DIY - tire replacing and wheel bearing repacking - need advice

Hi all,

If you followed some of my recent posts, you know that I got a 2002 Cheyenne about two weeks ago and was worried about towing it back 450 miles as the previous owner did not change tires or repack the wheel bearings for at least six years he owned it!

Anyway, I made it back safely and there are some issues I need to fix and my priority are the tires and wheel bearings. I called couple of places previously suggested by fellow experienced campers and most of them will not do both. For example, most tire places (including Walmart) will only change the tires, but not repack wheel bearings. The only place I found locally is an RV place who will do both. Estimated price is close to $500 (including tire price)! So, I decided to do it myself. A set of (two) tires cost around $115 (Amazon 175/80D13 - yes, I could have bought the radial tires, but oh well, these are cheap -). Even if I need a new set of wheel bearings, DIY cost will not exceed more than $150. I have changed car tires, so not completely novice -.

What I am worried is that in the cars, you have a specific place to put your jack, not sure where I should place the jack to lift the camper. Should I use one jack or two on both sides of the tire? Besides, there are stabilizer jacks on the other side (as opposed to wheels) of the camper. So, I am thinking there must be something I should do - like up the jacks from the floor/driveway a little so when one side is lifted up (even just a bit to pull the tire out), there is not much pressure on the stabilizers on the other side.

Lastly, the camper is sitting on a slope in my driveway - not a lot, but still you know that most of the driveways are inclined. So, I have to account for that as well.

So, please let me know your thoughts, suggestions, advice and learnings if you have done this work. A million thanks in advance to you all!

MC

 

Hi, not too much of a slope, so I should be okay! Besides, THANKS to the rest of you, I will have my trailer attached to my truck - so I should be good (if I decide to do this myself).

Also a huge thanks to Sjm9911 and mpking! I found a place who will do both at the same time. Only $49 for the wheel bearing repacking and $10 per tire to mount them (I bought the tires). So I am thinking I will take my tires to them and have my wheel bearings done too. (it is a messy work to do the wheel bearings...).

Folks, THANKS a lot and wish you all the very best. Happy camping!
MC

 

You are wonderful! I was trying to find the 'right' wheel bearings. I could get them from the Coleman pop up camper parts, but each cost $20, which I am sure is half or less at other places, if I could find the correct ones. So, a HUGE thanks to you!!!
MC

 

Hi,
What do you use to replace the races? I do not want to 'destroy' them by using a screw driver to push them in. Do you recommend buying something specific for the races or any 'cheap' suggestions? I probably wouldn't be doing it every year - most likely once every two (or may three )...

I got the tires, and my local trailer service place will mount them for $10/piece and $49 for repacking wheel bearings. I am not sure if I should take it to them or do it myself - check the bearings, races, as well as the break to make sure everything is good and replace if needed. Or, ask them...

Being a 'newbie' I am nervous and probably over-worrying -.

CoolCanuck, you have posted (I believe) good info regarding Coleman ABS roof repairs. I have hairline cracks that the previous owner used 100% silicone caulk. There are some new ones as well. Not too bad, but I don't want to take any chances. I am thinking of applying grizzly grip to the entire roof (after removing silicone as much as I can). I am not planning to use any ABS goo or anything to fill the cracks. These are really small hairline ones. What do you think? Thanks!

Thanks all
MC
Thanks!
MC

 

CoolCanuck, I just saw your reply to my question in our conversation. Thanks a LOT

 

Thanks so much CoolCanuck. I am still leaning toward having the local trailer shop do the work...will call them and get a feel of what they can do if i need a replacement wheel bearings, breaks etc.

There is a chance that I may need a new wheel bearing - as I believe the originals has not been greased or replaced. I think the breaks are okay as the previous owner did not use the trailer break as his van did not have the integrated electronic break system.

I just have to hook my camper, take it to the shop and either leave it there or wait few hours. I'll let you know .

Thanks!
MC

 

WrkrBee,

Wow, I did not think the way you are thinking that if the brakes were not used, it need to be checked! However, one thing I remember: my truck has an integrated brake system and there is a switch to squeeze that will apply brake to the trailer without applying break on the truck. I did that, and it seemed to work - meaning, I felt the brake in the trailer was working. Believe me, I am really novice as pulling the trailer was my first tow after I bought it. So, I am nervous with everything. But, I am 'brave' - it was t he first time I pulled anything with my truck as well as driving back 450+ miles! .

Thanks for your insight and I will definitely check the brakes. I saw some youtube videos on how to check the brakes - if the magnets are working or not. I can use it, or maybe I can use my truck and ask my son to press the brakes while the wheel and the bearings are out to see if the magnets are working.

OR, I can ask the shop to check it - hope they can have better ways!

Thanks a LOT!
MC

 

That is why I need to bounce my ideas ....thanks so MUCH again!
MC