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We use a trolley jack which can lift 2000Kg and doesn't take up much room in the car. We also have the kind of cover that quarantees that soemone will be there within two hours to change a tyre. Not had to use it yet but if I did I may just wait the two hours and take the dog for a walk whilst waiting. Kettle on......no rush. Think I'm planning on a puncture somewhere very scenic next to a fell or a footpath network.....probably be the MI though

Phil

My trolley jack & socket set has been everywhere with us long before we had a caravan. I certainly wouldn't leave home without it now, along with short length of 4x2 timber & a steel tube just over a foot long that'll fit over my wheel spanner to give extra leverage to help undo the wheel studs.

The length of timber will be needed if you have a flat tyre because the trolley jack might not go under the Chassis/Axle & if you slowly draw the flat tyre up on the piece of timber, it'll simulate the inflated tyre & the jack'll go under with no problem.

I've also always carried a torch but now I have a nice new rechargable LED work light from Lidl for £8-99 so I should never be without a light. 

BB

Quote: Originally posted by D S B on 12/4/2010

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I certainly wouldn't go anywhere without a spare wheel, but wouldn't worry too much about a jack!!  You wouldn't get me changing a wheel - that's why I'm one of the Mayday/Green Flag members.  They are usually with you within about 45min.  It would take me that long to work how how to use the jack!!!

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Quote: Originally posted by jennifernn on 12/4/2010

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People have reported a mixed response from the AA when asked if they will come out to a van only problem. Verbal assurances have been given, but the AA would not put anything in writing.

Be careful.

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Quote: Originally posted by MattCharlie on 13/4/2010

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Always carry a spare but also have the mayday cover for the car and van. Wouldn't like to be without a spare, am happy to change the whel myself on the car but the van moves far too much for my liking at the side of a motorway when trucks pass so wud let them do it in that instance.

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We have a Carajack and the special lifting brackets fitted to the caravan chassis.  Regarding chocking the opposite wheel in the event of a flat, we have removed the transfer bar from our motor-mover, so that the units are applied separately to each wheel.  Engaging one mover on the appropriate side then provides a fully secure chock, even on a slope.

When we arranged breakdown cover with Red Pennant (C.C.), we were advised that a £100 surcharge applied if you did not have a serviceable spare wheel.

Another interesting point:  The Al-ko online PDF file for wheel-changing advises that the caravan is kept attached to the car towball, yet our Coachman handbook says to detach from car and set the jockey wheel to keep the hitch close to the ground.

Whilst not entering into an argument as to which method is correct, I would strongly recommend securely chocking the jockey-wheel where anyone chooses the detaching method.

Bertie.