Posted 2008-01-30 6:44 PM (#75649) Subject: How to Change Truck Tire While Towing
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Dayton, OHio
What's the safest way to change a truck tire while towing a gooseneck or bumper pull horse trailer? It hasn't happened to me or anyone I know yet, but I've always wondered.
Posted 2008-01-30 7:46 PM (#75658 - in reply to #75649) Subject: RE: How to Change Truck Tire While Towing
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Whenever you trailer tire blows, almost invariably it will be damaged beyond repair before you realize what has happened. When you slow to pull off the road, do so at a spot where you will be safe to work on the trailer. You are not safe if you're changing a left hand tire and you're on a narrow part of the road's shoulder.
Drive slowly to the nearest level spot where you will be safe. You can't hurt the tire anymore than it already has been damaged. By driving slowly, you will not shed the flat tire and it will protect the wheel from damage.
Some wheel covers and SIMS need different tools to remove, than a four way wrench will provide. Make sure you have the correct tool(s) necessary for a tire change. Practising in your driveway on a nice sunny day is a good learning experience.
You should also carry flares or reflectors to place behind your trailer while it is being repaired. Two flashlights, one being the type that can be set down with an adjustable beam is a must. Prepare everything you need in a tool kit, and place it in your truck or trailer. Then you will have what you need, when you need it.
Posted 2008-01-30 10:11 PM (#75676 - in reply to #75649) Subject: RE: How to Change Truck Tire While Towing
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Interesting thought ...
Unloading horses by the side of a busy or not so busy road is fraught with danger for all concerned. So I don't want to unload. My thought is to keep the horses on the trailer, and take some of the hitch weight off using the landing gear. The landing gear will stabilize the rig while the truck is being jacked. I'd be real careful of the truck falling off the jack. The horses could start jostling at anytime.
Posted 2008-01-30 10:32 PM (#75681 - in reply to #75649) Subject: RE: How to Change Truck Tire While Towing
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
I do not unload, I will give em all the air I can. I chock the truck and trailer with wood blocks I carry. I set the emergency brake, then break loose the lug nuts ( I carry a "cheater" pipe that slips over the 4 way to help me) then jack it up, finish removeing the lug nuts and replace the tire. Assuming you have gotten well off the road and set up reflective triangles or flares. Or you could call U S Rider and be satisfied that way too. Always make sure your tires are adequately inflated, as your spares should be too. Keep a couple of spare lug nuts for the truck, and for the trailer in your tool kit. I also have a generator and air compressor built into the LQ trailer, so will use an air powered impact wrench which is marvelous, or a battery powered impact wrench when just in the rig or pulling the stock or 2 horse trailer.
How to Change Truck Tire While Towing
