flat tire
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4425
Printed Date: 08 Jun 2025 at 2:32am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: flat tire
Posted By: Greg Smith
Subject: flat tire
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 3:25pm
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How do you jack up the pod to change a tire? Greg
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Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 3:45pm
 Apparently, we don't have a "popcorn" smiley..
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Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 6:34pm
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I know that there is a place near the axle under which you place the jack, but I have always wondered whether you unhitch the pod from the tow vehicle when you jack it up. I envisage disaster both hitched and unhitched. Never tried either maneuver. Never want to. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 6:41pm
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I have not have to change a tire yet, but when I had the Pod inspected, we left it attached to the tow vehilce and my mechanic used his floor jack to check the wheel barrings on each side.I imagine the changing of the tire would be the same. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 8:25pm
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Levitation...final answer. it's a hard question. i think most would chose a point on the axle close to the wheel assembly. even though we're told not to do so by the axle manufacturer. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2014 at 9:42pm
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Welcome! Levitation is often suggested since we've been told to not jack under the axle, and don't jack the frame of the pod itself. Either can be damaged. I think the best answer we've had here is using the flanges on the sides of the axle. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 1:02pm
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Your question made me realize that I do not have any way to lift the Pod to replace a defective tire. Just searched Amazon and purchased a Torin T90403 4 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack for $14.99. Now, come what may, I am now able to replace the tire on the road. Now I just have to remember when checking the two tires mounted on the trailer for air pressure to also check the spare. And I thought I had bought the last item to service the Pod with. Anyway, it seems like cheap insurance. I just heard from another Podder while on an extended trip he has blown a bearing. Not sure if it is on his tow vehicle or the Pod. Will let you know as I hear from him. Has everyone with at least 5K miles between axle servicing done it? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 1:09pm
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On my recently sold 17, I had the local pod dealer pack its bearings at 5K. They said that the bearings and the packing looked just fine. This after pulling it, sometimes nearly up to the axle in fine, Utah desert sand. I'll wait for 10K on my new used 178 ... unless the more experienced podders out there advise differently. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 1:25pm
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Bob, Glad you got a jack. Better to be prepared than not. One caution: be sure the bottle jack retracts short enough to get under your jack point when the tire is completely flat. I went with the scissor jack for that reason. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 2:29pm
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Charlie you beat me to it about the jack hieght. With a flat tire your axel is 41/2 to 5 inches lower to the ground. this is how I worked around that. I roll the trailer up on my leveling boards I made to get the height I needed to get the bottle jack in place. hope this helps someone. Moe   ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 3:58pm
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Good thought. Thanks both of you. Regarding the bearings, how much of a gambler are you? I would hate to have a bearing "go out" when I'm traveling thru Possum Trot Falls, Idaho. The old adage, "An ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure." Or, Better safe than sorry. Hope none of us ever have to deal with a bearing. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 6:12pm
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I have a bottle jack but always take my small floor jack because it is lower. Once the tire goes flat there may not be enough room to get the bottle jack under the axle, at least that is what I found the one time I had to change a tire. Scissor jack will also work well to slide under the axle when the tire is flat. Goose
PS. Like Doug said, place the jack on the flanges welded to the axle that connects to the frame. ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 6:48pm
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Craneman, I like the idea of using the leveling blocks to get it high enough to get the jack in place.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 7:47pm
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blown, just flat........... plug and inflate ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 7:53pm
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Craneman, How does that work when the tire is already flat? Seems like rolling a flat tire up a ramp might be a challenge. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2014 at 8:53pm
Well Charlie I think the wheel will still turn and go up on the blocks,but not tried and tested . I have done it with a utility trailer years ago. If you notice I put pins in the boards to keep them from sliding. But good question, and food for thought. I'm not going to test it on purpose LOL Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 6:40am
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no need to pull up on blocks; hopefully would be able to find the culprit(nail, screw, etc)by rolling pod forward/backward; remove it, plug, and inflate. obviously this won't work on a completely blown tire or certain areas of a flat tire. i have plugged numerous tires on my vehicals and trailers w/o any problems in past. i know there is alot of debate on plugging, but it's an option, if nothing else for temporary purposes. I had a truck tire with three plugs once and ran it for years. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 8:08am
Yup, I carry a tire plug set and air pump in every car. I've only had one tire over the years that couldn't be repaired on the rim. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 3:40pm
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I have not had a flat for many years. But, based on past experience, many times, perhaps most times, the tire bead will separate from the wheel. Even if you are able to plug the tires, there is a good chance that you will not be able to inflate it unless you are somehow able to eliminate the separation between the bead and the wheel. I used to use tension strap around the tire to seal the bead all around the tire so it could be inflated. Very seldom have I been able to merely plug the tire and inflate it.
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 3:57pm
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obviously if the bead would separate, the tire would likly need to be taken off or another step taken to inflate. i have never had a bead separate from a basic flat and have been able to plug successfully 99% of the time. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 8:50pm
We have had very different experiences with flats. It's been a while for me too, but I don't think I can recall ever have the bead separate from the wheel. It's interesting that your experience is so different. As for plugs, they generally work well, but I'm pretty sure they void tire warranties. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 9:01pm
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Never had a bead problem except on my small tractor tires.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 9:47pm
Ah, now that you mention that -- I knew I had some sort of experience with broken beads. Yes, with a riding lawnmower, a wheelbarrow, or a two-wheeler hand truck I have dealt with broken beads. Little tires with practically no air in them to begin with and hardly any sidewall strength can definitely have bead problems. 14 inch trailer tires are more likely to have problems than larger TV tires too. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2014 at 9:59pm
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As I mentioned, my problem with beads goes back several years. Back in the late 70's and the 80's I was into restoring the older British sports cars. Almost every time I had a flat, the tire bead separated from the wheel. I had the same experience whenever I had a flat on one of my popup trailers. These were all 10" wheels. I don't recall having any similar problems with tires on my full size cars or trailers in recent (last 25) years. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2014 at 4:31pm
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I wonder if that difference comes from the older bias tires vs. the newer radials. Better sidewall strength? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2014 at 11:28am
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I live in a community that has several rv parks and live in a area one road in and out. I've seen a lot ov shall I say interesting stuff and one is flat tires. Some times we hear the flop flop of a flat going by the house,even the music of a trailer running on the rim,mostly on double axel trailer. But sometimes single axel. Other interesting thing such as,wheel bearings smoking,awnings hanging out, and once a forgotten slider. But one thing I know is that I have never seen a tire repaired on the spot, one reason is they are too far gone and almost always the bead is broken. My 50 ft wide driveway is the first wide spot to pull over comming into town. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2014 at 4:09pm
Perhaps even a bigger factor is the change from the older rusting steel wheels of yesteryear to the modern alloy of today. I used to spend hours sanding the rust off of old steel wheels before they would seal to the bead. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |