I don't know jack... July 22, 2016, 12:16:06 am Location of the jack that is.Flying the noob flag here...thinking about changing a flat tire today made me realize that beyond the location of the spare, I really had not given any thought on how to change a flat on my rig...especially should one of the drw go flat. That lead to a search for a jack. Surprise...I don't think I have one! Soooo...before I run willy nilly to the local HF tomorrow, I would like to draw on the wisdom of the collective and ask...What type of jack(s) do you have/recommend and where/how do you have it stowed?Has anyone had any experience with using a 1/2" electric impact wrench as mentioned in the LDC? I've never used anything other than breaker bars & sockets to change tires in the past, but harder doesn't necessarily mean smarter.Ray
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #1 – July 22, 2016, 12:50:28 am I've learned that with ordinary tire changing tools that I am unable to break loose the lug nuts. As you know, those lug nuts are torqued to about 140 lb.ft. I suppose that if I had a 6' pipe perhaps I would have sufficient leverage. So my solution is to carry a spare and a roadside assistance agreement with Coach-Net. Now if I carried an electric impact wrench, that might change my flat-tire strategy. So at this stage of life, this is an example of me trying to take the smart road which hasn't always been the case.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #2 – July 22, 2016, 01:57:56 am I just finished doing some brake work on our LD, using the gear normally carried.For jacks, IMO, a minimum of two 12-ton jacks are needed, one a low-profile, the other a normal height jack.I'm considering exchanging one for a 20-ton model. Whey such oversized jacks? When you are laying on your side, using one arm, at an odd angle, it's hard to exert much force and the sad news is I'm not as strong as I once was. When it comes to jacks, and lifting the rear of a LD, bigger is better.I suggest using two jacks to provide an extra layer of stability and safety and do chock the rest of the wheels. Your LD is heavy and it needs to be treated with much respect. Keep it as stable as possible. For those with 1997-2007 LDs, you have a driveshaft parking brake that does NOTHING when one rear wheel is off the ground. Chock the wheels.For home use, a 3-ton floor jack will barely lift a rear wheel. A low profile jack stand is nice or heavy wood cribbing, my preference. A torque wrench used at home, when tightening the lug nuts.Also carried are several short pieces of 2X4s, used to chock the wheels and under the jacks, and a big plywood base, for use on soft soil. Lynx blocks are useful for chocking and cribbing.To break the lugs nuts loose, a 7/8"-1/2" drive socket is used (with an 1/2" extension on the rear) and long 1/2" breaker bar.To add some extra force, a 3' long piece of 1" pipe is used as a cheater.I carry a Ryobi 1/2" battery impact wrench. It normally cannot break the lug nuts loose, that is what the breaker bar and socket assembly is used for. For those who are still reading, if you are serious about having the equipment to change a tire, practice doing at home once to figure out the details in a calm, controlled place. This isn't a lightweight job and it is one that can get you killed or badly injured if you screw up. My approach is to make sure wheel work is done at home, where I have a better assortment of tools and there is no rush or pressure. I have been very lucky, the last motorhome tire I changed on the road, was on a Winnebago Brave, back in 1973. Larry 5 Likes
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #3 – July 22, 2016, 09:58:05 am There would be no way I could get this job done so I'd call for road side help.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #4 – July 22, 2016, 09:59:28 am The correct jack placement points for the front and rear axles are pictured in the owner's manual; owners should know where these points are, even if they never get near a breaker bar or a jack handle, because it's not a "given" that whoever does do a tire change (or any other job that requires lifting) will know where to place the jack head, risking possible damage to the axle(s). Larry's counsel about using the right equipment and being very careful to make sure that the rig is properly jacked up, supported, and "blocked" is the result of years of experience and is right on (of course!); lifting the rig safely is not a "Here, hold my beer!" operation! I know that I couldn't change a tire on the LD; I still do some maintenance stuff (often involving more blood draw than in past years), and although I know how to change a tire, reality rules! (A 16" wheel and tire weighs about 60 pounds!) So, like many, I carry emergency road service, and hope that there's a cell signal! As ever, YMMV.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #5 – July 22, 2016, 10:53:49 am I do a lot of the work on my LD, truck and other equipment. I do wheels off maintenance at home. I too carry Coach Net or AAA, and would not hesitate to call for a tire change. I have never had a flat where a jack would be well grounded. Bottle jacks have a very narrow base and are dangerous on anything but level pavement. I could manage, do carry the right tools, but unless it's an outside rear dual, I would only tackle a tire change as a last resort. And I would NEVER allow someone else to do the job or help unless a professional. I'll wait happily for a couple hours for service in a safe place first. Not in a big hurry when in the LD.