What jack do you use to change a flat tire?

[Lee-Robert]

Tried searching the threads and coudn't find an example of what jack to use. Given that the jacking point is 17 inches off the ground; no standard jacks I have found will reach it.

I did find this:

https://safejacks.com/products/safe-...th-bottle-jack

Looks promising.

Any help appreciated.

[Lee-Robert]

Originally Posted by Lee-Robert

Tried searching the threads and coudn't find an example of what jack to use. Given that the jacking point is 17 inches off the ground; no standard jacks I have found will reach it.

I did find this:

https://safejacks.com/products/safe-...th-bottle-jack

Looks promising.

Any help appreciated.

I called Airstream Customer Service and they said use a wooden block and a bottle jack. The setup provided by the URL in the thread is much safer; so I ordered it.

[HowieE]

If you consider a bottle jack have a socket welded to the frame between the axles. that will accept the bottle jack head and keep it from slipping off the frame while jacked up.

A set of Andersen plastic levelers and a piece of 2x6 under them placed under the good axle will also work.

[Bill M.]

You can often buy at Airstream rallies a welded saddle that has a piece of U channel welded to a socket of tubing. The u channel fits the frame between the wheels. The jack fits in the socket. I use the above jig and 6 ton bottle jack between the wheels. Luckily I have never had to change a "flat". I have taken the wheels off to do the bearings and change tires quite a few times. The little adaptor makes it a very secure, safe operation.

[FCStreamer]

I would use this

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-P...ilpage_o03_s00

[polarlyse]

I use 2x8's cut to 18" and 24" as my leveler blocks. I carry about 4 of each size. They also work well when changing a tire or raising an axle to service the brakes & bearings. Simply lay the boards out and raise the "other" wheel up until the wheel you want to work on is suspended in air. But then again, sometimes you do need a jack and I carry a 6t bottle jack.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

I would use this

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-P...ilpage_o03_s00

That might work for you, but I don't think it would be effective for the OP's single axle Basecamp.

[vintagemotor]

I apologize for the other members not reading that you have a Basecamp with only one axle, so most of these suggestions will not work for your application.
I suggest:
1. Set your tongue jack a the highest point possible.
2. Place 2 wheel chocks around the "good tire" to immobilize the AS.
3. Use a block to raise the bottle jack to just under the rear lift point behind the axle and carefully raise the jack until the flat tire is 1 " off of the ground.
4. Remove the wheel and repair the flat, while the wheel is removed, place a jack stand under the hub to support in case anything happens.
5. Replace the wheel and reverse the instructions.
6. VERY IMPORTANT!!!!- re-torque the lug nuts to factory specs-DO NOT OVERTIGHTERN, this is worse than too loose.
7. Happy Airstreaming!

[kdickinson]

I watch the techs use the jack at Discount Tire if I can make it to one of their stores otherwise the one on the mobile tire service truck. If I were in a pinch I carry a bottle jack that will go high enough and I carry a "super jack" which you see on the back of jeeps which would not help to change a tire on the trailer but would come in handy if the tongue jack quick working. I watch very closely when my trailer is jacked up to be sure they are using the right spots for the jack (and not the axle) ...

[m.hony]

Ditto to Trailer Aid ramp.
I also have a 6 ton bottle jack and jack stands.

[rmkrum]

I have two of these:

6000 pound rated capacity bottle jack/self-locking jackstand combo.

https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-64...k%2Bstand&th=1

Yes, they are overkill, but NOT having the AS fall on me while I'm working on it is priceless. I still use wood cribbing stacked under the frame rail to hold the AS just in case...

Safety note: NEVER use concrete or 'cinder' blocks of any sort to support a load you may be working under!

Yes, I may be paranoid, but I remain relatively unscarred and undamaged...in spite of swinging wrenches on a lot of vehicles. PPE is there to keep you safe.

[VT Wanderer]

I concur with FCStreamer - had a flat last year - used Trailer Aid - 20 minutes later on the road - no fiddling with the jack stuff.

[pappy19]

No jack, I use the Trailer Aide, the safest method. Unless you have a single axle, and if so, a scissor jack is better than a bottle.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by pappy19

No jack, I use the Trailer Aide, the safest method. Unless you have a single axle, and if so, a scissor jack is better than a bottle.

A bottle jack to lift and jack stands to keep it from falling on me...

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

I have two of these:

6000 pound rated capacity bottle jack/self-locking jackstand combo.

https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-64...k%2Bstand&th=1

Yes, they are overkill, but NOT having the AS fall on me while I'm working on it is priceless. I still use wood cribbing stacked under the frame rail to hold the AS just in case...
.

Actually that doesn't look bad to me in concept, I'd have to try one but looks promising.

I use the jacks that come from a one ton pickup, part of equipment.

[Bigeddie58]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

I would use this

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-P...ilpage_o03_s00

I have the trailer aid works like advertised

[rmkrum]

The thing I like about them is that the jackstand latches automatically as you raise the load, but it gives you the ability to position things 'just right' like a plain hydraulic bottle jack.

We used them to position a new hitch assembly under my son's vehicle. Was easy to position precisely and hold a heavy assembly.

The downside is that they do lock automatically, and sometimes you need to raise the load a bit to unlatch the locks. Not an issue when you are playing under a large load...

[quietguy]

Originally Posted by Bigeddie58

I have the trailer aid works like advertised

The OP has a Base Camp. Single axle.

[GCinSC2]

The one observation about it the jack is being slightly side loaded, not straight up force to load.

[J. Morgan]

A bottle jack is the best carry jack for a trailer, in my humble opinion of course...