Flat tire change

[Rostam]

I had bought a tire changing ramp a couple of years ago (knock on wood, I have never had to use it), but then realized due to Avion's independent suspension, they may not actually work. How do you all replace the tires? Do you use a bottle jack? How do you distribute the force so the frame is not damaged? Thank!

[Razorback]

I have wondered about those tire changing ramps. And, I have wondered if 2 would be needed for our 3-axle trailer.

For a 2-axle trailer, I could envision driving a tire up on the ramp, which should take a lot of load off of the tire that needs to be changed. Then, maybe use a scissor jack under the failed tire’s axle to get it off of the ground enough to change it. I would need to test that idea.....

Think that would work?

[KYAvion]

I’d make a ramp with LEGO blocks and then, if needed, lift the flat tire like Razorback said.

[Rostam]

Thanks guys,
I'll probably test this in my driveway sometimes to make sure it works.

[silverloaf]

Thanks guys,
I'll probably test this in my driveway sometimes to make sure it works.

I'm eager to learn of your findings. The problem I envision with any lifting device is how to keep the jack from slipping on an axle that is not parallel to the jack's point of contact.

I've often thought about fabricating a lifting pad. The axle end would have a rubber surface while the bottle jack end would have a counterbore to keep the jack secure to the pad. Of course, I haven't had time to work on it yet.

Perhaps you can prove me right or wrong on this as you perform your experiment.

[KYAvion]

I can also lift both tires on my 30R off the ground with this....
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Powerbuilt- ... /203116783

That 3 ton version weighs about 25 lbs. They make a 2 ton version that weighs about 15 lbs, but it has about 2.5” less lift.

My trailer has a MorRyde suspension though, so I’m not sure how the lift needed to raise a tire compares to Avions with the other suspension systems.

[silverloaf]

I can also lift both tires on my 30R off the ground with this....
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Powerbuilt- ... /203116783

That 3 ton version weighs about 25 lbs. They make a 2 ton version that weighs about 15 lbs, but it has about 2.5” less lift.

My trailer has a MorRyde suspension though, so I’m not sure how the lift needed to raise a tire compares to Avions with the other suspension systems.

Our trailer has the OEM adjust-a-ride suspension system. I rebuilt the system in late 2017 and have yet to put it through its paces. There is no way I'm going to tear out a suspension system for something a bit better.

However, I haven't found a jack with a low enough profile to lift the trailer at the axle's spring support.

[KYAvion]

Not sure what you mean? I wasn’t suggesting you change out your suspension.

The jack I posted lifts my trailer by the frame.

[silverloaf]

KY-

I never took it that way, my friend. I just made an off-the-cuff comment about the work and cost involved to change out the system like your previous owner did.

I'll check out the jack you recommended. I presume it's much lower profile to fit under the frame.

[KYAvion]

Yeah, I don't know if I would have gone through the trouble of switching it out either. It does give a really smooth ride though, and I do like the extra ground clearance. That said, I've got nothing to compare it to other than the torsion axles on my previous trailer.