You’re driving along in your recreational vehicle (RV) when suddenly you hit a pothole, and your front tire goes flat. What do you do?
Many non-traditional vehicle owners are not sure how to change a tire. Fortunately, it’s not as complex as you may think, and you can do it yourself.
Keep reading to learn more about tire replacement and how to handle owning an RV as a non-commercial driver.
What You’ll Need
Assuming your recreational vehicle has the same tire size all around, you will need the following tools to change a tire: a lug wrench, a socket wrench, a jack, and a spare tire. You will also need to know where your jack is located.
But first, how to prevent a flat tire on your recreational vehicle?
Before it happens, use these summer vehicle care tips to prevent yourself from getting stuck on the road:
1. Check the pressure of your tires
2. Check the weight of the vehicle
3. Check your braking system
4. Be aware of the road you will drive on
Raise the Vehicle
To change a tire on your recreational vehicle, find a safe place to pull over, and jacking up a travel trailer is the first thing you need to do. If you have a jack and jack stand, you can use those to raise the vehicle. If you do not have a jack and jack stand, you can use a tire iron to pry the tire off the ground.
Loosen the Lugs
Next is to loosen the lug nuts. This can be done with a lug wrench. Start by placing the wrench on the lug and turning it counterclockwise. Repeat this process on all the logs until they are loose.
Remove & Install the New Tire
To change the tire, you would put the new tire on. Once the tire is in place, use your body weight to push it down onto the wheel. Then, you would use the tire iron to tighten the lug nuts back on.
How to Prevent Future Tire Issues
You can prevent future tire issues by performing regular maintenance. Check the air pressure in the tires at least once a month. If you notice a tire is low on air, add air as needed.
Also, inspect the tires for any signs of wear or damage. If you see any cracks, bulges, or bald spots, replace the tire. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your tires in good condition and avoid having to change a tire on the side of the road.
Store a Spare Tire Next Time
Make sure to store your spare tire in a safe and accessible place so you can easily find it next time you need it. With a little preparation, you’ll be back on the road in no time!
Your Recreational Vehicle on the Road Again
While it may seem daunting, changing a tire on your recreational vehicle is relatively simple as long as you have the right tools. With a few basic steps, you can have your RV back on the road in no time. Now you know how to change a tire on your recreational vehicle before you hit the open road.
So next time you find yourself with a flat tire, don’t be afraid to change it yourself.
Need more information? Then make sure you check out our other blog posts! We’ve got loads of content that can fill you in.