Flat Repair Tech

Well another boring weekend up here in North Dakota. Thought since I have some time I'd make a thread on trail tire repair and kit. I'm far from the expert but I feel I know enough to maybe help a few of you! I carry a few things to make my life a little better in the event I have two flats or even in the event I have a flat but repairing is easier than mounting the spare. I know some guys like to carry dual spares but with 35s there just isn't much room for two spares, and I wouldn't want to carry all that weight if there were. Then theres a little technique.

So... down to business, you're miles from anywhere and you popped a tire.

I came up with my own tire repair kit consisting of:

Hi-lift jack!
Puma OBA 12v compressor and backup 12v "Slime" brand compressor.
HF tire spoons
T-handled tire plug rasp and needle tool as well as assortment of plugs, I don't feel the need for anything expensive (ARB) as long as it feels solid ( good idea to test your equipment before you need it in the field --- Napa has a great line of tire repair tools as well )
Various patches from Napa, rasp/stich tool, cement, and some mig wire/pick to stitch a sidewall cut - I also carry a can of ether that doubles as a solvent for the rasp tool and an emergency aid for re-seating beads
Valve stem cores and valve stems, as well as a tool
A small bottle of liquid soap to lube beads if need be.

I put all this in a case and put it in my truck box.


I think that rather than trying to re-invent the wheel and explain how to plug a tire or patch I can post links with other write ups, and then if any questions arise they can be asked here and we can all discuss.

Here is the thread that made me think about branching out from carrying only plugs. A good how to on breaking down a tire and patching it, even some good info on stitching a sidewall and patching over it if need be. I personally have mig wire and use a pick to poke a hole and then push the mig wire through, there are other options though.

http://www.reno4x4.com/forum/showthread.php/35225-Trail-Tire-Repair

A good write up on stitching a side wall.
http://www.jonfund.com/technical/sidewall.shtml

And one on patch/stich
http://online.jpfreek.com/2010/09/01/tire-clinic-major-sidewall-repair/

Heres a good explanation for using a tire plug or several.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqfFB_VeO0Q

Another on plugging a tire.

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techarticles/trail/131_1203_how_to_plug_a_tire/

I personally say if you can use a plug do it, even on a sidewall as long as you slowly make your way back to wherever you can properly fix the tire. Even multiple plugs with plenty of cement.

Here is more on seating a bead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M0GNLvPmAg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiHGEe1sdBw

Hopefully this might help someone.

Happy trails!

 

How many HF tire spoons do you carry? You're talking about the they sell right? I mounted a Duratrac tire today (265/75/16) on my stock TRD wheel in about 5 minutes with just one. I had bought three for $5.29 each, but only needed one.

I was was able to reset the bead without any special tools other than an 8 gallon air compressor. I seriously wonder if my little Via Air 90 12volt compressor would be up to the task. I may break the bead and try, since this tire I worked on is my trail spare.

 

Just one, have a couple other tools i could make do if need be.

 

Great info! This gives me confidence to create a kit for myself.

 

Glad you found it helpful