Tire replacement

redaunt

What is the best way to get trailer tires replaced for our 320 Outback (2015?). Is it best to take the trailer to a store like Discount Tire and let them do it?  Or better to DIY?  Do tire places have the experience to change out tires on a T@b?

AnOldUR

We had a blowout and had to do a replacement while on the road, so had limited choices. Any tire store should be able to handle the job, but there are two things to be sure that they are aware of. First is that they lift from the proper location. Second is that they don't use an impact wrench to torque the lug nuts. It's ok to use air drive the nuts on, but after they're snug a torque wrench should be used for final tightening. Also, some may not balance a trailer wheel unless you ask.

If possible, watch while they are working.

JamesC

I agree with the above. I marked the lift points on my trailer before taking it to Discount Tire and the showed them where they could lift the trailer. I watched them change the tires and took pictures of the process and the verified the torque specs with the person mounting them. I also check the pressure and torque before trips. 

manyman297

I just replaced our tires and I have the equipment to remove the wheels and leave the camper on jack stands. If you have the equipment I feel like this is the best option vs. hitching up and bringing the camper to the tire store. Then you avoid issues like having to possibly keep the camper at their lot overnight because they couldn’t get to your tires that day. 

Tabaz

Drove the trailer to Discount Tire and unhitched in their parking lot.  Showed them the proper jack points.  They did everything while I waited.  Excellent service.

AnOldUR

manyman297 said:

...Then you avoid issues like having to possibly keep the camper at their lot overnight because they couldn’t get to your tires that day. 

My experience at a tire outlet was just the opposite of this. Two guys came out, each pulling a floor jack. Slid them under the two jack points and lifted the whole trailer up. One guy working on each side had the tire swap done in no time. It was like an Indy pit stop. All this without even disconnecting from the tow vehicle.

edit to add YMMV

pthomas745

Here is a thread that explains the jacking points with pictures and descriptions and circles and arrows.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8314/jacking-points-on-tab-320-and-400/p1

The proper type of tire is important, too.  Here are a bunch of threads about "trailer tires".

https://www.google.com/search?q=trailer+tires+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=AB5stBhgKKDPZ4Nmmfihx8WW85urw7pe5g:1689618961847&ei=EYq1ZNKWM5bRkPIPg9iz8AU&ved=0ahUKEwiS45qQsZaAAxWWKEQIHQPsDF4Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=trailer+tires+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLnRyYWlsZXIgdGlyZXMgc2l0ZTp0YWItcnYudmFuaWxsYWNvbW11bml0eS5jb21IoC1QrwlYnCVwAXgAkAEAmAFGoAGkCaoBAjI3uAEDyAEA-AEB4gMEGAEgQYgGAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

Slackers

We bought our tires from Walmart (after thorough tire research). Jacked the trailer up onto stands.  Took the rims to Walmart and their auto center for mounting and balancing the new tires (which were shipped to their store). Brought newly mounted tires home, and put them on the trailer, removed jack stands, lowered the Tab. Then torqued lugs to specs and adjusted the tire pressure.  So yeah going to Discount Tire etc. is a lot easier.

AnOldUR

Slackers said:

 ... Jacked the trailer up onto stands ...

Trying to get this straight in my old brain. The jack points are small. What's you setup for lifting up from the jack locations and then getting a stand under the same load bearing location?

Slackers

I have RennStand Jack Stands, which allows use of a floor jack underneath the crossbar of the jackstand.  The hillbilly method is to jack the trailer up, remove the wheel and cautiously slightly lower the trailer so the wheel hubs rest onto thoughtfully placed beefy wood blocks. Disclaimer: The hillbilly method is inspired by what I observed on abandoned cars along the roadside--it's not an endorsement!

AnOldUR

Slackers said:

I have RennStand Jack Stands ...

Never saw those before. A little pricey, but perfect for the job. Thanks.

manyman297

AnOldUR said:

Slackers said:

 ... Jacked the trailer up onto stands ...

Trying to get this straight in my old brain. The jack points are small. What's you setup for lifting up from the jack locations and then getting a stand under the same load bearing location?

I use a bottle jack to lift the camper…placed on one end of the jack point…then I place jack stands next to it on the opposite end of the jack point. They’re usually a good 2” from the edge so I’m not too worried about it being unbalanced. I wished I could get my proper floor jack under there but there’s no room. 

PNWtabber

I just got new tires for my 2018 320S Outback.  I went to Discount Tire (same place I got my car's tires), they did as @AnOldUR experienced, brought out floor jacks and didn't require me to disconnect from the tow vehicle.  I watched them locating the jack points and they seemed to take care to get the right spots.