Good points again. Thanks Brian. Off to Tractor Supply with Lowes as a backup right across the street.
Next on my list is a spare tire for the trailer. And I have to be sure I have a jack that will work on the trailer in case a tire does go flat.
How do you strap down your RTV for transport?
- Thread starter Doc
- Start date
Next on my list is a spare tire for the trailer. And I have to be sure I have a jack that will work on the trailer in case a tire does go flat.
I always carry a spare tire. Actually, I used a large U-bolt and have it bolted directly to the trailer.
I found a floor jack works well. I carry a 2-3' long 2x12 to slide under the jack if the ground isn't hard so I have a solid base.
Also make sure you have a breaker bar with socket (or whatever you use for your lug bolts), a rag or baby wipes to clean hands afterwards, a flashlight (I blew a trailer tire last month at night).
I also make it a point to spin the lug bolts off one at a time and put back on tight if it hasn't been done in awhile. Dealing with rusty threads on the side of the road with a flat is a lot worse then spinning them off with the impact wrench at home. I also coat the threads with Fluid Film before spinning the nut back on.
If I'm stopping overnight, I also use the lock type pins on both the drawbar and the coupler.
I found a floor jack works well. I carry a 2-3' long 2x12 to slide under the jack if the ground isn't hard so I have a solid base.
Also make sure you have a breaker bar with socket (or whatever you use for your lug bolts), a rag or baby wipes to clean hands afterwards, a flashlight (I blew a trailer tire last month at night).
I also make it a point to spin the lug bolts off one at a time and put back on tight if it hasn't been done in awhile. Dealing with rusty threads on the side of the road with a flat is a lot worse then spinning them off with the impact wrench at home. I also coat the threads with Fluid Film before spinning the nut back on.
If I'm stopping overnight, I also use the lock type pins on both the drawbar and the coupler.
Greg - I mentioned tongue weight in a previous post. It's obviously an estimate since most don't carry a scale. If you can grab the trailer at the tongue and lift it enough where you can hear the ball slide on the coupler, you're way too light. I like to see a little squat on the truck. A telltale sign that you're too light is when you have a balanced load side-to-side (like the RTV would be) yet you feel the trailer trying to take the back of your truck and slide it right and left over and over (most predominantly when slowing). If that happens, slide the RTV forward a bit more to give more tongue weight.
When you're driving the trailer empty, remove that lift gate and set it in the bed (and obviously tie it down). Yea, they look like a screen but they put up one heck of a wall against wind. If you're trailer is like mine, with it on, the tongue weight is too light and that trailer will make all kinds of racket. Lay it in the front 1/2 of the trailer and the trailer with ride 10 times nicer.
In your "stash of tricks" you're going to keep in the truck (straps, tools...) I'd also consider some 12" to 48" pieces of 2x4", some 3" screws and a cordless drill. If you find something sliding or wanting to, just screw some 2x4's to the deck against whatever wants to slide. E.g. on the rear side of the gate should you take it off and lay it in the bed. That will keep it from wanting to slide out from under your chains.
When you're driving the trailer empty, remove that lift gate and set it in the bed (and obviously tie it down). Yea, they look like a screen but they put up one heck of a wall against wind. If you're trailer is like mine, with it on, the tongue weight is too light and that trailer will make all kinds of racket. Lay it in the front 1/2 of the trailer and the trailer with ride 10 times nicer.
In your "stash of tricks" you're going to keep in the truck (straps, tools...) I'd also consider some 12" to 48" pieces of 2x4", some 3" screws and a cordless drill. If you find something sliding or wanting to, just screw some 2x4's to the deck against whatever wants to slide. E.g. on the rear side of the gate should you take it off and lay it in the bed. That will keep it from wanting to slide out from under your chains.
And Doc. If you come close to my area in central Ms, on the way there, you are always welcome. Do you have a spare for the trailer? Reason I asked, I'd hate to leave that beauty on the road side, ( Someone stole our spare for the gooseneck at a cattle sale- and it was ugly too!!). Have a safe trip. bordercollie
Doc, I may have missed a discussion about the receiver hitch drawbars. I can't speak of the 1.25" drawbar, but the RTVs that accept 2" drawbar are short, meaning that on a standard the length from the drawbar pin hole to the end of the drwbar is longer that the receiver hitch. This will require shortening that distance on the drawbar. If SSR is providing drawbars with the RTV, SSR has probably taken care of this. Just food for thought.
Philip
Philip
I've never had the gate off of this trailer. If I have time I might try though. I figure you ramps would work with or without the gate, at least I hope so. Otherwise I'll bring a couple 2x10's. I have wheel issues now.
