowout occurred.

[AldeanFan]

I've lifted our trailer with the Jack from our tundra several times with no problem. Keep in mind that you're not lifting the entire weight of the trailer, just one side at a time.

[PKI]

We saw a fellow changing a tire on a fifth wheel trailer. He was having a very hard time getting it high enough to pull the tire off. Lesson - Be sure to pack a couple of blocks to add vertical height and some plywood plates to spread the load if the ground is soft. A credit card or roadside assistance coverage is an alternative that is easier on the back. Pat

Might need a digging tool to make room for the jack if the coach is in a hole. Not a bad idea to clear a path if it snows either.

[J. Morgan]

IMHO the best jack for on the road repairs is a hyd bottle jack, hands down.

Safe, compact, light, and versatile.


Superat stultitia.

[spenfolder]

I use my "scissors" jack included with my Jeep. It works well so I don't need to carry an extra. I have found that a 1 foot 2x4 helps get that extra inch I need. I have a 16' single axle, so the drive up on blocks trick doesn't work for me. Thankfully, I have only had to deal with one blowout on the side of a freeway. But that is another story. Let me just say, I no longer run on GY Marathons.

Stan
Salt Lake City

[Jim Foster]

Second on the bottle jack. Lego blocks are best for a dual axle trailer, but only if you are hooked up and can move the trailer. Have done that.
Found a nail after being set up for a couple of days. Was great to have the bottle jack.


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[jump]

This is what I use



When at Discount tire for flat repair, I ask them to use it, also

[HCR]

Trailer -Aid as pictured in earlier post. Small, light-weight and effective.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by jump

This is what I use

Attachment 260400

When at Discount tire for flat repair, I ask them to use it, also

What he said^^^

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by jump

This is what I use

Attachment 260400

When at Discount tire for flat repair, I ask them to use it, also

I used this on my 2nd trip out last year when I caught a screw on the road in MT. It worked like a charm even though I had only read how to do it. Have a torque wrench with you - it is as important as a jack to be sure the tire you install stays in pkace!

[Action]

On your double axle trailer ....

Chunks of 2 X 6 wood. Old school and cheap.
Role the good axle up and the bad tire dangles. Don't forget to loosen the lug nuts or bolts before the tire leaves the ground.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[m.hony]

Or a length of 6x6 post cut on a diagonal = homemade trailer aid ramp-
This is what we have in 20 trailers at work.


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[Gigi1957]

I'd also like to plug a good roadside assistance plan. Had a blowout on our 14 Classic and Good Sam had me back on the road in less than an hour. About $79 a year. Have the ramps to drive up in in an emergency.

[banderabob]

The only blow-out we've experienced showed us that the scissor jack that came with the Expedition was a POC. I've since been carrying a bottle jack in the TV.

[Moflash]

I use Lynx levelers.