Forum Discussion

mikeinaz's avatar
mikeinaz
Explorer
Sep 03, 2014

Where should I mount the spare tire

I just purchased a Starcraft 26bhs this week and am having a receiver mounted on the back bumper for my bike rack, along w/ the bumper being reinforced. Its the same setup I had on the camper I just traded in. On that one I had them mount the spare under the tongue. On this TT since its a tad heavier than my old one by about 800lbs, I am getting close to max payload capacity judging by the dry hitch weight (around 550lbs)and what we carry w/ us (total weight how it sits now is 5200lbs). Would adding the spare on this tongue be a major issue or would it be better to mount it underneath or towards the rear? I do run a WDH so I am thinking although you may add 50lbs to the tongue, 1/3 of that is transfered back to the tt wheels once the wdh is adjusted, correct?

Since I will have a lot more storage in the front of this unit as well as at the back in the lower storage compartments, I will be able to shift and play w/ the load a bit to fine tune it and get the 12% or so I need in total weight over the tongue. I wont know till I get it on a scale but I need to get the spare mounted before I pick it up Friday. Based off of this limited info, what are your thoughts? This TT has the arctic package on it so I dont think there are many options underneath of it but have not looked too hard yet either. Thanks!!
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2014
    My TT came with the rear tire mount shown above bolted to the bumper. I used it on our recent 6000 mile trip with no problems.

    I did however check for side wobble and twisting but mine is rock solid.

    I know that side vibrations can loosen any bolt-on unit rather quickly.
  • AH64ID's avatar
    AH64ID
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2014
    I run 2 spares mounted to the OEM bumper, with a bike rack between them mounted to a frame mounted receiver hitch.

    I have the style that CaveRun posted.

    No issues, and they are easy to get to if needed.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2014
    Any chance your tow vehicle is a pick up and you could just put the bikes in the bed of the truck, then mount the spare on the rear of the trailer?
  • mikeinaz's avatar
    mikeinaz
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2014
    Thanks for all the ideas. I do have a SUV so no place to put it in the TV. I will see if they can weld the bike hitch to the frame and leave the spare on the rear bumper. Also if I put it under the tongue I can always move more weight to the rear w/moving items to a different storage location if I have to after I weigh the tongue weight.
  • CaveRun's avatar
    CaveRun
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    mikeinaz wrote:
    I will see if they can weld the bike hitch to the frame and leave the spare on the rear bumper.

    I ''would not'' weld anything!... You may want to take it off later!

    Being a welder, sometimes removing things welded on can be a ''big pain''!

    mikeinaz wrote:
    I just purchased a Starcraft 26bhs this week and am having a receiver mounted on the back bumper for my bike rack.


    Maybe this will help you.

    Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide

    You could use that to mount your bike rack and still leave the spare on the bumper!... Then if you didn't have your bike rack on it, you could use one of those cargo carries to give you some more storage!
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Sep 05, 2014
    A lot of new trailers are coming with spares mounted in the storage space under the bed.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    Just so you're aware....if your trailer frame is still under warranty - check your paperwork - any mods whatever that you make will void the warranty. How about a roof rack for the SUV?? There are miles of threads here on bikes and bumpers and you can get some good info. Agree that the bumpers are more for cosmetic purpose than much else. And makes a good place to stow the stinky slinky, but that's about all. Strongly suggest no bumper mount. Good luck, this is a continuing problem.
  • myredracer's avatar
    myredracer
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2014
    BAL Hide-a-spare

    Under $150 incl. shipping here: RVupgradestore.com

    I'm against carrying anything besides the tire on the bumper, but if you want to see how to do it well, go look at a Nash TT and see how they re-enforce the mount and attach their receiver to the frame.

    Ditto on the warranty. You need to get the dealer to okay it with the manufacturer. If you don't, and anything ever goes wrong, the frame manufacturer will more than likely blame it on you (esp. if L*pp**t). We had shock absorbers installed on our new 2014 TT and the factory insisted that the dealer handle it so that the warranty wouldn't be affected.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    myredracer wrote:
    BAL Hide-a-spare

    Under $150 incl. shipping here: ...


    Now THAT is definitely one of the best things I've seen in quite a while! Unfortunately, the underbelly of my camper is closed in, so the tire would not fit up between the frames. Hanging upside down from those bars it would, but not right side up.

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