How did you modify your 15 inch Spare Tire Carrier to accommodate a 16?

[interstateflyer]

I've replaced the 15 inch wheels with 16s on my 2013 International 19 Bambi. Looks like I'll have to either modify the existing spare tire carrier or buy the 16 inch version that goes on the Eddie Bauer AS trailer.

If you converted your to a 16 inch what did you need to do and how?

[Bluto]

I haven't done it yet but I understand they just bend the uprights that go around the tire out a little.
Do a site search, I'm sure the answer is here. Using the words -spare tire carrier -and it should show lots of info.

[woodfox45]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I've replaced the 15 inch wheels with 16s on my 2013 International 19 Bambi. Looks like I'll have to either modify the existing spare tire carrier or buy the 16 inch version that goes on the Eddie Bauer AS trailer.

If you converted your to a 16 inch what did you need to do and how?

Mine fit without any modification .Unless your spare carrier is different than the standard one they sell at the Factory . I don't have a Bambi I have a 29' er but I bought the carrier at JC and installed it myself. Les grace

[switz]

I used a long combination wrench putting the circle part over each vertical tire support arm near the top and a 21" metric crescent on the other end. A careful gentle downward pressure expands the top of the arm out perpendicular to the tire space. Was too enthusiastic on the first one and had to bend it back because the carrier was too loose. It is not rocket science.

However, putting that darn lock over the single arm to keep the tire up by yourself may refresh some old Navy vocabulary words.....

[SteveH]

I kept the 15" spare.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by SteveH

I kept the 15" spare.

Me too.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Me too.

I considered that but wasn't sure that was wise on a single axel trailer.

[waltb]

I just bent the uprights a bit and the 16 inch spare worked fine.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I considered that but wasn't sure that was wise on a single axel trailer.

IMO, it depends if you want to use the spare extensively after a flat....or just to get to the next tire store. If the second...I'd not spend the money for a 16 upgrade until I rotated a used replaced axle tire to spare duty. Then I'd get a 16" steel wheel and mount the best of the old tires on it for a spare. I'm a "fix it now" guy and wouldn't run it more than the distance to the next well stocked tire store.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by switz

I used a long combination wrench putting the circle part over each vertical tire support arm near the top and a 21" metric crescent on the other end. A careful gentle downward pressure expands the top of the arm out perpendicular to the tire space. Was too enthusiastic on the first one and had to bend it back because the carrier was too loose. It is not rocket science.

However, putting that darn lock over the single arm to keep the tire up by yourself may refresh some old Navy vocabulary words.....

So...I was able to bend the two upright containment rods so that the tire rested on the carrier's frame.....but...the added 1 inch plus in diameter won't allow the 16 tire to clear the trailer belly enough to engage the clasp and set the pin. The 15 was really a tight fit and took two of us to secure.

May have to fabricate new hangers and clasp to accommodate the 16.

[dkottum]

I kept the 15" spare too. All it has to do is get us to the next tire shop, in the unlikely event we'll need it.

doug k

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

IMO, it depends if you want to use the spare extensively after a flat....or just to get to the next tire store. If the second...I'd not spend the money for a 16 upgrade until I rotated a used replaced axle tire to spare duty. Then I'd get a 16" steel wheel and mount the best of the old tires on it for a spare. I'm a "fix it now" guy and wouldn't run it more than the distance to the next well stocked tire store.

We spend a lot of time in the 4 Corners area. Not too many "next well stocked" tire stores.

[JFScheck]

When you all are swapping out to the new tires and rims - are you not keeping the outer circumference the same?

So - move to a larger rim go with a tire with a smaller sidewall????

jfs

[Wayne&Sam]

16" spare fit fine on our 20'. I'm using the spare in rotation, but I probably should have saved some money and used the 15" spare. I think it's less of an issue on a single axle trailer. Think about driving on a road that has a crown- that's probably more than the 1/2" difference there is between a 15" and 16" wheel. On a dual axle trailer I think there may be more of a chance of the 15" spare locking up during braking.

[jcanavera]

I bought a 16" wheel that is pretty much identical to the 15" spare tire wheel that came with the trailer. I'll eventually buy a new 16" spare and attempt to modify the carrier. I agree that spare is a bear to put back in....even in its 15" size.

Jack

[ROBERT CROSS]

If you carry a portable compressor....let the air out.
If not....buy one....let the air out.
I use a small scissor jack with a 12'x12' PW square to lift it.
Bob