What Happens if My Trailer Gets a Flat?

The last thing you want to have is a blowout while hauling your trailer on the open road. Unfortunately, this can occur, whether due to an aging tire or poor road conditions. However, it’s important to know what to do so you’re not caught unprepared. Here’s how to change a flat tire on your trailer in Howell MI.

Steps to Changing a Tire

Provided you have the proper tools and a spare tire, switching out a blown tire for a new one is not that hard and not very different from a car tire.

1.     Find the Jack and Spare Tire

Most trailers come with spare tires. If renting a trailer in Howell, ask your trailer rental company if a spare is included and if so, where it is located. It’s usually located underneath the trailer, while the jack is either close to it or in a separate tool chest elsewhere on the trailer.

2.     Jack Up the Trailer Near the Flat Tire

Many trailers have a scissor jack, which lifts up into a diamond shape. Be sure to line up the notch at the jack’s top with a piece of metal on the trailer’s body, then crank the rod. Make adjustments to the jack while raising it to ensure it sits underneath part of the frame. Move it upwards until you see the tire lift above the ground.

3.     Remove the Lug Nuts With the Lug Wrench

The lug nuts are what mount the tire to the trailer. You’ll have to remove each one using a lug wrench. If you have a four-way lug wrench, this process is even quicker; however, you may have to test different ends until the right size is achieved.

4.     Remove the Old Wheel, Then Add the Spare

Now you can take off the old wheel and add the spare tire, which is usually smaller than the original. It’s not designed for long trips – just to get the trailer to the nearest destination for help.

5.     Secure the Lug Nuts, Then Lower the Jack

Secure the spare wheel using the lug nuts you had previously removed, then tighten them just enough so you don’t strip them. Lower the jack gently back down and place it back where it was.  

6.     Drive to a Mechanic

Proceed with care to your local mechanic shop. Keep in mind your spare shouldn’t be subjected to speeds over 50 mph. To minimize wear, have the tire replaced with a real one as soon as possible. Call your trailer rental company to advise them of the flat, as they may have instructions on where you can take the trailer for a new tire.

Keep in mind, driving on a spare time causes improper weight distribution and can wear down the other three tires. In addition to getting the spare changed as soon as you can, never drive on a flat tire unless in an emergency situation, as this can lead to extensive damage.  

Contact Easy Car Haulers

When booking your trailer rental in Howell MI, we will let you know where the spare tires and jack are located just in case you find yourself in this situation. Call us at 888-672-1206 or fill out our online form for a free quote.