Whether you’re dealing with a shaky, flat, or fully blown-out RV tire, changing it is a time-sensitive process. We’ve put together this guide with some helpful tips to get you through the process from start to finish. Read our tips for changing RV tires, then visit Camping in Style in Whitby, ON. We also serve those in Mississauga.
Safety Concerns
There are many reasons why you may need to change your RV tires. Some examples include deep cracks that are a result of too much sun exposure, poor tread depth, or a simple puncture. In a perfect world, you learn about the tire damage early enough to get your rig to the mechanic. However, we don’t live in a perfect world! You may need to change an RV tire yourself.
Pull into a safe, flat area that offers plenty of space for you to work. Confirm the emergency brake is engaged before you begin the process. If you can, place wheel chocks beneath the two tires that will still be on the ground for maximum safety. You should never put your body under the rig, even when it’s safely off the ground and there’s ample clearance.
Gather Equipment
You’ll want to keep a few items handy whenever you’re changing RV tires, including:
- Two RV jacks and one RV leveler.
- A spare tire.
- A wrench.
As you can imagine, it’s very important that you carry these items in your RV at all times. You never know when an emergency will happen, so it’s best to be prepared. The next time you’re tasked with fixing a flat, you won’t have to think twice about where your equipment is located.
Changing Tips
First, before you raise the rig, loosen the nuts on the RV tire you’ll be working on. This will be more difficult once the wheel is off the ground. When using a leveler, refer to the instructions for your model. It’s likely that this will involve driving your good RV tire onto the leveler. Next, the RV will be lifted high enough for you to replace the bad one.
For two RV jacks, position one behind the rear wheel and the other in front of the front wheel. Make sure they’re positioned under the frame to prevent damage. Jack each wheel up until they barely touch the rig. Alternate between the two by pumping each of them a few times before moving to the other to keep it level. Continue until it’s lifted high enough that the tires spin freely.
Take your wrench and remove the lug nuts in a star-shaped pattern to evenly distribute the weight and set them aside. Carefully replace the RV tire and the lug nuts while being sure to tighten them as much as possible.
As you finish up, lower your RV in the same way you raised it. You can give the lug nuts one last tightening for peace of mind. Clean your tools, remove the flat tire, and visit your local service department as soon as you can for a proper fix.
If you need help with parts or services for your RV, contact our team today. Camping in Style is conveniently located in Whitby, ON, near Oshawa. We’re proud to be Ontario’s #1 Keystone® RV dealer. We look forward to serving you!