Spare Tire Carrier

[scottz]

The first time I lowered then raised my spare tire, the winch started slipping. I pulled it down and found it is light weight junk. Mine had metal shavings falling out of it and the whole think looked about to fall apart. I can just imagine the damage a tire would do at highway speed hanging under the back of the RV by a steel cable.

I decided to replace it with the heavy duty winch off a Ford Super Duty. I found one at a wrecking yard for $35. Now the same handle works on my truck and RV.

Based on the orientation of the handle and the size of the Ford winch, I had to modify the mounting brackets.

I don't know what to tell others; if I had not used mine, it would still be there and probably be ok. I would just say to watch it carefully and if you have to use it, pay attention to see if it slips or grinds.

[1retired06]

Have never had an issue, but I do use a come along strap that I use to rachet down the spare tire to the frame as a safety precaution. Takes just a minute to remove if I need to get to the spare.

[jcurtis934]

Mine is still mounted back there...without a wheel attached. Had the spare sagging before I decided to not put a new wheel back there due to the same thoughts going through the head.

[DQDick]

Very nice job!

[BuilderBob]

Nice work Scott!

[beeje]

I also had my entire unit out. I repainted it/ reinstalled it, bolted it back up instead of screws. I put a ratchet strap around the entire shebang just for an added safety measure.

[DebNJim B]

Nice job Scott,

Looks like the new set up is a bit higher. Wondering if it gets the spare up any higher. I actually got my rig hung up exiting a pull thru site that had a dip in it. Had to get roadside assistance to pull me back in so I could then back out of the site. First year with this rig and my last one had the spare in the basement. This one seems to have a longer overhang.

[dieselguy]

No matter what shape the winch is in or flavor of winch … bunches of us use a ratchet strap or similar thru the wheel and around the winch frame to help secure the spare in place. It's just good practice. Never lost one with this setup.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by DebNJim B

Nice job Scott,

Looks like the new set up is a bit higher. Wondering if it gets the spare up any higher. I actually got my rig hung up exiting a pull thru site that had a dip in it. Had to get roadside assistance to pull me back in so I could then back out of the site. First year with this rig and my last one had the spare in the basement. This one seems to have a longer overhang.

With the new set up, the spare sits 1.5" lower because of the larger winch and the way I had to mount it. We'll see if it causes any problems.

[mtlakejim]

Nice job Scott!


Particularly good that you included the pictures!

[Mudchief]

That should do the job.

[Dave W]

Good job, Scott. Hopefully you wont have the problem of dragging the spare on a high crown road or raised gas station tank fills as I did. My spare now resided in the truck bed, the actual lift removed but the angle iron still there as frame cross members (I also raised the 5er 2 plus inches too)

[Golfmedik]

Very nice job! I would love to figure out how to carry two spares under the rear of the rig. There is room, but figuring it all out is still being worked on. This thread gives me renewed incentive.

[scottz]

I rebuilt it using "gull wing" brackets for the winch to gain about 1 1/2" more ground clearance.