Where to put the spare tire

[Diogenes]

Our Airstream came with a spare tire, but no place to put it. The previous owner kept it in the closet, but I need that for clothes. I also don't like the smell of a rubber tire inside.

I know many people just throw them in their tow vehicle, but we are full-timing with kids and we don't have room in our tow vehicle.

What was the original plan for the spare tire in 1967 era? Or did they just not have a spare tire?

Has anyone found a solution on the body of the Airstream? I've read about solutions but I don't know if they'll work on a vintage body.

[overlander63]

The trailer should have provision for mounting the spare under the front, between the A- frame rails.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by overlander63

The trailer should have provision for mounting the spare under the front, between the A- frame rails.

I am not sure if there is a storage compartment in your 67, some trailers have them, some don't. The spare can be stored in between the A frame members if that section of belly pan is removed and a specialized bracket is installed to hold the spare in place. I don't think the bracket is available new. You would have to find a used one or make one.

[helmsman]

Hello Diogenes:

Here is a link to Inland RV. This spare tire carrier works well for my 1967 22" Safari. It does require modification of the belly pan.

Inland RV Center Inc.

This is on sale now for $155.95, marked down from $192.50. On their web site take a look under "parts on sale". It's Inland's Part # 10975.

Has worked for me for 40 years.

[55AS]

Here is my setup. Aluminum channel across the A frame with galvanized bolts that go through lug holes on the wheel. Has never come close to dragging due to proximity to tongue.

[twolanehwy]

here are a couple

[Lumatic]

The consensus is weight on the back bumper is a no no.

[Hans Grim]

Originally Posted by Diogenes

I know many people just throw them in their tow vehicle, but we are full-timing with kids and we don't have room in our tow vehicle.

Since our SUV was already equipped with a roof rack, this seemed like a simple solution, still leaving room inside for all the stuff we needed thru Yukon and Alaska.

Best of luck on your travels.

[Hans Grim]

Originally Posted by Hans Grim

Since our SUV was already equipped with a roof rack, this seemed like a simple solution, still leaving room inside for all the stuff we needed thru Yukon and Alaska.

Try that again?!?!

[Hans Grim]

Trying to attach image

[gecko]

Has anyone found a place underneath the more modern Airstreams (2010 forward) where you can shift the spare tire mount farther aft to alleviate tongue weight? (we have a 28' International, 2010)

Thanks!

[TRIPPPIN]

Norcoind.com has a product called hide a spare which looks like a good solution and reasonable price. I have not found anyone who installed one of these on an airstream. I would be interested in any experience from an airstream owner.

[Diogenes]

Originally Posted by twolanehwy

here are a couple

i love the behind-the-tanks solution but we don't have enough room there, tire is too big. :/

[Diogenes]

Originally Posted by helmsman

Hello Diogenes:

Here is a link to Inland RV. This spare tire carrier works well for my 1967 22" Safari. It does require modification of the belly pan.

Inland RV Center Inc.

This is on sale now for $155.95, marked down from $192.50. On their web site take a look under "parts on sale". It's Inland's Part # 10975.

Has worked for me for 40 years.

Thanks! We are planning a trip through California and I'm wondering if we should just get Inland RV to install?

[Chatooga11]

Is there a bracket or mounting device available to put the spare behind the LPG tanks? Pictures look great, how is the tire secured?

[Andrew T]

In the 60's & 70's most Airstreams were built without the spare tire option as most saw it as unnecessary.

If you are running good quality radial tires you don't need a spare. With a quality tire flats are extremely rare and your Airstream runs easily on 3 wheels. Towing the Airstream you really can't tell the difference between 3 and 4 wheels. Do keep your speed down to 50 MPH.

If you get somewhere and they don't have the correct tire you can put on just about any 15" tire for a stop gap and run with it until you get the correct tire.

Until a few years ago when the spare was an option we never suggested buying it. We suggested spending the money on good tires instead and then you would never miss the spare.

Unless I am experimenting with a different tire or rim I never bother carrying a spare tire. For several customers we have closed in the spare tire cavity and added insulation under the floor in that area.

On your trailer the 235 Michelin that is quite common won't fit between the brake drum and wheel well. What we use on Airstream's from the 60's but more often on conventional trailers with a similar problem is a Yokohama Geolander 215/75R x 15" LT Load Range "D". We have put on at least a thousand of these with no issues.

I hope this helps.

Andrew T

[FreshAir]

I too have mounted my spare under the A-frame. It is suspended with an all-thread bolt. I can lower the spare by ratcheting it down/up and/or lowering the tongue to when the spare is on the ground, unbolting it and sliding it out/in. Never in 6 years have had clearance problem. Have needed the spare on the road 3 times. Works for me.

Neil

[Diogenes]

Wow, I'm behind! Thanks for the insights. If we did carry a spare and needed to change it ourselves while traveling, how in the world woud we jack the trailer up??

[mimiandrews]

If we did carry a spare and needed to change it ourselves while traveling, how in the world woud we jack the trailer up??

I carry a double-ram bottle jack, from Northern Tool, and a few boards to go under it on soft ground. It's compact, will fit under the axle mounting plate of the trailer in almost any conditions, and will lift high enough to get the tire off. Really, almost any small bottle jack would do.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by Diogenes

Wow, I'm behind! Thanks for the insights. If we did carry a spare and needed to change it ourselves while traveling, how in the world woud we jack the trailer up??

Easy....with tandem axles....drive your trailer's unaffected tire/wheel up onto a 2"x6" board or a couple of stacked 'leggo' blocks. The wheel with the flat will rise up off the surface enough to make the tire change.

Neil