Custom spare tire mount - less cargo area hog

[EB4X]

Just thought I'd pass this along .... instead of having larger (off road) spare HOG 90% of cargo area I put this together. Going to cover base with black ABS plastic sheet for nicer appearance... will post pic of that tomorrow when completed. Digging it so far.
P.S. This is a under $40 investment versus $1,000+ for the external swing tire carriers.

 

[XLTrunner]

Nice idea! I could see that being of interest for some of us living in the Northland where road salt badly corrodes the tuck-under spares and who would be willing to give up some interior storage to avoid that. Especially, if you're one of those who has a fifth tire/wheel as part of their tire rotation routine.

 

[EB4X]

Update: ABS textured sheet adhered.

 

[CJYoung]

Just thought I'd pass this along .... instead of having larger (off road) spare HOG 90% of cargo area I put this together. Going to cover base with black ABS plastic sheet for nicer appearance... will post pic of that tomorrow when completed. Digging it so far.
P.S. This is a under $40 investment versus $1,000+ for the external swing tire carriers.

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Really like!! Mid Atlantic here, Salt Lake Highway system!!

 

[EB4X]

Final pics of finished application. (Propably going to run squared lynch pins through hooks ...still pondering base mounting options)
Did speed bump test / exiting rough parking lot tests and holding strong...no play...no squeaks..etc..
OH....and black spare wheel cover ordered for the finishing touch!... will be sweeet after that's applied.

 

[toypaseo]

Great idea! I just keep thinking of what's going to happen if there is a sudden front end impact or severe braking.

Is the base just mounted to the board?
Will that bolt through the spinner break?
Will the pipe threads be a weak point?
Maybe think of a three-point mounting system?

 

[joney]

Just thought I'd pass this along .... instead of having larger (off road) spare HOG 90% of cargo area I put this together. Going to cover base with black ABS plastic sheet for nicer appearance... will post pic of that tomorrow when completed. Digging it so far.
P.S. This is a under $40 investment versus $1,000+ for the external swing tire carriers.

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Very cool idea. What have you bolted or screwed the plywood to?

 

[EB4X]

Very cool idea. What have you bolted or screwed the plywood to?

I'm going to rig up something to the tie-down hooks or more likely remove their bolts and replace them with long ones that will run through my base as well.

 

[EB4X]

Great idea! I just keep thinking of what's going to happen if there is a sudden front end impact or severe braking....

I'll probably upgrade that bolt to larger diameter and higher grade....

 

[RangerX]

I like it! But yeah, stronger bolt, secure the plyboard down, and if you didn’t already, put a backing plate on the underside of the mounting hardware, with a bigger footprint than the metal base.

 

[EB4X]

/\ I was going to put a backing plate on the underside (as you guys can see I did on top) but instead used super jumbo sized flat washers underneath.

 

[joney]

/\ I was going to put a backing plate on the underside (as you guys can see I did on top) but instead used super jumbo sized flat washers underneath.

It's a great solution for that big tire. Whole idea is great, beats the swing out that makes rear visibility impossible. But, being the lazy thing I am, very seriously considering sewing up a waterproof covering for the stock spare tire (I don't have one yet, just the wheel!) Naugahide or something similar - to keep out salt and moisture so there would be some chance of unscrewing and actually using the spare. And putting Fluid Film on the metal parts first.

 

[EB4X]

Locked down.....tire cover ...shovel ...complete:

 

[EB4X]

No biggie, but did upgrade, the ABS sheet, although looked good, was like a sheet of ice, everything not bolted down would slide like crazy....and got a crack in it and scuffed up. Got a box of self-adhesive / sticky-back carpet squares at Walmart for $15 for new top. Just passing along ....