Protect the wheel assembly from damage by steering clear of curbs, slowing down when going through potholes and avoiding collisions with tree stumps, large rocks, etc.

It is important to maintain the torque.  After the trailer has been driven for three months, check the wheel torque.  Wheel size is very important.  Refer to the torque sequence chart located inside the trailer’s operations manual.  Torque the wheels in the different stages required.

Tires on the travel trailer or fifth wheel should never be mismatched.  When it is time to replace a trailer tire, be sure the new tire has the same weight rating and size of the former tire.

Keep a quality set of chocks in the trailer and place them up against the wheels each time the trailer is parked.  Remember to remove the chocks and put them back in the trailer before you drive away.

Chains for the tires are useful for driving in snow conditions.  Prior to purchasing chains, make sure the chains are rated in strength and size for the trailer wheels.  It is highly recommended you practice putting the chains onto the trailer wheels before encountering snow and ice to get experience in applying the tire chains.

If you travel with a spare tire check the air pressure before each trip to be sure the spare is in working condition.  Once per year, or every 12,000 miles, remove the lug nuts from the spare tire mounting, lubricate the studs and reinstall the lug nuts.  This will help keep the lug nuts flexible and prevent rust or corrosion from setting in.

Trailer tires can often be changed if you experience a flat.  However, not all trailers come supplied with a spare tire and jack assembly, so be sure you have the proper equipment before preparing to change a flat tire. 

If a tire goes flat, do not attempt to drive on the tire and risk damage to the wheel assembly.  Park the trailer as far from traffic as possible. Engage the vehicle’s hazard lights and place safety cones thirty feet from the front and back of the trailer to alert oncoming traffic.  For safety reasons, it is recommended you call a mobile repair service to change a flat tire on the side of the road.

When a tire is flat while the trailer is in storage, or parked at a campground, and you choose to change the tire yourself, there are a few steps to remember.  To change a tire the trailer must be on a firm, level surface.  Never attempt to change a flat tire if the trailer is parked on a slope or on a soft surface.  Set the tow vehicle transmission to Park and engage the emergency brake.  Place wheel chocks behind the non-flat trailer tires.

Remove the spare tire from its storage position and use an air pressure gauge to check the tire’s pressure.  A spare tire with low air pressure should not be used.  If the spare tire pressure is adequate, set the tire off to one side.

Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts using a tire iron.  Next, position the jack under the trailer as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual.  Operate the jack to raise the flat tire off the ground.  Remove the lug nuts and place them in a secure location.  Take off the flat tire.  Hold the spare tire up over the wheel studs.  You may require assistance in lining the tire up with the studs.  Once the new tire is lined up, replace the lug nuts, screwing them on by hand.  Lower the jack and remove it from underneath the trailer.  Use the tire iron to tighten the lug nuts as snugly as possible, following the sequence as outlined in the owner’s manual.  Torque nuts as indicated and at the recommended intervals thereafter.

If your travel trailer is equipped with spring bars it is recommended to unhook the spring bars prior to changing a flat tire to prevent damage from undo force.