Spare tire – I’ve seen some folks on the Forum say they don’t even have one. I wouldn’t be without one for obvious reasons. I don’t try to mount it on the TD because I think it is too much hassle to get it off when you need it. I keep it stored in the garage with my other emergency gear and simply throw it all in the TV when I tow. One thing to think about with the spare is to actually mount it and make sure it fits ahead of time. Also check the tire pressure along with the other trailer tires every time you take it out.
Spare hub – yes I keep an entire spare hub assembly as they are fairly cheap, especially for the HF and NT trailers. I got mine for $30 on sale at NT while a complete set of bearings, seal, and races for one wheel will cost $15 or more. The real issue is when a bearing goes out, it usually takes the race with it. Changing the races while sitting on the side of the road can be a messy hassle (and you better have some grease, too). With the spare hub, it is a fairly clean and quick change (unless you’ve let the bearings weld themselves to the races).
Tools – the two main tools are the jack and tire tool. My only caution here is to make sure that both will work on your wheel and axle when the time comes that you need them. Whether you carry a dedicated jack or use the one for your TV, take it out and actually jack up the trailer to make sure it will work. Don’t forget that with a flat tire, the jacking point on the axle will be a lot lower than it is when the tire is fully inflated. Make sure the handle on your tire tool is long enough to be able to loosen those very tight lug nuts. The HF and NT wheels take 90 ft-lbs of torque and that can be a real problem with a short tire tool. I keep a ½” socket wrench with a cheater bar made of conduit for my tire tool. I also keep different size sockets for the different sizes of lug nuts on my various trailers (yes, they are different). Other tools to consider include:
• Large screwdriver for prying off the bearing cover.
• Needle nose pliers for removing the cotter pin.
• Large Crescent type wrench for removing and installing the castle nut.
• Small hammer (just in case anything doesn’t cooperate).
Security stuff – I’m throwing this in as something else to think about if you are a little paranoid like me. I keep a padlock on my coupler and a locking receiver pin. This keeps the coupler from coming loose on the road and somewhat deters the bad guys from trying to hook up to your rig when you aren’t around. When I am at the campground, I also run a chain through one of my spoker wheels and around the trailer springs with a padlock. Again, this only deters the lazy thief. Someone who is determined and has the right tools can get through most any of these devices. We try to stay in campgrounds that are somewhat occupied and don’t leave the TD parked unattended for very long on the road. One thing about locks is to make sure you have the keys and even keep some spare keys in a safe place just in case. They might deter you from being able to move your rig or disconnect your TV if you can’t get them unlocked. I keep all the locks and keys, including spare keys, in my tool box when not in use.
Hope this gives you something to think about. Be prepared!
Larry S.
