Where should I mount the spare tire

[mikeinaz]

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!!

[mhardin]

is it friday yet? wrote:
Mount it underneath and then drive through a state that salts like ours then you will wish it was on the back, covered. I can't imagine that a spare tire would make that bit of a difference.

Even worse, imagine laying on the ground to get it off in the rain and mud.................

[is_it_friday_ye]

Yea, the stock bumpers are for looks only. I put a receiver on the bumper using U-bolts and crushed the bumper tightening the bolts. Now the sewer hose is stuck inside for good. I'm having a hitch welded to the frame real soon. I never used the hitch and sold it in a garage sale.

[old_guy]

be darn sure you re enforce that back bumper. I've seen card board that is stronger then most back TT bumpers.

[is_it_friday_ye]

Mount it underneath and then drive through a state that salts like ours then you will wish it was on the back, covered. I can't imagine that a spare tire would make that bit of a difference.

[mhardin]

Well, they also make a receiver mounted spare tire carrier. Get one of those and one of the spare tire bike racks and I'd guess you're good to go. Figure out the weight of the mount, spare tire, bike mount and bicycles to be sure.

[mikeinaz]

I carry three bikes on the bikerack, was just worried that may be too much total weight on the bumper. I may be wrong as I am no expert on this sort of thing but have had no issues w/ the weight of the bikes thus far but its always something in my mind lol!

[mhardin]

Since you are getting the bumper and mounts reinforced, why not get something LIKE THIS?