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #6 – July 22, 2016, 11:15:56 am Quote from: paul banbury - July 22, 2016, 10:53:49 amI too carry Coach Net or AAA, and would not hesitate to call for a tire change. I have never had a flat where a jack would be well grounded. While towing service are wonderful, many are limited to where they willing to go and that includes most dirt roads.You may find yourself in a place where a tire needs changing and your service will not come to you.There are specialty towing companies that will come you no matter where you are but they cost. An example is Miller Towing of Lone Pine. They served the Death Valley region, average tows are in the $2000 range and up.Even if you can't do it yourself, having the right gear would enable a helpful person to assist.I carry a big piece of plywood for use as a firm, level base for the jack, when on soft, uneven ground.Larry 1 Likes
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #8 – July 22, 2016, 03:22:08 pm As much as I curse our HWH kick down jacks in other situations (when they're not working properly), they are really nice when it comes to changing tires. I use the HWH jacks to lift the tire off the ground and then put a properly rated jack stand in for insurance. The previous owner left me a bottle jack, but I've never used it.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #9 – July 22, 2016, 05:13:29 pm "You may find yourself in a place where a tire needs changing and your service will not come to you."----True, and this is a concern for those who are often off a paved or "firm" surface; in this case, I believe that the term is "SOL"! I do carry a 12-ton bottle jack and stacks of Lynx levelers, but a piece of plywood (5/8"? 3/4"?) for a jack base is a good idea. (Also a breaker bar; the pipe I had disappeared!)In the central coast area where I grew up, quite a few locals had (and have!) very lucrative businesses changing tires, hauling stuck vehicles out of the sand and/or dunes, and/or retrieving them before they floated off into the sunset because the drivers never thought to look at a tide timetable! More than a few of these "sand hauler" tow truck businesses have thrived for three or four generations; never a shortage of work between about April and October!
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #10 – July 22, 2016, 05:25:58 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones 2 - July 22, 2016, 09:58:05 amThere would be no way I could get this job done so I'd call for road side help. Your statement should be continued to say "if I have cell phone service. Otherwise I'm simply SOL.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #11 – July 22, 2016, 05:45:20 pm Not so long ago I had to face reality and so I donated my bottle jack, torque wrench, breaker bar and the appropriate sockets to an auction that took place at a GTG with Pete Reed's Group up in Oregon. The winner was happier than a pig in dodo.And I have been just as happy with my Coach Net card in my wallet, it weighs a whole lot less.And kudos to Miller Towing down there in Lone Pine, they saved my butt when my fuel pump went out for the 2nd time.So I'll defer to all the sage advise as posted on this thread, including that of my own Daughter, Lazy Bones 2, and keep my fingers crossed that there's a good cell signal when I need it most. Steve S.Lazy Bones & Cedar
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #12 – July 22, 2016, 05:46:35 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - July 22, 2016, 01:57:56 amI'm considering exchanging one for a 20-ton model... not as strong as I once was. When it comes to jacks, and lifting the rear of a LD, bigger is better.Just wondering how well this would work. A Jet 20 ton air powered bottle Jack. With the right compressor on board it may be the answer for some of us " not-so-youngs". I saw this on eBay and sold through CPO Outlets.I have purchased many tools from CPO and they have never disappointed and Jet is a very reputable name. They have short and tall Jet Bottle Jacks. Any thoughts on this, anyone? I am currently carrying one 6 ton bottle Jack as recommended by LD, but apparently that really is inadequate.Here's a shot of the Jet Jack.Kent
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #13 – July 22, 2016, 06:48:33 pm "fingers crossed that there's a good cell signal when I need it most. "Actually, Steve, since you tow you simply make a note of your location then drive to the nearest town or cell phone area, and call from there.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #14 – July 22, 2016, 07:10:31 pm Quote from: Ed D. - July 22, 2016, 06:48:33 pmActually, Steve, since you tow you simply make a note of your location then drive to the nearest town or cell phone area, and call from there. Good thinking Ed 🤗
