Ok. I need help.
Despite warnings to contrary, the cheap Surco tire carrier was successfully mounted to driver's side rear door. Upgraded to 4 grade #8 bolts, nuts, etc. (Although in a moment of weakness, I did call sportsmobile this morning to try to price on of their frame mounted carriers...looks like they were closed for the holiday.)
Cripes those tires are heavy....
Install went better than expected. There really is only one place on the door it can go.
The holes on the tire carrier do not line up well with the tire lug bolt holes. They are drilled oblong but still no good fit. The holes are too close for opposite lug holes and to far apart for one hole over. So the two bolts holding the tire on both point in different directions. Looks sorta rough. I will probably end up drilling a new mounting hole so I can mount one bolt directly across from the other.
The door will not open all the way without hitting the rear light (expected). Interestingly, the tire rests heavily on the bumper. So when I close the door, the tire compresses against the bumper. Nice to have the extra support.
Here is where I need help.
1. What is the best way to lock the tire to the carrier? Is a cable lock the way it's done?
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0017227015645a.shtml
2. Can the big spare tire carrying structure under the van be cut away (it is riveted or welded) so I can use at space or is it structural in some way. It's a lot of steel.
Thanks
Tom