Changing tires on a 1972 Argosy (No Hub on Rim?)

[delpatstl]

We're replacing the tires on our 1972 Argosy before the season. We came to realize there is no hub and the lugs are lug bolts so you have to line up holes in the rim with holes on the axle/part that holds the wheel on the trailer. The hole in the center of the rim is bigger than the axle, so you have to lift and finagle the tire to line up the rim holes to the holes for the lug bolts. Obviously this is a difficult task to do when it's sitting here at the house, I can't imagine doing this on the side of the road somewhere. Is there a trick to lining up the holes on the rim with the holes on the axle? I used a board to pry the tire up and get a lug bolt in, once you get one in the rest are easier. Does anyone have any tricks for this?

[ROBERT CROSS]

What I did with our Safari...jack up the trailer so the tire will be 3" off the ground when mounted, roll the tire up to the wheel and align it as close as possible, sit on the ground and straddle the tire with both feet and use them to lift the wheel the 3"...raise, move and lower and raise until lined up.

FWIW...I still use the method with stud & lug wheels...I'm Old.

Bob
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I do it at least once a year...

[GCinSC2]

Make a pilot stud out of a bolt of the same diameter and pitch just cut the head off. Thread it into the 12:00 position and hang the wheel on it. Install stud bolts then remove pilot stud.

I also use a shovel under the tire/wheel to act as a lever to lift the wheel and position the wheel.

Gary

[delpatstl]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Make a pilot stud out of a bolt of the same diameter and pitch just cut the head off. Thread it into the 12:00 position and hang the wheel on it. Install stud bolts then remove pilot stud.

I also use a shovel under the tire/wheel to act as a lever to lift the wheel and position the wheel.

Gary

GREAT IDEA! Also like the idea of using a shovel as the lever. Thank you!

[JCWDCW]

I’ve haven’t been able to lift a tire onto the hub for a few years but I can sit on the ground and I stretch out my legs to cradle the tire and lift it with them. Both hands free to manoeuvre the tire onto the hub

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by JCWDCW

I’ve haven’t been able to lift a tire onto the hub for a few years but I can sit on the ground and I stretch out my legs to cradle the tire and lift it with them. Both hands free to manoeuvre the tire onto the hub

That's how my Dad taught me to do it as a kid on the farm. You do have to keep in mind that you're placing part of your body under the trailer, so make sure there's no chance it can fall on you.