Spare Tire Hitch Mount - Impact on Towing

JohnDanielsCPA

I'm going to install a hitch mount for my spare tire so it sits perpendicular to the trailer; (e.g. straddles the front of the trailer).  I'm trying to decide whether to get the mount that attaches to the jack or whether to have one welded closer to the battery/propane storage box.  Although I don't have to worry about hitch weight (I tow with a large truck), I am curious whether or not there would be an impact on handling whether the tire sits closer to the hitch or closer to the trailer.  Does anyone have any thoughts on this?  Are there any other factors to consider in the decision; (e.g. access to the storage box, etc.)

Nomad

I have mine mounted to the side of the frame - I did it there so I'd have easy and full access to the tub. Personally, I would think having it close to the tub would make it harder to remove the propane tank - it can take a pretty good tug to get it up and out.

ScottG

There's not a whole lot of wiggle room on the tongue. Whichever way you mount it, the difference in actual positioning of the tire will be minimal. I can't imagine there would be any noticeable change in handling, particularly with a substantial tow vehicle. That said, the more forward mounting position (on the jack post) offers better access to the storage box, which I would consider a priority.

Playc

Got the Tow Tuff TTF-0345TC Universal Spare Tire Carrier with Lock from Amazon (as ScottG suggested, and thanks).  Also got 2 U-bolt from ACE Hardware (about .25in wider than the Jack).  Plan to instll today (for next week camping trip).

JohnDanielsCPA

Thanks, all, for your responses.

Nomad

TrikePete - It does add some but you can offset it by the way you pack your T@B - more stuff in the back - if it's getting to close to your allowed tongue weight.

RollingBnB

Gotta wonder how much does the Outback shelf and metal battery cover weigh? PV doesn't seem concerned about that extra weight.

ScottG

TrikePete said:

My only question is how is this added weight going to impact your tongue weight?

I weighed my tongue (2015-S) with the spare tire up front, a group 27 battery, a full propane tank, and the T@B loaded as it would be for normal travel. I recall it being around 205lbs--squarely within the 10-15% total vehicle weight rule to thumb that others here have suggested. (Unfortunately, I didn't think to weigh it before moving the spare to see the overall difference.)

The Outback accoutrements would certainly add a few pounds. The state of your holding tanks, and (as PXL mentioned) how much you load behind the axle will also have an impact.

iarivers

The tires on the Outback are a bit larger.  I couldn't get the Tow Tuff TTF-0345TC mount on the jack and have enough room to mount the tire; the mount didn't get the tire high enough for the back mount to draw up flat against the bracket.  Did anyone else have this issue with a Outback tire?

db_cooper

i just did this with our outback, with the bracket flush at the top of the jack, I had just enough room to mount the tire.  the top U bolt goes in the second hole for this to work. hope this helps.

marknjudy

So please permit one last question about tongue mounting the spare: For those who have mounted it to the jack stand and put a cover on the tire, is there any risk of the wind blowing it off while towing? I haven't seen this answered before, but I would think that, as the tire is actually mounted backwards, it could. I did this mod this weekend and my wife thinks it needs a cover.

db_cooper

I lowered the tire back down to rest on the frame which will help hold the cover on.  I don't think it will be an issue, the cover fits snug and the wind is pretty swirly behind the tow vehicle. Haven't gone anywhere since doing the mod a couple weeks ago to know for sure.

Lil_Lucy

marknjudy said:

So please permit one last question about tongue mounting the spare: For those who have mounted it to the jack stand and put a cover on the tire, is there any risk of the wind blowing it off while towing? I haven't seen this answered before, but I would think that, as the tire is actually mounted backwards, it could. I did this mod this weekend and my wife thinks it needs a cover.

Our spare is mounted to the jack stand and rests on the trailer frame. The key to keeping the cover from blowing off is to put the cover on first, then just peel back the top of it to secure the tire to the mounting bracket. We've made three trips to Oregon and back from Michigan and have never had an issue with the tire cover.

ScottG

I don't have a cover on mine, but I vaguely recall asking the same question when I was relocating my spare. Seems there were at least a couple folks who indicated their covers stayed in place just fine.

marknjudy

I'm thinking that the only way to put it on is the way they did it. The whole assembly has to be mounted backward.

db_cooper

boo said:

marknjudy said:

I'm thinking that the only way to put it on is the way they did it. The whole assembly has to be mounted backward.

I`m not talking about rotating the tire, just the cover.

That's the only way to do it,  the bracket is in the way on the other side of the tire.

Ratkity

The mount would get in the way unless you just make a donut cover that has ties so you can wrap it around the tire part. Just thinking outside the tir... er box.

TabberJohn

Not sure where you can find them but there are tire covers that wrap around the outside tire portion of the wheel only and one brand that has a center opening (donut style).

Lil_Lucy

Boo:

Here is a picture of how the spare tire bracket is attached to the jack stand.


It shows the only way the tire cover can go on.
As far as trash, mud and debris accumulating there, like I said earlier, we've made 3 trips to Oregon and back which is the equivalent of about 14,000 miles and I have never had to clean anything out from that area.