I use this trailer mostly local and take it to Cols once a year. Never worried about a spare. For this trip, I want a spare. I took a look at the wheel tonight to see the lug pattern and found bad news. The wheels are rusted rather bad. I'll feel better replacing both of them, and getting tires to boot. Getting expensive, but better safe than sorry.
I got the Grade 70 chain tonight and I have some straps. I think I'm about set. Here's a pic of the wheel. Sure glad I took look.
sorry, no pic. Its on my phone and the phone is not cooperating.
Thanks for the invite bordercollie. My route will not take me through central MS or I'd sure be tempted to take you up on your kind offer. Nice to know I'll have friends not to far off though. Thanks.
I have absolutely no doubt about that pepr. If timing permits I would be tickled to have the chance to meet her. But I do not see that happening this trip.
The more I think on it, I like the idea of leaving the fold up ramp behind, but I'd have to find another place to hang the license plate from.
The more I think on it, I like the idea of leaving the fold up ramp behind, but I'd have to find another place to hang the license plate from.
Mark.Sibole
Well-known member
LOL She would put a hurting on me cause i know id have to steal a cow or 2 lol
JT, are you suggesting tie wraps for the license plate, or saying I will need them for something else? I might still have a plate hanger on the rear of the drivers side wheel. I have not looked for it for years, but I suppose it's still there.
Found a tire shop that has wheels and tires for my trailer. $300 bucks I had not planned on spending.
I would've needed them eventually anyhow but hate to spend that right a xmas time. Oh well, such is life. Isn't that how it normally goes?
The only cow to take will be one on a plate - grilled medium rare and juicy with trimmings and of coarse, real garlic bread. ( have shotgun and the mighty RTV ) 
Doc, we keep one of those heavy duty slime air pumps in our vehicles- they run quiet and are real handy. Have a safe trip and be sure you have the right lug nut spinner for those tires- ours are different than the truck's. And again, congratulations! bordercollie
Doc, we keep one of those heavy duty slime air pumps in our vehicles- they run quiet and are real handy. Have a safe trip and be sure you have the right lug nut spinner for those tires- ours are different than the truck's. And again, congratulations! bordercollie
Mark.Sibole
Well-known member
LOL The wife wants a calf for a pet personally i like them on the plate lol.
The only cow to take will be one on a plate - grilled medium rare and juicy with trimmings and of coarse, real garlic bread. ( have shotgun and the mighty RTV )
Doc, we keep one of those heavy duty slime air pumps in our vehicles- they run quiet and are real handy. Have a safe trip and be sure you have the right lug nut spinner for those tires- ours are different than the truck's. And again, congratulations! bordercollie
Mmmmmmm you are making my mouth water.
I have not heard of heavy duty slime air pumps. Sure sounds like a winner though.
I'm with you Mark.
Learn something every day. I didn't know the Slime folks made air compressors like that. Amazon has them and now I know what you were talking about BC. Very nice. I have a small cigarette lighter compressor, just not near as heavy duty as that slime unit. Gonna have to put that on my xmas list ....if it's not to late. LOL
urednecku
Member
Doc, that $329 is a lot cheaper now than it would be 1/2 way between nowhere and noplace. Most repair shops realize yer in a bind a ways from home, the price just went way up.
I keep a 12v air pump in the truck, and also keep a plug kit under the seat. 98% of the time I'll let the pump run while I'm plugging the tire, and be back on the road faster than I could change the tire. I know a lot of people don't like the plugs, but I've had very little trouble out of 'em unless it was a really big hole.
I keep a 12v air pump in the truck, and also keep a plug kit under the seat. 98% of the time I'll let the pump run while I'm plugging the tire, and be back on the road faster than I could change the tire. I know a lot of people don't like the plugs, but I've had very little trouble out of 'em unless it was a really big hole.
Right on Red. That's how I was looking at it also. Plus, I really did need them but had procrastinated on getting wheels and tires. For light local loads I was not concerned. For a load like the RTV I'll sure feel better knowing they are new, plus I have a spare handy just in case.
I've used plug kits with very good success also. And I already have a 12v air pump in the truck all ready to roll. I do think I'll pick up a plug kit also. A handy item to have 'just in case'. I had never considered having the pump pumping air in while plugging the tire. Good idea. Thanks!!!!!
I've used plug kits with very good success also. And I already have a 12v air pump in the truck all ready to roll. I do think I'll pick up a plug kit also. A handy item to have 'just in case'. I had never considered having the pump pumping air in while plugging the tire. Good idea.
Thanks!!!!!