Spare Tire Rack

[Air Stream 1]

We have this spare tire rack made by Jones & Laughlin (a steel company from the 1800's) which has a spring assist to aid in lowering the spare to access the trunk door. It really appears to be original, but I haven't seen them on any others. Anyone else seen these or have any historical knowledge to share?

[idroba]

Best guess is that it is old, but not original AS equipment. No, never seen one either. That is not the best place to put the weight of a tire on the lightweight AS frame, but if it has made it this long, probably it is ok.

[Bluto]

Interesting pictures and rack.
That is a cool looking rack, but I doubt if Jones and Laughlin (J&L) was the manufacture of that rack. They were into the making of iron and steel from ores and scrap in a big way. Is it possible that the name J&L was stamped onto the steel bars that made up the rack?
In other words, the steel came from J&L but was made into a tire rack by someone else?

[Air Stream 1]

I thought that myself at first, but the placement of the name looks too intentional. Additionally, the emblem is raised....so...not sure if anyone else had seen these anywhere. It defiantly was made for our specific trailer and the adaptation (removal of the license plate holder, and addition of the rack lock) appears to have been done at the factory, (same screws).

[fiftysafari]

I saw a post somewhere??? about separation of the belly from the body caused by extra weight (such as a tire rack) hanging on the rear bumper.
Just a note of caution.