Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

[Titanium48]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

^^ That's particularly important if you have 4-bolt wheels and are looking for a cheap spare at a junkyard. Most 4-bolt cars use a 100 mm or 114.5 mm (4.5 inch) bolt circle diameter. Sometimes you also see 108 mm (4.25 inch), usually on Fords. Most 4-bolt trailers use a 102 mm (4.0 inch) bolt circle though - nearly impossible to find in the junkyard. 5-bolt wheels are easier to find, as the 114.5 mm diameter used on trailers is also common in the automotive world, but it's still not the only one out there.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Now that you are buying a spare,it is time to get one without getting killed by the dealers.
Seeing that you are from upstate,NY the place to go to or order online is KMT.They work out of Canastota,which is close to Rome and Syracuse.
www.kmtparts.com
Their phone # is 315-697-2441
I looked all over for tires and these guys are by far the cheapest -like 50% cheaper- than anybody else for the same brand products and their tires are new,not the type that has been in storage for 10 years.
They ship,and as far as I could see,they do not charge for handling.

 

[22E6441]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

I carry a spare on the trailer and a pre-greased bearing set in a ziploc bag in my boat tool box.

I don't worry about my spare getting stolen because I mounted it on the frame with a big old bent u-bolt. If someone manages to actually detach it, well, I figure they've at least earned it.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

And don't forget to test whatever jack you plan to use. Many automotive OEM units either won't reach, extend enough, stay stable enough, etc.
I was really surprised the one time I had to jack a trailer and boat up how much harder it was than a vehicle with four wheels. On a two wheel trailer you are essentially trying to tip the thing up on its side versus just lift a corner. This isn't the time for wimpy little jacks with next to no footprint!

And on that note, stow that big jack carefully. It's a big dead weight waitin' to take your head off in an accident.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Wouldn't even consider leaving home without it !!!!!!

It is one of the things that I check BEFORE we pull out ot the driveway. To be SURE that it is aired up !!!!!!!

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Most everyone has responded with what I was about to say, so will "spare" you from that.

All I would add is to also bring along some cribbing, boards that you can put your jack on so it doesn't sink into the dirt along the side of the road when you lift your trailer wheel off the ground.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

And don't forget to test whatever jack you plan to use. Many automotive OEM units either won't reach, extend enough, stay stable enough, etc.
I was really surprised the one time I had to jack a trailer and boat up how much harder it was than a vehicle with four wheels. On a two wheel trailer you are essentially trying to tip the thing up on its side versus just lift a corner. This isn't the time for wimpy little jacks with next to no footprint!

And on that note, stow that big jack carefully. It's a big dead weight waitin' to take your head off in an accident.

This is a good post. My 20' Key West came on a single axle trailer. I damn near died trying to raise that thing with my el-cheapo jack that was small enough to store in the truck. I then tested my trucks factory screw jack and realized it too was no match. Now the 3-ton comes with us, packed away in an old duffel and bungeed to the truck bed.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

I can honestly say that I have not used a jack in 10 years.Not because I have not had a flat,but because I have an old empty tank shell.When I have a flat on either my jeep or my trailer,I set the shell under the right angle under either the bumper or the trailer u-bar and drive forward.the shell will lift the wheel of the ground and the tire will be changed.

 

[dgopetactical]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

The first thing I did was when i bought my new to me trailer was to get a spare rim/tire and a trailer mount. now as far as a jack, I have tried to carry a small 2 ton floor jack with me but it did"t look good ratchet strapped to my trailer and I dont have room in my tow vehicle when loaded with people and beer, and I have too many tools and crap in the boat as it is.

I do have a Boat U.S. membership with the trailer assist membership which does include flat tire assistance and towing of your trailer. now back to the jack thing I am looking at buying one of those "jacks" that you hook on to your axel and when you back up it raises your trailer, but i have no idea if they are any good, they are compact and light. I will start a thread at a later date to find everyones opinion.
Denny

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Besides carring a single spare, I always keep a small 12V air compressor and a bottle of SLIME in the truck (for use on truck or trailer). This kit will seal up all but shredded tires and came in handy once when I had TWO flats at once.
Some of the places I fish are REMOTE so a flat could be catastrophic.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

They have those cheap drive on cam type trailer jacks which are easy to stow. I never used one, in fact I gave the one I had to someone else as I have better jacks.

 

[dgopetactical]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

that was the type of jack i was trying to describe, I could't remember what they were called
Denny

 

[45Auto]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Looks like a pretty easy decision so far !!!

Once you make up your mind (hopefully before you need it) to get a spare,
you can get a locking u-bolt that attaches it to the frame for about $10 at about any boating store.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Last summer was my first trailering the boat, but as I plan to bring the boat further distances this summer, I am trying to cover myself a little bit (without getting crazy). My trailer didn't come with a spare tire. Should I get one? Has anyone had to change a flat on their way to or from an outing?

Thanks.

Yes you need a spare. I actually have 2 spares but that may be considered overkill !!! never needed both and only needed one of them once but it sure is peace of mind. I also carry a spare hub and bearing assembly. Watch for trailers alone parked at the side of the road with a wheel missing and judge from that.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

I highly recommend mounting your spare vertically. Harbor Freight has a little bracket for $10 that can accomodate this.
I got a trailer once with the spare mounted horizontally like 45Auto, the rim was rusted out. Good thing the previous owner never needed it.

 

[dave11]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

The spare for the trailer was a necessary option I requested when I bought my boat. Not particularly inexpensive but required for me.

 

[dnifedem85]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Does anyone know if fix-a-flat would work with trailer tires? At least enough to limp to the nearest tire shop?

 

[nlain]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

If you have a leak that fix a flat will stop yes it will work, if you have a hole that has lost whatever punctured it probably not.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Does anyone know if fix-a-flat would work with trailer tires? At least enough to limp to the nearest tire shop?

Spare wheel would work better. No matter what damage to the original tire a spare will get you to a repair shop with your trailer !!!

 

[magillacuddy]

Re: Do you have a spare tire for your trailer?

Make sure the wheel fits! The only way you know is to jack up the boat. HOOKED TO THE TRUCK or TOW VEHICLE. and try it.

Two good pieces of advice for the novice. I can see myself getting a spare and not finding out it is the wrong one until I need it.