I attempted to mount the tire the other day. It became obvious there were two issues. It is a hard reach to lift and attach a 19.5 wheel to the mount. I also saw the tire would be higher than the hood and provide significantly blocked field of view driving.
I'm considering cutting out 6 or 8 inches height and welding the mount back together. That would work and make it a little easier to get the spare mounted to it. Another option is to put a 3 or 4 foot stinger in the 3" receiver and weld a flat plate on top to mount the wheel to. Departure angle becomes a concern on the mountain and dezert roads we frequent. If interested, be sure to read my long reply post on the cooling and degas bottle post to come up to date on that. Take care.
I have a 2" receiver drop adapter that would allow you to use the tire carrier without modification. It would also push the spare farther out from the grill allowing more air flow. If you want to try this, you know how to reach me.
Appreciate the offer. It has become obvious the difficulty lifting and attaching/removing the spare from that mount will be. The tail stinger mount option may work better as it puts the spare lower to the ground. It's an easy welding project if I go ahead with it. This would allow me to install either a bike mount or gear tray in front. So many options.
I think I'm going to get my fishing license and head camping to a lake, river, or ocean next week after I finish the next ciuple TC projects.
