Spare Tire Mounting

[Endo]

you could just drill a small hole through each bolt just below the wing nuts and use a cotter pin, or one of the neat spring pins, just check out the hardware section of your favorite hardeware store.

The Wing nuts will save you from needing another wrench when changing the spare.

Nice Job Mary

I have done the same thing on the past 3 teardrops. I do have metal backing plates.

I just drilled a small hole (as suggested above) and insert a cotter pin to keep the wing nut in place.

I coat the bolts with anti-seize so there is no need to worry about road grime or rust. The nuts spin off very easy.

I also attach a few extra lug nuts as well. It has worked well for years.

[zukimoo]

fender washers will work great for support. Adding a security chain to the spare will save you if the wing nuts get loose. Bolt on two short sections of chain and then padlock the chain. No one will steel the spare and the best part is the safety if the nuts get loose.

[Mary K]

After thinking about it, Im just going to leave the bolts just like they are. The heads are 1" and it's 3/4" ply, I just don't believe they are going to pull though.

Okay ... the real reason.... It was just too darn hot the rest of the weekend to work on it.

The cotter pin idea is a good one though.

And Endo, thanks for the pics. Very nice!

[wlooper89]

I like the underneath mounts. They are certainly an improvement over loading and unloading the spare. Just for comparison this is how Little Guy did it on my 6-wide. etrailer sells this type mount that clamps around the frame as shown.



Advantages are ease of access for use and checking tire pressure.
Disadvantages: Takes up space on the tongue and adds to tongue weight. Backing the trailer in a very tight turn could cause the spare tire to contact the car bumper. I keep that in mind but so far it has not been a problem.

Bill