How To Change Travel Trailer Tire: A Step-By-Step Guide

Changing a travel trailer tire might seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a manageable task. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for travel trailer tire replacement, including how to jack up a travel trailer for tire change and safely perform trailer tire removal and travel trailer spare tire installation. This is your complete RV tire change guide, preparing you for a roadside tire change travel trailer situation.

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Importance of Knowing How to Change a Travel Trailer Tire

A flat tire can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared to handle a travel trailer tire replacement yourself can save you time, money, and stress. This guide provides you with the knowledge to perform a step-by-step trailer tire change safely and efficiently. It also highlights the importance of travel trailer tire maintenance to prevent flats in the first place.

Essential Travel Trailer Tire Tools

Before you even think about jacking up your trailer, ensure you have all the necessary travel trailer tire tools. Having the right equipment makes the job much easier and safer. Here’s a list of essentials:

• Lug Wrench: The correct size for your trailer’s lug nuts. A four-way lug wrench provides better leverage.
• Hydraulic Bottle Jack or Scissor Jack: Rated for the weight of your trailer. Consult your trailer’s manual for the appropriate weight capacity.
• Safety Stands (Jack Stands): Crucial for safety. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
• Wheel Chocks: To prevent the trailer from rolling.
• Spare Tire: Inflated to the correct PSI (pounds per square inch), as indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Reflective Triangles or Flares: To warn other drivers of your presence, especially during a roadside tire change travel trailer.
• Torque Wrench: To properly tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Owner’s Manual: Contains important information about your trailer, including jacking points and torque specifications.
• Leveling Blocks (Optional): To help level the trailer if needed before jacking.
• Plywood or Jack Pad (Optional): To provide a stable base for the jack on soft ground.

Step-by-Step Travel Trailer Tire Change

This section outlines the step-by-step trailer tire change process. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your safety and the correct travel trailer tire installation.

1. Ensure Safety First

• Park on a Level Surface: Choose a location away from traffic.
• Engage the Parking Brake: Make sure the trailer is securely braked.
• Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks on the tires opposite the flat. Chock both sides of the tires for added security.
• Warning Devices: Set up reflective triangles or flares behind your trailer to alert oncoming traffic.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire.
• Important: Loosen them before jacking up the trailer. This is much easier when the tire is on the ground.
• Turn the lug wrench counterclockwise to loosen.
• Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this stage.

3. Locate the Jacking Point

• Consult your owner’s manual to find the designated jacking points on your travel trailer.
• Common jacking points are on the trailer’s frame, near the axle.
• Do not jack on the axle itself, as this can damage it.

4. Jack Up the Travel Trailer

• Position your jack under the designated jacking point.
• Ensure the jack is on a solid, stable surface. Use a jack pad or plywood if necessary.
• Slowly and steadily raise the trailer until the flat tire is off the ground and you have enough clearance to remove it and install the spare.
• Important: Raise the trailer only as high as needed to change the tire. Raising it too high can make it unstable.

5. Secure with Safety Stands

• Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
• Place safety stands (jack stands) under the trailer frame near the jack.
• Lower the trailer onto the safety stands. Ensure the stands are securely positioned.
• The safety stands should be bearing the weight of the trailer, not the jack.

6. Remove the Flat Tire

• Now that the trailer is safely supported, completely remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Keep the lug nuts together in a safe place, such as your pocket or a small container.
• Carefully pull the flat tire straight off the wheel studs.

7. Install the Spare Tire

• Mount the spare tire onto the wheel studs, aligning the holes in the wheel with the studs.
• Push the tire onto the studs until it sits flush against the hub.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts) to ensure even pressure.

8. Lower the Trailer

• Raise the trailer slightly with the jack to remove the safety stands.
• Remove the safety stands.
• Slowly and carefully lower the trailer until the tire touches the ground, but the full weight of the trailer isn’t on it.

9. Tighten the Lug Nuts

• Use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Tighten them as much as possible by hand.

10. Fully Lower and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Fully lower the trailer to the ground.
• Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. This is crucial for safety and preventing wheel separation. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct torque specification.
• Again, use a star pattern to ensure even tightening.

