Spare tire carrier help needed

[Safari Tim]

I have the spare tire carrier on the Ambassador. It was rigged up before with a tire on it.

I want to know what is missing or what I can do to make it safe to use.

Check these photos and let me know if you've seen one like it.

[flyfshr]

Hi Ambassador Tim ~

That is a unique tire carrier. Is the center protruding rod threaded? If so, I'm imagining a fitted piece of metal slightly larger than the center hole on the rim with a lip on it so it won't vibrate off that holds the tire and rim on. Maybe a flexible cable lock to go through the two holes in the upright frame of the carrier that goes through the lug nut holes on the rim. Of course, you're going to have one of those aluminum spare tire covers all polished up like the rest of your beautiful rig.

Brad
FF

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

I have the spare tire carrier on the Ambassador. It was rigged up before with a tire on it.

I want to know what is missing or what I can do to make it safe to use.

Check these photos and let me know if you've seen one like it.

What can you do to make it safe?

Easy answer.

Remove it before it causes rear end separation.

Something else you can do to make the trailer safer to tow at night.

Install some LED tail lights, especially since there are no rear clearance lights.

Andy

[Safari Tim]

Thanks Brad. I'll need one of those aluminum covers! A neighbor mentioned an aluminum wrap that goes around the tire permitter?

That rod is threaded to take a nut. I was thinking of a cone shaped plate that would go between the nut and the wheel center.

I just would like to know what's supposed to be there.

Originally Posted by flyfshr

Hi Ambassador Tim ~

That is a unique tire carrier. Is the center protruding rod threaded? If so, I'm imagining a fitted piece of metal slightly larger than the center hole on the rim with a lip on it so it won't vibrate off that holds the tire and rim on. Maybe a flexible cable lock to go through the two holes in the upright frame of the carrier that goes through the lug nut holes on the rim. Of course, you're going to have one of those aluminum spare tire covers all polished up like the rest of your beautiful rig.

Brad
FF

[DPeakMD]

Tim, you might try sending a PM to 'Overlander64'. I believe he has/had a similar setup on his.

[vinstream]

Can I get the measurements for this item i would like to make one for myself!

[Safari Tim]

I'm not sure I could do a drawing justice. There are a lot of curves and such.

I ended up finding a spare tire washer from a wrecked car but the center bore of the wheel was smaller than my aluminum one. I could not locate a larger washer so I ended up getting a 4.5" floor flange from the electrical conduit section of the hardware store. That piece coupled with my washer seems to work.

Since the wheel is aluminum I cut a small piece of cork to use as a gasket between the flange and wheel to hopefully keep it from get marred up.

I still need to get a short cable and lock to secure it to the bracket. It seems pretty sturdy already.

Since I repaired my rear floor, frame, and have new axles I think I should be ok as far as rear end problems. I have seen a lot of photos with even two spare tires back there on the old caravans.

This shot shows the washer flange combo.


The bottom of the mount carries the tire weight. The washer and nut just keep the tire from falling off.


Rear view that shows where the cable/lock will tie into the bracket. It will run through the holes in the wheel.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Tim, Please do not destroy that classic look by putting on LED running lights or marker lights. You are graced with a classic beauty that does not have to do all that be within the law. Folks can see the tail light bulbs just fine. Besides the reflection of ones head lights will be more than enough to let folks know you are there. As far as the rear end separation.... hasn't that horse been beat enough? Maybe make one for the front of the truck, then you will be balanced. I too would be interested it some details drawing of it for Anna.

[byamcaravanner]

Tim,

Those rear mount spares look grat on the 60's trailers. Good Job! bringing yours back to service.

I got a chuckle out of your rear view pict...looks like you have a big fat rivet in the back side edge of your rim.

[flyfshr]

In reviewing your photographic documentation, I see the license plate had to be moved but I ask: is there a license plate light in its new location? I see the original light stayed in its center location.

Brad
FF

[Safari Tim]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Tim, Please do not destroy that classic look by putting on LED running lights or marker lights. You are graced with a classic beauty that does not have to do all that be within the law. Folks can see the tail light bulbs just fine. Besides the reflection of ones head lights will be more than enough to let folks know you are there. As far as the rear end separation.... hasn't that horse been beat enough? Maybe make one for the front of the truck, then you will be balanced. I too would be interested it some details drawing of it for Anna.

Frank,

I had not even thought about replacing with LED. I'm happy with the look and function as it is and was.

A drawing.... I'll see.

[Safari Tim]

Originally Posted by byamcaravanner

Tim,

Those rear mount spares look grat on the 60's trailers. Good Job! bringing yours back to service.

I got a chuckle out of your rear view pict...looks like you have a big fat rivet in the back side edge of your rim.

Thanks Steve. I hadn't even noticed that rivet. lol.

[Safari Tim]

Originally Posted by flyfshr

In reviewing your photographic documentation, I see the license plate had to be moved but I ask: is there a license plate light in its new location? I see the original light stayed in its center location.

Brad
FF

Good catch Brad. I had considered that while I had the inside back panel off.

The license plate had already been relocated to where it is now. I was going to put it back center and remove the spare tire carrier. However after carrying it in my truck bed and it ended up in the way a few times, I just went for it.

Not sure how much an issue it will be. The tail lamp lights it up somewhat, but you can see its a modification.

At least with the red glass cover over the license plate lamp it provides some function.

[utee94]

If you're really concerned about it, you could mount an adapter ring that extended the lens of the tail light out 1/2". Cut a gap in the bottom of the adapter ring and cover with clear glass or plastic, so that the light from the taillight comes down and illuminates the license plate. Of course, for the sake of symmetry, you'd need to mount a similar adapter ring on the starboard taillight. And those adapter rings would change the look of the rear of the trailer, although they might not look to bad.

Personally, I'd leave it as-is and not worry about it. But in some states the police might take issue with it.