Changing Tires

[Bergertime]

All,

I am about to change/replace my tires on my dual axle galvanized trailer for my 245 Osprey but I had a couple questions since I am still new to this and it's my first time.  Any guidance on the below questions or additional input would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

1) Is it necessary to take the boat off b/f changing tires?  I assume not since a flat on the road would not allow for that.

2) Is there a need to unhook the trailer from my vehicle before jacking up the trailer?  I'm thinking it would be more stable with it still attached.

3) I have two jack stands. Is it beneficial/necessary to use these to support the opposite side while I am raising the working side?

4) Where is the best place to jack the trailer from?

5) Since I have the tires off what would I inspect for and what type of preventative maintenance (excluding brakes) would be recommended? (Sorry - this may warrant a whole new thread but I had to ask :> )

Lastly - Do you all buy your tires and have them mounted or is it more cost effective to buy the tire and galvanized rim together like Wal-Mart sells?

-Bruce

[Blue Agave]

1) No
2) No
3) No
4) I find the best location to put the jack is where one of the cross members mets the frame.
5) Pull the hubs, check the bearings, repack bearings.  If you have springs check them and make sure they are not ready to be replaced.

As far as new tires and rims, there has been a gentleman on Craigslist here in Tampa selling rims and tires. I picked up 4 new tires and galvanized rims for $70 a piece.

[John Jones]

6)After you get the rims off, wire brush the lugs and the spots where the rim touches the hub.  Put a little grease on the lug bolts before putting the nuts back on.  Makes getting them off next time a lot easier.

7) If you have not had the lug nuts off before now start soaking them today,  a couple of times per day, with PB Blaster.

[wingtime]

All of the above!  ^^^^

Like Fernando said if you haven't bought your tires yet you can usually get new tires and rims for about what it would cost to have your new tires mounted on your old rims.

[Bergertime]

Thanks all...

Found a guy (Tireman Ybor City) in Tampa that will charge $84 per tire mounted and installed on my rims, about the cheapest I could find.  Anyone have experience with this place, found them on Craig's list?  Prob will ride down there and check em out b/f I tow her down for the work.  They were very responsive to my inquiry though.  More to follow for your Tampa guys.

-B

[Blue Agave]

http://lakeland.craigslist.org/bod/3442561985.html

[wingtime]

Where are you located?  As Fernando posted and like I said...  you can get new rims for less than mounting on your old ones...  I have seen them for $79 or so.  Also you can keep your two best tires for spares.  Also while you have the wheels of you can put new a new set of galvanized hubs on your trailer for $112:  http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/3452394031.html

[Circle Hooked]

Depending on the condition of the old rims alot of times your better off getting new rims and tires anyway, if the rims are corroded the new tires might not seal and like the guys said you should be able to get new for under 100 all day long.

Here is a whole topic on tires http://www.theaquasportboatclub.com/vie ... f=11&t=297

[Bergertime]

Thanks for the info and additional sources all.  I will continue to do some more homework!  Happy Holidays!