How to change an RV flat tire

 

 

How to change an RV flat tire

You’re ready to hit the road when, suddenly, you realize your RV tire pressure isn’t looking so good. It’s time to change your RV tire, but how?
Nothing deflates the fun of a road trip faster than a flat tire. While it may be intimidating to think about changing a tire on an RV, it’s really not much more different than changing a tire on a car. Just like any other emergency, the best advice is to keep calm and to be prepared before this happens. Everything else, you can handle it step by step.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to change a flat tire and get back on the road in a short time. So relax and don't worry, is easier than you think, so let's start!


Motorhome and Caravan Tires

Motorhome tires or caravan tires aren’t much different from the tires on a normal car or truck, although they may be much larger depending on the size of your motorhome or caravan. Luckily, that means changing a tire on an RV follows generally the same process.

Find a safe Place to stop

When you notice a tire is going flat, you may be tempted to ride it out to the next stop. Don’t do it.
Sometimes, what seems like a slow leak can turn into a full-on flat quicker than expected, and driving on a flat can cause structural damage to your wheels. We recommend pulling over at the first secure place you find—somewhere flat with enough room for you to pull off the road and change the tire with ease.
Avoid stopping on an incline or a decline; gravity is not your friend. Look for steady ground, staying away from mud or rocks that may shift under your jack. Always set out appropriate markers to let other drivers know you’re servicing your vehicle. Cones and flares both work to let people know to slow down for your safety.

RV Tool Kit

Before changing your tire, you’ll want to be sure of all the necessary tools and equipment are ready to go.
First, you’ll need two RV jacks or an RV leveler.
This will raise the height of your motorhome or caravan so you can access the RV rims and tires. You’ll also need a lug wrench or tire wrench, as well as a spare tire to replace the flat one.

Items you’ll need:

• RV jacks

• RV leveler

• Lug wrench (tire wrench)

• New tire

 

RV Repair

Finally, it’s time to do the repairs. Before starting, remember to move your RV to a safe place where you’re not in danger of being hit by other cars.

• Using the RV jacks or RV leveler, raise the vehicle just high enough so the caravan tires and wheels can spin freely.

• Take the tire wrench and remove the lug nuts.

• Pull off the flat tire.

• fit the spare tire into place.

• Using the wrench, replace and tighten the lug nuts, until they’re securely in place.

• Remove the RV jacks or RV leveler.

That’s it! Now that you’ve successfully changed a tire, it will  become easier each time in the future. You might even become that person at the campground who others call on for help when they’ve got a flat tire themselves.


Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you get a flat tire while camping:

• Make sure you have a spare tire. Whether you own it or are renting, double check your caravan's spare. It’s one of the first things you have to check in any new rental, and make sure to check the spare to ensure it’s full of air and ready to use at any time.

• When you get a flat, reduce your speed immediately to avoid any dangerous sway. Caravan sway is the number one cause of caravan accidents, and a shift in the balance of your vehicle can set it off. Don’t make any sudden movements, but find a safe place to pull over, out of the flow of traffic, so you can assess the damage.

• Change your tire on level ground. If your tire does need changing, find level ground,  especially while pulling a caravan. It can be very difficult to jack up a caravan on an incline. The slope and added weight of the caravan could throw off the jack’s balance, and you don’t want anything slipping out when you’re in the middle of changing a tire.

• Go to a repair shop as soon as possible. Get your flat tire patched or buy a new tire as soon as possible. You don’t want to be driving around on three normal tires and one donut for long. Plus, without another spare, you’re flying without a safety net. You don’t want to be stuck with a second flat tire and no spare, needing to call a tow truck. 

Conclusion

Changing a tire on a motorhome or caravan can be a challenging task, especially for new campers.  But it doesn't have to be too complicated.  Follow the steps detailed above and you will be fine.  Also, it's a good idea to practice changing a tire before you hit the road, especially if you're planning long-term traveling or camping.  This way you can be prepared for any eventuality.