Do I need a Spare?

cpditty

cpditty

Member
Oct 5, 2006
122
Rogers, Minnesota
Boat Info
200 Sundeck
Engines
4.3 Alpha 1
I have a 200 sundeck with a dual axel trailer. If I were to get a flat is it something drive to the nearest tire place to replace or is it best to just pull over and throw on a spare tire. Secondly if I were to carry a spare any idea's on where to put the spare? I have seen different trailer mounts but not sure which one would be best for this particular set up.

Thanks
 
It's always best to have a spare and if you have a flat, change it imediatly. If you just drive to next place you come to (driving with a flat) chances are you won't have a tire left to repair not to mention possible trailer or boat damage if the tire comes apart on your way.
 
Best to carry a spare, and mount it under the bow of the boat.
With a little imagination, you can mount it horizontally, which may aid in launch and retrieval, or vertically, whichever is best.

And don't overlook a good 6 point deep socket, ratchet and breaker bar, and a scissors jack, and perhaps a couple of blocks of wood. May times, the tow vehicle's tools are not adequate or the right size.
Do a "dry run" in the driveway, and store the proper gear.
Murphy's Law says if your prepared, you'll never need them. :thumbsup:
If your not.................. :smt021
 
Another rule to prevent Mr Murphy from visiting in the event of a flat.... don't depend on using your vehicle's spare tire kit lug wrench unless you test ahead of time to make sure your trailer's lug nuts are the same size as your vehicle's.
Yes I learned that the hard way back when I was a teenager :smt021
 
The short time I towed I didn't have a spare, but if I towed regularly, I definately would get one. Nothing like a flat tire ruining your boating weekend and for being safe too. :thumbsup:
 
I think the 1st question is answered in itself. Yes, carry a spare.

The 2nd we can't answer since we can't see the set up you're talking about. :grin: But there are different ways to mount it. Check with the manufacture of the trailer if you can, also look at any Marine or general trailer shop.

Last year I bought a hydraulic scissor jack. I had one of those roll up jack things which work fine for smaller trailers, but mine is heavy and too low to the ground at the axle.

And the socket is a good idea. I have a 4 way tire tool but depending on where you mount the spare, it may not work. So, I have the 4-way because the lugs on the truck and the trailer are different, but the nut that keeps the tire on the rack is yet different from them, but the tire tool won't reach in there.

Also check the air in the spare whenever you're checking your tires...which should be very often.
 
Carry a spare tire mounted on the correct rim.

There is no guarantee that should you have a flat on your trailer, and limp to the nearest station, that they will have the tire you need.

I have run into that first-hand. Trailer tires are not as common as truck and passenger car tires. The places that do carry trailer tires may not be open when you need them, either.

If you're in doubt where to carry the spare, carry it in the back of your tow vehicle. Best is to contact the trailer mfr. to see what they recommend. A local trailer place is a good second best bet.
 
Lots of good advice. Just last week I had a total separation out on I 26 around Orangeburg SC. Pulled off to the side of the interstate to see what was up and you wouldn't believe how friggin dangerous THAT was! Limped down the burm to the next exit at 15 mph, got off and used a floor jack (been there, done that) that I now carry all the time in the truck. A spare is a must. If the second tire goes, you'll ruin two rims.

The next problem was find a spare-spare at 6:30 pm.
 
Great Advice, I guess I knew the answer but needed to hear the voices of reason. A new spare will accompany my boat from now on. Just need to figure out where to put it and try the truck jack to se if that will work.

Thank you all for your help.
Chris
 
As important as the spare if not more is a spare set of bearing and races. Ive had more bearings go than flats. A good gasstation can help you fix a tire but if you finding a set of bearings in a pinch is a much more dificult task.
:wink:
 
Fortune favors the well prepared!

It is amazing how a "crisis" can be a "minor inconvienience" if you are prepared.
 
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