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #15 – July 23, 2016, 12:28:43 am Thanks to all those who've responded, this is just what I had hoped for! Your sage wisdom is greatly appreciated. I must be brief as the clock is ticking and I'm up to be off to the lake early in the am. Larry - Thanks for the laundry list & reminder of the trans e-brake. I went with the 20 ton bottle. I've never relied on an e-brake and completely understand that you get one shot. Gravity is not just a good idea...it's the LAW!Joan - Agreed...there are many instances where that phrase is completely acceptable however, changing a tire isn't one of them. fwiw, my stock p/u truck tires weigh 70+ lbs so I can appreciate the "method to the madness" where heavy wheels are concerned.Steve, Cynthia & Paul - Coach Net / AAA sounds like a sensible solution to many woes...flat tires included! I'll have to add that to the list of "check this out" things.Once again many thanks to all Have a great weekend!!Ray
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #16 – July 24, 2016, 12:34:56 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - July 22, 2016, 05:46:35 pmHere's a shot of the Jet Jack$205 from AmazonAmazon.com: JET AHJ-12 12-Ton Air/Hydraulic Bottle Jack with Case: Home...Harbor Freight's 12-ton Pneumatic jack. Looks almost identical to the Jet and is probably made in the same small village in China.$90 regular price, $68 this weekend with the 25% off coupon.Tempting.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #17 – July 24, 2016, 02:51:01 pm Larry,I try to buy American as often as possible. Mostly because of "knockoffs" being of such poor quality. I have purchased from Harbor Freight in the past. In a pinch, they'll do. As such, I tried to determine Jets build origin. No luck so far. What I did find was their warranty, service centers, parts list and dedication to their customers. Made in America? Not sure yet.With that, I did find a 20 Ton Air/Hydraulic Bottle Jack sold through Sears and Made In America. About $200 and this one looks a lot like the Harbor Freight unit you posted (don't they all).Possibly a nice addition to Tire Repair Kit.Kent
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #18 – July 24, 2016, 05:13:35 pm The only time we have had a flat was caused by our GPS sending us down a 1.5 lane road in NE NM. Once on it there was no turning around. I gave an inch too much room to an on-coming truck and punctured the sidewall on a rock protruding into the road. Funny thing, most of the license plates we saw were from out-of-state just like us. No cell signal. We were at least two hours one-way from any place that might change a tire on Sunday. Thankfully the only pull off for miles was just around the bend from where the puncture happened. And it was level with fine gravel. It took me an hour to change it and of course it was a rear tire. We go to some out of the way places and so I carry the tools to get the job done when Coach-Net is not a possibility. 2 Likes
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #19 – July 24, 2016, 07:00:25 pm Quote from: Don Malpas - July 24, 2016, 05:13:35 pmThe only time we have had a flat was caused by our GPS sending us down a 1.5 lane road in NE NM. Once on it there was no turning around. I gave an inch too much room to an on-coming truck and punctured the sidewall on a rock protruding into the road. Funny thing, most of the license plates we saw were from out-of-state just like us. No cell signal. We were at least two hours one-way from any place that might change a tire on Sunday. Thankfully the only pull off for miles was just around the bend from where the puncture happened. And it was level with fine gravel. It took me an hour to change it and of course it was a rear tire. We go to some out of the way places and so I carry the tools to get the job done when Coach-Net is not a possibility.Don, what do you carry that enabled you to change the tire? If you have mentioned this already, I missed it.Chris
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #20 – July 24, 2016, 07:12:22 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - July 24, 2016, 12:34:56 pm$205 from AmazonAmazon.com: JET AHJ-12 12-Ton Air/Hydraulic Bottle Jack with Case: Home...Harbor Freight's 12-ton Pneumatic jack. Looks almost identical to the Jet and is probably made in the same small village in China.$90 regular price, $68 this weekend with the 25% off coupon.Tempting.LarryAs it turns out Jet manufactures many of its products in Taiwan. Fair enough. Great things come from many places. Kent As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: I don't know jack... Reply #21 – July 25, 2016, 01:22:14 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - July 24, 2016, 07:12:22 pmAs it turns out Jet manufactures many of its products in Taiwan. Fair enough. Great things come from many places. Jet has been around for a long time, mostly known for it's it wood and metal working tools.I bought a large Jet lathe, for the mechanical shop at work, over twenty years ago. It was a decent piece of equipment. At this point, it doesn't matter where things are built, it's the quality of the materials and labor that count.Many good products come out of China.....mixed in with awful lot of junk.Larry
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