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were these the oem tires? i have been eyeing the squatty little Ba@#$ds myself thinking i would replace them soon.   from a bad pop-up experience where a hydraulic jack would not fit between the road and the axle because of how the tire blew and where i had to stop,  i would recommend a scissor type jack. they are simple, cheap and versatile. as far as storage goes, i cheated a little since this is the type of jack my truck uses, it stores in a compartment in the floor board of the truck, but they don't take that much space.  Now would also be a good time to pick up a lug wrench if you don't have one.(all our camper came with was an awning rod and the stabilizer crank).

oops, misread:  my vote is to put the jack under the axle. if you put it under the frame you would have to overcome the spring travel and might "run out of jack" before high enough to put a tire back on.

Post edited 3:15 pm – July 9, 2012 by Mike M

Like some others have said here, my truck jack should work in the event of a flat tire.  If you're using leveling blocks to level the trailer while camping, they could also be used to gain more clearance under the axle to get the jack in.  Just pull the flat tire/wheel up onto the blocks like you would in the campground, and that should raise it up enough. 

Someone else mentioned running out of jack, which is definitely a problem when trying to lift by the frame.  If you're carrying blocks to use under your stabilizer jacks and tongue jack, then these could be used to gain jack travel by putting them between the jack and frame before jacking.

When I first got my 190, I tried a few things in anticipation of a future issue.  I found that a scissors jack from a car was not strong enough.  It might lift it, but it's at the limit and a little scary stability-wise. Remember, fully loaded these units have a lot of weight per wheel, much more than a car.  If you can find a mechanical bottle jack out of a medium-duty pickup it will be much more capable and safer.  A hydraulic bottle jack is also a good option, but a bit heavier than the mechanical ones.

I've also been keen on following the tire issues, as with only one per side it seems only prudent to do so.  My unit came with "Freestar" tires.  In comparing them to a name brand such as Carlisle, I noticed that they are rated one load range lower for the same size range.  I'm considering buying two Carlisle tires and one rim, then putting the Carlisle's on the trailer and having two mounted Freestar's for spares when out on the road.

Mike M.

Just a quick thought as to why I recommended a scissor jack.  Just using the tires in question Freestar ST 205/75R14, load range c and Max Load: 1,760 lb.  jacks are rated by ton, so the minimum rating that should be used here would be 1 ton (88% of max. in this case)  The smallest hydraulic bottle jacks  that I can find online have 2 ton ratings, and a minimum lift range a little over 7 inches.  Although comparable capacity (2 ton) scissor jacks have about the same min. lift range, 1 ton and 1.5 ton models have min. lift ranges down in the 3 inch range.   Assuming a blowout and a 14 inch rim, the max space between the ground and the center of the axle would be 7 inches.  I feel like the safest point to lift from is under the springs where the axle crosses which I am sure subtracts at least two inches from the available ground clearance.  Uneven terrain could possibly reduce that more.   This tire has an outer diameter of 26.7 inches meaning you will have to raise the center of the axle to about 13.5 inches to get the new one on.( about 7 inches from where you started.   To me both these jacks are "emergency use only".  You would be on the side of the road connected safely to your tow vehicle off, in park with the e brake locked down.  A wheel bearing repack or similar activity at home means using a hydraulic floor jack then a jack stand  as a backup( I don’t trust my life to rubber o rings that those jacks use so much of)  just food for thought.

Mike & Diana said:

Thanks for all the input.

It was a Freestar ST 205/75R14 that had the problem. Replaced with an $85.00 Carlisle.

Just filled my claim with Tireco…Freestar manufacturer. They'll have UPS pick it up in a few days. After they inspect I should receive a prorated amount back against the Freestar.

I had a lug wrench and will get a good bottle jack soon.

Got a check from TireCo a few days ago. 75% prorated. The check was for $45.75.