Spare Tire Carrier

[Steve_382]

Looks like we are going to pick up a new Ford van from Quigley in the next week or so. We will take it to SMB to do most of the work, but they are swamped for now and we may just get the pop top before heading out for the first trip.

I would also like to get some tires and wheels before the trip and was looking for a tire carrier for the rear door, etc. When we talked to SMB in Indiana this week they had one that wouldn't allow the door to open all the way without hitting the turn signal plastic, so they built a stop to limit the door opening. Has anyone seen a carrier that eliminates this problem. We will not be getting the offroad bumpers for now and will only have the Chrome step bumper. As an alternative, how large wheels and tires will fit under the van. Thanks in advance for any info.

Steve

[surfgeek33]

I read somewhere that you can fit up to a 33" spare tire under the chassis. Regarding the spare tire carrier, have you looked into Aluminess Trojan tire carrier? Hope this helps! Here is the link:


http://www.aluminess.com/tire-racks.htm

[alta825]

the largest tires you can run on a Quigley are 285/75/16's (or the equivalent 17") and my spare just fits in the stock position underneath - I have the Toyo MT's 285/75/16's mounted right now - thumbs up!

FYI - I don't have the XL storage compartment.

Like the above post - if you want to mount the spare on the back, the Auminess mount is top notch and aside from removing the hinge pin, install is very straightforward.

Enjoy!

-d

[Ford_6L_E350]

I put a 33" tire under my van. Because the tire is so much larger than the stock tire it took some mods to the van.

I removed the frame mounted trailer hitch and:

- enlongated the mounting holes to move it rearward ~1/2"

- removed the forward end of the receiver. The receiver goes through the frame of the hitch and sticks towards the front of the van almost 3/4". 1/2" of that was removed.

I still had to bend the crossmember mounted tabs that locate the spare to get the spare to mount up completely.

A reasonably priced tire mount is something I would like to get, simply to improve access. And maybe to use the spare tire area for something else.

Mike

[Steve_382]

Thanks for the input. I think we will go with the Aluminess tire carrier. It looks like a quality carrier. Does anyone have any thoughts about whether to use the factory running boards, hoop steps, or possibly the Aluminess nerf tubes?

Thanks again

[mmocken]

One other option is the hitch welded type used on the Roadtrek's. The hitch is still there, this is welded to the side of it. they also flip down to allow the doors to open.
.

http://www.roadtrek.com/thevan.aspx

Originally Posted by Steve_382

Thanks for the input. I think we will go with the Aluminess tire carrier. It looks like a quality carrier. Does anyone have any thoughts about whether to use the factory running boards, hoop steps, or possibly the Aluminess nerf tubes?

Thanks again

[Steve_382]

Thanks again. I found this older topic on the board discussing hoop versus bars, etc. Pretty informative. Leaning toward hoop steps (Carr super hoops).

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewto ... ps&start=0