Jack & such for a Transit-Could they really not be part of the package?

Bluetreak · 03-08-2021, 12:55 AM

Has anyone verified that they have the Ford Transit chassis jack, jack handle, lug nut wrench, and wheel trim remover tool included with their rig?

The manual suggests that the jack should be under the passenger seat and the rest of the tools in the compartment accessed from the passenger-side step well.

I thought I'd look today when I was poking around, opened the compartment and saw....dust. There was nothing in the space!

I've towed 6 different travel trailers over 20 years with the same Ford E350 Chateau and used the jack and spare tire exactly once. So, I am not super surprised that someone did the math and left out the jack & such in the Transit, but the wheel trim tool seems like a pretty reasonable thing to have available and I'm disappointed it's not included.

What's in your rig?

Scubawise · 03-08-2021, 12:57 AM

Do not have

yukongrant · 03-08-2021, 01:01 AM

They did not come with our rig. I was told most people have roadside assistance so no need for them.

MJC62 · 03-08-2021, 01:31 AM

I had my Gulfstream B Touring Cruiser for for 13 years. I jacked it up exactly once in my driveway. It was my intention to rotate the spare onto one of the rear duals. The only jack I had that would lift the rear of the MH was an 8 ton bottle jack. My floor jack wouldn't lift it. When I let down the passenger side on my "heavy duty" jack stand the stand folded. It was then I decided I didn't need to be forking around trying to change tires and such on a motorhome. That was 10 years ago. I am older, a lot wider and little bit wiser these days. I will leave the the tire changing and rotations to the young guys at the truck garage.

As a point of fact most Motorhomes don't come with a spare as a weight saving issue. The OCCC, Occupant & Cargo Carrying Capacity, on most of these rigs is usually tight when it comes right down to it. Adding a hundred to two hundred extra pounds for spare tires rims and jacks just doesn't leave much room for the wife, the kids and the dog

Bluetreak · 03-08-2021, 11:19 PM

Well, sounds like such tools on a motorhome like buggy whips or oil can spouts...

Thanks!

Bob Denman · 03-08-2021, 11:28 PM

Look on the bright side: you found a really great place to store batteries for all of the TV remotes...

Bluetreak · 03-09-2021, 02:06 AM

You are right there, Bob! 3 TV's in the rig and something like 5 or 6 remotes for them and the other gadgets.

We have only one TV in our entire house!

Bob Denman · 03-09-2021, 02:12 AM

All those TVs; and nothing worth watching.

Chance · 03-09-2021, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluetreak

.....cut.....

I've towed 6 different travel trailers over 20 years with the same Ford E350 Chateau and used the jack and spare tire exactly once.

.....cut.....

Over the years I’ve driven over 1 million miles, and put my seatbelt to good use exactly once.

Really glad I had it that one time when needed.

P.S. — Don’t have a Transit, but travel with spare, jack, and lug wrench. Besides, the smaller the rig, the more it makes sense to haul a spare.

Pete'sMH · 03-09-2021, 10:09 PM

I’ve been driving for more than half a century and I’ve never - not once - had to use my jack or spare on the road. Obviously it could be necessary yet today but I don’t worry about it anymore. And I’m not in so much of a hurry that I can’t wait for help if it does come to pass.

Scubawise · 03-09-2021, 10:44 PM

Petermh if you need a spare what would you do? Will your insurance plug the tire?

Pete'sMH · 03-09-2021, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Petermh if you need a spare what would you do? Will your insurance plug the tire?

Well I carry a plug kit and an air compressor so I could possibly handle some punctures. In the event that I need a tire on the road my roadside service plan will arrange it. It might be an orphan or even a used tire and probably overpriced but it will get me going again until I can get what I want - which probably would be a pair of new tires mounted on the steer axle. I have the capacity to carry a spare but it would cost as much as a roadside replacement and I might never need it before it aged out. Just doesn’t seem worth it to me.

Bob Denman · 03-09-2021, 11:06 PM

I carry a cellphone... I'll call for help, and grill up some sandwiches while waiting.

Pete'sMH · 03-10-2021, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I carry a cellphone... I'll call for help, and grill up some sandwiches while waiting.

At least it’s a comfortable place to wait.

TripleGGG · 03-10-2021, 12:40 AM

This x10. Lol. Whip out the Blackstone and have pancakes and bacon!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I carry a cellphone... I'll call for help, and grill up some sandwiches while waiting.

Bob Denman · 03-10-2021, 12:56 AM

. You betcha!

Scubawise · 03-10-2021, 01:29 AM

Thx pete ordered a plug kit!

Pete'sMH · 03-10-2021, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Thx pete ordered a plug kit!

I practiced with my plug kit one day before replacing my car tires. It was interesting trying to intentionally puncture and then repair a tire. Surprisingly easy on both accounts.

davidspixx · 03-13-2021, 09:17 PM

We do a lot of boondocking in Colorado where there is no cell service. I added a spare tire for insurance. And no, I've never had to use it.
David

tomtom · 03-14-2021, 12:51 AM

I have a 2021 Compass TW on a Ford Transit chassis. My plastic wheel trim removal tool was in a small bag in the glove box. No jack or lug wrench .

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