Spare on Class C

pnichols wrote:
For you folks who want to start carrying a spare for their Class C, but also want to maybe carry along something else that requires use of the rear hitch ... you might want to consider a front hitch, in addition to the one in the back.

My preference would be to add a front hitch so as to either A) not have to carry a heavy thing that mounts in the back hitch or, B) not have to use a long hitch extension in the back that sticks out quite a bit for the carrying of two things. For a Class C, too much weight way at the back hanging off the hitch can negatively affect steering.

You have to do the snowplow math used for the front of a truck, to get the weight added to your rear axle from a rear bumper mounted spare on a C. Leverage from the overhang.

Using 75 lbs for the mounted spare, mine came to 135 lbs on the rear axle. A shorter C with less overhang would not be so much.

My spare tire is my toad.

My camper does not have a spare tire.

For you folks who want to start carrying a spare for their Class C, but also want to maybe carry along something else that requires use of the rear hitch ... you might want to consider a front hitch, in addition to the one in the back.

My preference would be to add a front hitch so as to either A) not have to carry a heavy thing that mounts in the back hitch or, B) not have to use a long hitch extension in the back that sticks out quite a bit for the carrying of two things. For a Class C, too much weight way at the back hanging off the hitch can negatively affect steering.

vjswhippet: I'm with you as to your concerns. My rv didn't come with a spare tire either so I found one on Craigslist that had a brand new tire and rim. Next I found a Roadmaster spare tire carrier also on Craigslist that was used but in perfect shape. The Roadmaster ,which inserts into the tow hitch receiver, will allow you to pull a pin which releases the stored spare and easily pivots it to the ground for easy handling. Since I have hydraulic levelers for my rv, all I have to do is press a button and the problem tire is raised off the ground. To remove the lug nuts I have a battery operated 20volt 1/2" Dewalt impact wrench that easily loosens them up from 150ftlbs. That's the best I can do with tools and the rest is up to me to provide the muscle power which I can easily do still at 77 years old. By the way, the Roadmaster will allow you to also attach a bike carrier or any such thing behind it too.

TxGearhead wrote:
Coachman no spare? BS. Assuming Coachman was gracious enough to install a receiver hitch, use that for a spare wheel and tire. Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-31006-Hitch-Mounted-Spare-Mount/dp/B0009YIE1O

f you're using the receiver for something else (bikes?) use this:
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45792-Receiver-Trailer-2-Inch/dp/B00371VLAC/ref=asc_df_B00371VLAC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241915008172&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4505672379815143385&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027838&hvtargid=pla-571952257097&psc=1

that looks like a couple of great options ! There is a rear 2 inch receiver on the rear. Another tire carrier I saw was about $600 !! (from etrailer) Thank you for the links ..

Bordercollie wrote:
I am 82 and like a lot of older RV'ers, I have problems doing a lot of things because of leg problems. Assuming that most RV'ers are physically capable of unbolting, jacking, breaking loose, removing, carrying a dual tire and wheel, and installing a spare (safely), DIY style, is not realistic.

I'm female and 65. I don't plan on changing the tire myself. But I don't want to be stuck on the side of the road for 6 hours waiting for someone to 1. come get my rim and take it to get a tire put on or 2. wait for someone to find a tire and rim that will work on my MH. 3. be towed somewhere and stuck in a motel until they can order a tire or rim to fit my rig.

I'm just trying to figure out what to do and probably a hitch tire carrier and finding a rim and a tire or at least having a tire ? hoping that if a roadside service can mount it on my rim there on the side of the road.

Someone asked .. "do you feel lucky" uhh no. I'd rather be somewhat prepared .. I just wanted my rear hitch for a bicycle rack. I don't take bicycles but I show dogs and carry the ex-pens on the bike rack. So plus being broke down with a flat and no spare, I'll have my show dogs with me.

Coachman no spare? BS. Assuming Coachman was gracious enough to install a receiver hitch, use that for a spare wheel and tire. Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-31006-Hitch-Mounted-Spare-Mount/dp/B0009YIE1O

f you're using the receiver for something else (bikes?) use this:
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45792-Receiver-Trailer-2-Inch/dp/B00371VLAC/ref=asc_df_B00371VLAC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241915008172&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4505672379815143385&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027838&hvtargid=pla-571952257097&psc=1

I am 82 and like a lot of older RV'ers, I have problems doing a lot of things because of leg problems. Assuming that most RV'ers are physically capable of unbolting, jacking, breaking loose, removing, carrying a dual tire and wheel, and installing a spare (safely), DIY style, is not realistic.

vjswhippet wrote:
My new Class C does not have a spare tire. When I asked the dealership about it, they told me I wouldn't be able to change it anyway. Yes, I know that but it doesn't make sense to me NOT to have one for Roadside Assistance to change it for me. Or do they have tires in stock to bring with them ?

First of all, I would likely have flipped the dealer the bird for making such an absurd comment. How does he have any idea what you are capable of doing? Second, a spare on a class C is indeed relatively easy to change; no different than your average dually pickup, ALL of which come with a spare and the tools to change it. Finally, since RA is not always available (no cell service, out in the boonies, etc), and many WON'T go off the pavement, and you are also at the mercy of pricing/availability for a compatible tire, actually having a spare (mounted) and the tools to change it is simply the prudent way to go, whether you can change it yourself or not.

I carry a spare and glad to have it along with a 6 ton bottle jack and wrench. The tire is not that heavy for this 63 year old scrawny guy. My spare tire mount is very high. If it is later becomes too much for me alone as I get older, I am sure I could find someone to help me lower it to the ground, and the flat up there.