Boat trailer tires have become my arch nemesis. They are obviously necessary for my treks hauling a boat across the country, but I have spent a lot of time, money and heartache with trailer tires. It may sound like a mundane topic, and I’d have to agree. But, if you haul a boat trailer, these may be some tips that will save you some future grief.
Your Boat Trailer Tire Emergency Kit: What to Bring on the Road
First, when traveling, pack a box specifically for the boat trailer, tires, and tools that you may need for simple repairs and/or flats. I personally use a plastic tote with a locking lid. Inside you will find the following essentials:
- 4-way Lug Wrench – buy at your local hardware, auto parts retailer, farm and feed, etc.
- Blocks of Wood – spare blocks and leftover 2×4 sections you have lying around work great
- Trailer Jack (just in case) – buy here
- Wheel Chock – buy here
- Duct Tape – buy here
- Tire Plug Kit – buy at your local hardware, auto parts retailer, farm and feed, etc.
As my travels continue, so does this list, but at an absolute minimum I would carry the above items.
Background
Many years ago as I travelled to my first “pro-level” bass fishing tournament, I pulled up to the boat ramp and noticed the spare tire on a fellow competitors boat trailer. The man was much older, wiser, and had probably been fishing tournaments longer than I had been alive. Initiating small talk, I made the most obvious comment one could make in that instance. “Looks like you had some tire issues.” As soon as the words left my mouth immediate embarrassment sank in. Internally I thought, “Come on Cody, is that all you could come up with?” Much to my surprise, the seasoned veteran was a chatty fella who had no problem explaining his recent travel experience.
“I was in the middle of traffic in downtown Houston, trying to make my way here, and my tire “popped.” I was in the far left lane and had no chance of crossing all of those lanes to change the tire. So, I pulled tight to the inside shoulder and threw a couple of blocks under there. In under 10 minutes, I was back to rolling. I’m glad I had those blocks or I’d probably still be there trying to get a jack in the tight spot I was in!“
This inspired a few more questions and led to one of the most valuable pieces for tire changing information I’ve received to date. Thrilling, I know. But hang with me.
ALWAYS carry a few spare blocks of wood in your truck when hauling a tandem axle trailer. In many instances, you can change your tire without a jack and in a very short manner.
How to Change Your Boat Trailer Tire Without a Trailer Jack
The steps in short:
- Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire but don’t over-loosen. Just “break the tight seal.”
- Stack a block or two under the tire of the same side that is not damaged. Stacking in a “stair” formation often works best to allow the trailer to work its way further up. It allows more room for the flat tire to be removed and the spare tire to be installed.
- Once the good tire has worked its way upward on top of the blocks to an appropriate height, set your parking break.
- Fully loosen the lugs and remove the flat tire, replacing with your spare. Replace lugs hand-tight.
- Slowly pull the trailer off of the blocks and take your 4-way to fully tighten the lugs on the spare tire.
- Lastly, pick up your wooden blocks, put them back in your truck, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
In certain circumstances, I have used curbs to pull up on and in one instance a parking stop in an empty parking lot. It sounds incredibly simple. In a lot of instances it truly is. The tire jack is an essential travel tool, but is not always the quickest, easiest, or optimal tool for changing your tire. For those that have never thought of this simple “hack,” I never wish for tire issues— but in the unfortunate situation one occurs, I hope this helps!
About the Author
This article was written by Cody Ryan Greaney, a Texas State University graduate. In college, he was the live personality for a local radio station giving local news and weather reports daily. After graduation, Cody Ryan went to fulfilling his passion by hitting the bass fishing circuits and guiding hunts. With knowledge in the marketing industry and a passion for the professional angling world, Cody Ryan has promoted sponsors through fishing tournaments, outreach programs, and large events.
Cody Ryan currently hosts the #1 Outdoor Radio Show in Texas with his father, TJ. When he is not on air, Cody Ryan is chasing bass in various tournaments across the lower US. Cody Ryan is one of two organizers of the Dell Children’s Medical Center Fishing Event, named the leading event the hospital has put on for young patients. In conjunction with the multiple youth events he participates in, Cody Ryan was awarded the Pass It on Award in 2013.
Cody Ryan has been guiding bass fishing trips and hunting trips across the state for more than 12 years. His passion for the outdoors is evident. He’s not afraid to thank the Lord each day for allowing him to live the life he leads.
Cody is married to the love of his life, Nicole, and together have a daughter, Saylor.
