changing a wheel.

[sean_374302414]

Hi I am new to owning and using a caravan and have a silly question to ask.

Do I remove the wheel in the same way as I would remove the wheel on my car.. Do caravans have a jacking point or is it just a matter of jacking anywhere on the main chasis..

Thanks

 

[WatsonJohnG]

1389235 - Side Lift Jack Kit (1000 kg)

Suitable for caravans manufactured after 1980 on AL-KO chassis, with a max. weight up to 2000 Kg.

Kit comprises: Jack, Storage Bag, Fixing Kit, 4 x Galvanised Mounting Brackets, Handbook.

Download Technical Brochure (www.al-ko.co.uk)

 

[RobRoy]

Hi Sean,

I would not spend the kind of money quoted for Alko products for something which is unlikely to get much use.

I have an Alko scissors jack, purchased on eBay for under

 

[Neil_5041165]

NOt sure why people worry so much about carrying all this clobber... I just carry a spare wheel and my Greenflag membership.They do the rest.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Neil

Very laudible but the only times I have needed to change a wheel in 40+ years of caravanning were in 1967 on the corridor through East Germany between Berlin and Helmstedt(when UK didn't recognise DDR) and in Spain on the way home with a ferry to catch.

On those occasions it was well worth having the clobber.

 

[Neil_5041165]

yes a little tongue in cheek perhaps but , i don't travel abroad and on three occasions i've needed greenflag to "rescue" me, they have done so quicker than i could have changed a tyre myself . Indeed they came to site recently at Bladon Chains when i picked up a puncture on my caravan while riding round choosing a pitch. No fuss, No stress just a little delay.

 

[sean_374302414]

a big thaks too you all for the replies, I will source a small trolley jack I think.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Neil not tongue in cheek but not wholly accurate as I forgot the 3rd occasion in Southern France when I stopped to assist an English couple who had punctured in France on the way to a rally and were stopped at the roadside with a puncture on the way home.

Also there was the little man whose wheel was inside his kitchen cupboard !!

Your Green Flag seems to work for you and we don't all need to be the same !!

 

[WatsonJohnG]

a big thaks too you all for the replies, I will source a small trolley jack I think.

Lidl and Aldi take some beating when they have them on offer

 

[Joyce_5063910]

Hi Sean

I am sure the following will cause some uproar because of the price but we use a Trail-A-Mate for jacking , levelling and as a Jockey wheel. It is not cheap, although we have special offers on at the moment.

You asked about a jacking point and there is none provided by the manufacturers of caravans and we believe there should be, similar to a car so there is no mistake where you lift your caravan from.

It is ok for people to suggest putting jacks under the axle where it is safe to lift without bending chassis but you can not always reach this point depending on the ground.

When you use a jack costing not too much money, the actually cost of the jack that you are lifting your not so cheap caravan always leave me very puzzled and you are putting yourself in danger by having to place it underneath the caravan in the first place and maybe activate it from a lying down or bending position. (not good for the back)

With regards to Green flag and other rescue services we too have them because there are times where it would be foolish to attempt to change wheels but I also believe that the man who comes to help should not be put in danger either.

There are also many times that caravanners wish to lift their caravans. To put them on winter wheels, to change the wheel because of wear, to level when on site, to work on the underside of the caravan, to lift the caravan to secure the new alko wheel clamp on double axles, to name but a few.

So to have a good, easy to use, safe lifting device is in my mind essential and one which doubles up as a Jockey wheel as well means you always have it with you.

None of us are getting any younger and it also means that if required I can also assist my husband in the operation as Trail-A-Mate is so easy to operate and it cannot fall off or away from the caravan even if you rock the caravan.

What ever you decide to purchase just be very careful when using it that you do not damage the chassis or yourself and find out exactly where to place it on the axle and how to use it.

Have a dry run at home before you need to use it in an emergency.

Hope you enjoy you new caravan and safe caravanning...Joyce

 

[sean_374302414]

Hi Sean

I am sure the following will cause some uproar because of the price but we use a Trail-A-Mate for jacking , levelling and as a Jockey wheel. It is not cheap, although we have special offers on at the moment.

You asked about a jacking point and there is none provided by the manufacturers of caravans and we believe there should be, similar to a car so there is no mistake where you lift your caravan from.

It is ok for people to suggest putting jacks under the axle where it is safe to lift without bending chassis but you can not always reach this point depending on the ground.

When you use a jack costing not too much money, the actually cost of the jack that you are lifting your not so cheap caravan always leave me very puzzled and you are putting yourself in danger by having to place it underneath the caravan in the first place and maybe activate it from a lying down or bending position. (not good for the back)

With regards to Green flag and other rescue services we too have them because there are times where it would be foolish to attempt to change wheels but I also believe that the man who comes to help should not be put in danger either.

There are also many times that caravanners wish to lift their caravans. To put them on winter wheels, to change the wheel because of wear, to level when on site, to work on the underside of the caravan, to lift the caravan to secure the new alko wheel clamp on double axles, to name but a few.

So to have a good, easy to use, safe lifting device is in my mind essential and one which doubles up as a Jockey wheel as well means you always have it with you.

None of us are getting any younger and it also means that if required I can also assist my husband in the operation as Trail-A-Mate is so easy to operate and it cannot fall off or away from the caravan even if you rock the caravan.

What ever you decide to purchase just be very careful when using it that you do not damage the chassis or yourself and find out exactly where to place it on the axle and how to use it.

Have a dry run at home before you need to use it in an emergency.

Hope you enjoy you new caravan and safe caravanning...Joyce

Joyce,

Thank you very much for yuour concern and your infromation. Being new to all of this it is always good hear other peoples point on different mater. I will indeed try a fry run in the driveway.

Thanks Again

Sean