Hi All,
I was directed to R+R Welding in Panguitch, about an hour from Escalante. The guys there added a support post between the tubes that support the spare tire. So the tubes and the post are one unit. They welded the backplate, back on to the tubes and the new support post, so it looks like it's stronger than before. Anyway I am back on the road and the tire is back where it ought to be
I didn't bother calling Aluminess before doing this since there's really nothing they could do to help me out here. I really needed to get it repaired somehow.
Not too bad for $200.
And I am very grateful this did not happen on the freeway, it might cause a world of hurt for someone behind me. I probably wouldn't even notice the spare was gone until I stopped somewhere.
Pics later.
Thanks
Jon