Changing tire on towlite 18

[ronsar-HILO]

I discovered this problem on our 98 Towlite after purchase, while checking wheel bearings. No way were those tires coming out while inflated. To avoid a roadside disaster, I created a hinged cutout which allows either tire to be removed ( after jacking from frame or axle ). Secured the cutout door with barrel bolt locks and added molding. No way am I buying into that "deflate the tire" business. Why even carry a spare?? I have since had to change a tire, no problem..

 

[Johnnie-HILO]

I don't know what they did. I think Campers World puts the trailer on a lift under the frame because I saw a lift when I went there. This small trailer repair shop does mostly small utility trailers and hitches. I went to this place because it is close and has been there for years. I suspect they have a lift for the hitch work. From this thread, I see where it is recommended, to put a jack under the frame as close as possible to the axle. Some posts say to take the air out of the spare before putting it on.

 

[freshman]

I too have 22f 2001 towlite hilo..

Do you know the tires spec.. don't have them.with me and am now at tire shop so thought I'll check prices

I tried upping the tire size on my 2001 22ft and though the diameters worked together ( dual axles), on one side the width would not clear. Turns out things were not perfectly symetrical side to side and even a quarter inch of difference mattered. Thus, I believe there is ample evidence of this forum of folks having difficulty over the years getting a tire off of a hi-lo. But, as Jack suggested, there is a way- you just need to find it Deflating the tire all the way is also a possibility, I suppose, even it seems like an absurd approach.

Rick