The Ultimate Guide To Changing Camper Tires

how to change a camper tire

Changing a camper tire can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done safely and efficiently. There are several methods to lift a camper and change its tires, and the best approach may depend on factors such as the camper's size, weight, and axle type. In this guide, we will explore different techniques for lifting a camper, removing and replacing tires, and ensuring a safe and stable process. We will also discuss considerations such as tire age and maintenance to help you keep your camper in top shape for your next adventure.

Characteristics Values
Camper tire replacement frequency Every 3-4 years
Camper tire replacement options 1. Order tires online, ship them to your house, then get them changed at an RV place by towing your camper there
2. Jack up the camper, remove the tires (one side at a time), and get them replaced
3. Order from the RV place and tow the camper there to get the tires changed
4. Buy tires from a local tire shop
5. Use a trailer aid plus to raise one tire at a time and replace with a spare
Camper jacking options 1. Jack up the camper by the frame
2. Jack up the camper by the axle
Camper jacking safety tips 1. Do not lift the camper off the axles, you will bend them
2. Do not use cinder blocks to support the camper, they can fail suddenly
3. Lower the stabilizers for extra safety

shunauto

Jacking up the camper

Jacking up your camper is a crucial step in changing a camper tire. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Camper

Before you begin, it is essential to ensure your camper is secure and will not roll or shift during the process. Engage the parking brake fully and place wheel chocks or blocks behind the wheels for added safety. Additionally, lower the stabilizers to provide extra stability.

Step 2: Position the Jack

The jack should be placed securely on a solid surface. It is recommended to use a bottle jack or a floor jack with sufficient capacity to handle the weight of the camper. Place the jack on a stable part of the camper's frame, as close to the tire being changed as possible. If you need to lift the camper higher, you can use jack stands or blocks of wood to provide additional support.

Step 3: Lift the Camper

Once the jack is in position, slowly raise the camper until the tire you need to change is off the ground. Ensure that the jack is stable and secure before proceeding. Remember to lift the camper by the frame and not the axles, as lifting by the axles can bend them and cause further issues.

Step 4: Secure the Camper

After the camper is lifted, place jack stands or additional supports under the frame to hold it securely in place. Ensure these stands are rated to handle the weight of the camper. Never work under a raised camper without properly securing it with jack stands.

Step 5: Lowering the Camper

Once you have finished changing the tire, remember to lower the camper carefully. Remove the jack stands and slowly lower the camper until the tire is back on the ground. Ensure the weight is fully off the jack before removing it.

Remember always to work with a spotter when jacking up a camper, and never work alone. Safety should be your top priority during this process.

shunauto

Removing the wheels

Step 1: Lower the camper van's nose as far as possible.

This will give you more clearance to work with when jacking up the vehicle. Make sure the surface you are working on is level and stable.

Step 2: Place jack stands on the frame, as far back as possible.

This will provide a stable base to lift the camper van and ensure it doesn't shift or move while you are working. Ensure the jack stands are rated for the weight of your camper van.

Step 3: Use a jack to raise the front of the camper van until the tires are off the ground.

Place the jack at the point where the springs are attached to the axle. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent damage to the axle. You may need to use a bottle jack or a floor jack, depending on your camper van's weight and configuration.

Step 4: Secure the camper van with jack stands.

Place the jack stands under the front of the camper van, near the jacking points, to support the weight. Ensure the stands are on a level surface and are properly rated for the weight of the vehicle.

Step 5: Remove the wheels.

With the camper van securely lifted and supported, you can now remove the wheels. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench before fully removing them. Set the wheels aside, and you are now ready to replace them with new tires.

Remember to exercise caution when working with a jack and always ensure the camper van is securely supported before proceeding. It is also a good idea to chock the wheels to prevent accidental movement.

shunauto

Replacing the wheels

Step 1: Prepare the Camper

Before you begin, it is important to find a suitable location to work on the camper. Ensure you are on level ground and engage the parking brake for stability. You may also want to place wheel chocks in front of the tires to prevent accidental rolling. Lower the stabilizers if your camper has them.

Step 2: Jack Up the Camper

The next step is to jack up the camper. You can use a floor jack or a bottle jack to lift the camper, but it is important to lift it by the frame and not the axles, as lifting by the axles can bend them. Place jack stands on the frame, towards the rear, and raise the front until the tires are off the ground. You may need to adjust the tongue jack to stabilize the camper. Remember to work on one side at a time.

