Trailers are a useful and economical way of hauling a variety of cargo. However, as with every vehicle, parts can wear out or break. Either due to excessive wear or to having a blow out, the trailer tires will eventually need to be changed. Changing these mid-sized tires is not difficult, and can be done quickly and easily with the right tools.
Repairing Tire on Trailer Guidelines:
1.) Block the back set of trailer tires with a brick to keep the trailer secure from rocking. Jack up the trailer at mid-level and place jacks stands underneath the vehicle to maximize your safety.
2.) Remove the lugs on the tire with a lug wrench. Once the tire is removed from the wheel, deflate it by pressing down on the valve stem. Insert a small pry bar at the point where the tire is flattest, working your way around the rim with a pry bar to remove the tire bead from the wheel rim.
3.) Inspect the tire for punctures. If any are visible, and they are less than 1/4 inch, patch them up with tire sealant using a tire kit. Use only the recommended amount as directed on the product label. Make sure the seal is secure so there are no air leaks.
4.) Use an air compressor to fill up the tire. Place the tire back on its wheel and secure the lugs with a torque wrench or tire iron. Remove the jack stand and lower the car jack. Start the trailer up and test drive it at a speed no higher than 40 mph. As the tire rolls, the centrifugal force will coat the entire inside of the tire with sealant.
5.) Replace worn tires. Patching a punctured trailer tire should hold up for a couple days, but be forewarned; this is not a permanent fix. Contact a local auto shop to have your trailer’s tires changed or rotated.
Changing Trailer Tires Guidelines:
1.) Slide the jack under the axle of the trailer and jack the trailer tire up a few inches off the ground. Use the lug nut wrench to remove the lug nuts holding the wheel on the axle.
2.) Slide the wheel off the wheel studs and lay it on its side. Make sure all of the air has been let out of the tire by depressing the small valve in the valve stem with a small knife or stick.
3.) Slide the edge of a tire iron under the lip of the tire and pry upwards. Repeat the process with the other tire iron until you have pulled the tire bead off the rim and can slide the tire free.
4.) Lay the wheel on top of the new tire and then again pry the lip of the tire onto the edge of the wheel. Follow suit with the remainder of the tire and wheel.
5.) Use the air compressor to pump the tire up to the recommended pressure, and then remount the wheel on the wheel studs. Lower the trailer off of the jack.