11. Final Checks

• Remove the wheel chocks.
• Double-check that all lug nuts are properly tightened.
• Store the flat tire, jack, lug wrench, and other tools securely in your trailer.
• Check the tire pressure of the spare tire and adjust as needed.

12. Post-Change Actions

• After driving a short distance (50-100 miles), re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they remain tight.
• Have the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Don’t rely on the spare tire for extended use.

Maintaining Your Travel Trailer Tires

Regular travel trailer tire maintenance is essential for preventing flats and ensuring safe travels. Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure before each trip and periodically during long trips. Inflate tires to the PSI specified on the tire’s sidewall.
• Inspect Tires for Wear and Damage: Look for cuts, bulges, cracks, and uneven wear. Replace tires if you find any damage or excessive wear.
• Rotate Tires: Rotate your tires periodically to promote even wear. Consult your tire manufacturer or a tire professional for recommended rotation patterns.
• Balance Tires: Balanced tires provide a smoother ride and reduce wear on the suspension components.
• Cover Tires When Parked: Exposure to sunlight can damage tires over time. Use tire covers when your trailer is parked for extended periods.
• Use Tire Sealant: Consider using a tire sealant to help prevent leaks from small punctures.
• Regular Inspections: Have your trailer’s tires inspected by a qualified tire professional at least once a year.

RV Tire Change Guide: Specific Situations

Here are some specific situations you might encounter during a roadside tire change travel trailer event and how to address them.

Situation	Solution
Soft Ground	Use a large piece of plywood or a jack pad under the jack to provide a stable base.
Lug Nuts are Stuck	Use a penetrating oil to loosen the lug nuts. If they are still stuck, you may need a longer lug wrench or a breaker bar for added leverage. Be careful not to damage the lug nuts.
No Spare Tire	Call for roadside assistance or a mobile tire repair service.
Damaged Jacking Point	Find an alternative jacking point on the frame. If none are available, call for professional assistance.
Difficult Removing Tire from Hub	Apply penetrating oil to the hub. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tire loose. Avoid hitting the wheel studs.
Uneven Ground	Use leveling blocks to level the trailer as much as possible before jacking it up. If the ground is too uneven, move the trailer to a more level location.
Unable to Loosen Lug Nuts	Ensure you are turning the lug wrench in the correct direction (counterclockwise to loosen). If you are still unable to loosen them, use your foot to apply more pressure to the lug wrench, or try using a breaker bar for increased leverage.
Scared to change your own travel tires	Call for roadside assistance or a mobile tire repair service.

FAQ: Changing Travel Trailer Tires

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing a camper tire.

• Can I use my car jack to change a travel trailer tire? No. Car jacks are typically not rated for the weight of a travel trailer. Use a jack specifically designed for trailers.
• What is the correct tire pressure for my travel trailer tires? The correct tire pressure is usually found on a sticker on the trailer’s sidewall, door frame, or in the owner’s manual. Never exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.
• How often should I replace my travel trailer tires? Even if your tires have plenty of tread, replace them every 5-7 years, regardless of mileage. Tire rubber degrades over time, increasing the risk of blowouts.
• Who can I call for help if I can’t change my travel trailer tire myself? Call a roadside assistance service, a mobile tire repair service, or a towing company.
• What should I do with my old travel trailer tire? Most tire retailers will recycle your old tire for a small fee. You can also check with your local waste management facility for disposal options.
• What type of jack is best for changing a travel trailer tire? Both hydraulic bottle jacks and scissor jacks can be used. Hydraulic jacks are generally easier to use and have a higher weight capacity, while scissor jacks are more compact and affordable. Choose a jack that is rated for the weight of your trailer.
• Can I drive with different sized tires on my travel trailer? No. Always use tires of the same size and load rating on your travel trailer. Using different sized tires can damage the axles and suspension.
• Is it safe to use tire sealant to repair a flat tire on my travel trailer? Tire sealant can be used as a temporary fix for small punctures. However, it is not a permanent repair. Have the tire professionally inspected and repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
• What does ST mean on travel trailer tires? ST stands for “Special Trailer.” ST tires are designed specifically for use on trailers and have reinforced sidewalls to handle the loads and stresses associated with towing.

By following this guide and practicing proper travel trailer tire maintenance, you’ll be well-prepared to handle a flat tire situation and keep your travel trailer rolling safely down the road.