Step 3: Remove the Wheels

Once the camper is securely lifted and stabilized, you can proceed to remove the wheels. Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts, then carefully pull the wheel off the hub. Place the wheels in a safe location.

Step 4: Install the New Wheels

Installing the new wheels is the reverse of removing the old ones. Place the new wheel on the hub, ensuring it is properly aligned. Tighten the lug nuts securely, but be careful not to over-tighten them. Lower the camper slowly, ensuring that it remains stable and level.

Step 5: Torque the Lug Nuts

After lowering the camper, use a torque wrench to properly torque the lug nuts. This ensures that the lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. Refer to your camper's manual for the correct torque value.

Step 6: Repeat for Other Side

Finally, repeat the process for the other side of the camper. Remember to work on one side at a time and follow the same safety precautions.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively replace the wheels on your camper, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for your next adventure.

Winterizing Your Camper: TV Stay or Go?

You may want to see also

shunauto

Using jack stands

When using jack stands to change a camper tire, safety should be the top priority. Ensure you have a good, solid jack and jack stands that can handle the weight of your camper. It is also important to use jack stands on a stable surface.

One method for using jack stands is to lower the camper's nose as far as it will go. Place the jack stands on the frame as far back as possible. Then, raise the front until the tires are off the ground. You can use a bottle jack to do this, and place the jack at the point where the springs are attached. The shackles may flip and make a noise, but they should flip back and point up when you are done.

Another method is to use the jack stands on the camper's rear spring mounts to raise the rear axle. You can then remove both rear tires, leaving the rear axle supported. Repeat this process for the front tires.

If you are using jack stands for a longer period of time, such as for winter storage, you can also lower the camper's stabilizers for added safety.

shunauto

Safety precautions

Changing a camper tire can be a challenging task, and it is important to take certain safety precautions to protect yourself and your vehicle. Here are some detailed safety instructions to follow when changing a camper tire:

Find a Safe and Level Spot:

Locate a secure and level area, away from traffic, to park your camper. This is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure stability while changing the tire. Avoid soft or muddy ground, as it can be challenging to jack up the vehicle. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the opposite side of the tire you're changing to prevent the camper from rolling.

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear:

Always wear gloves to protect your hands from heavy, hot metal and rubber. Additionally, wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from any debris or dust that may be kicked up during the tire change.

Use Proper Tools:

Ensure you have the correct tools for the job, including a lug wrench, jack, jack stand, flashlight, and a spare tire that matches the size and load rating of your current tires. A torque wrench is also useful to ensure the lugs are tightened correctly.

Loosen the Lug Nuts:

Before jacking up the camper, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise, but don't remove them yet. This will make it easier to remove the tire once the camper is lifted.

Jack Up the Camper:

Position the jack under the frame of the camper, near the flat tire, on a stable and level surface. Use a hydraulic jack or a bottle jack to lift the camper off the ground slowly and steadily, ensuring the jack remains stable and secure. Do not place the jack on the axle, as it may damage the trailer.

Secure the Camper:

Once the camper is lifted, place a jack stand under the frame to provide added stability and safety. Ensure the jack stand is secure before completely removing the lug nuts and lowering the flat tire.

Replace the Tire:

Carefully pull the flat tire towards you and set it aside. Align the spare tire with the wheel bolts, making sure it sits flush against the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel bolts in a diagonal pattern to ensure even tightening.

Tighten the Lug Nuts:

After the spare tire is in place, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts. Apply firm pressure in a clockwise direction until the lug nuts are securely fastened.

Lower the Camper:

Before lowering the camper, ensure the area around it is clear of any obstacles. Slowly lower the camper back to the ground, maintaining a steady pace and keeping an eye on its descent to ensure it remains level.

Double-Check the Lug Nuts:

Finally, give the lug nuts a final check to ensure they are tight. Use a torque wrench to check the lug nut torque, following the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

Remember to stow away the flat tire and tools neatly for future use, and always prioritize safety when performing any maintenance on your camper.

Frequently asked questions

You can either jack up the camper, remove the tires, and replace them, or you can take the camper to a local tire shop to get them changed.

You can use the frame or the axle to jack up a camper. If you use the axle, make sure to lift at the point where the springs are attached.

You can use a floor jack or a bottle jack to lift a camper. Just make sure the jack is rated for the weight of your camper.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment