spare tire rack/mount options

[lawyerbob]

Well, I got the new trailer - a nice little 7X14 with a ramp door - should be perfect and easy to tow.

I need to get a spares/rains mounting system put together. I've seen several guys (Doug for one I think) with the tires hung flat against the sidewalls of the trailer - It think for this size trailer that makes the most sense.

Can anyone send some pics and instructions / parts list for doing that?

Thanks

Bob

PS - I believe I'm now GOOD TO GO for Gratten!

[RussMcB]

http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30136

[Mark Filip]

This is what I did and it works great it allows me to move thee tires front to back to even the wieght of the trailer and I can remove the rack completely as I use the trailer for other things as well. I removed the wall coverings and welded etrack in place to the wall studs the put up new plywood.

http://gallery.me.com/mdf27/100015/IMG_1280.



Mark

[lawyerbob]

Thanks guys! those were helpful!

[PCalhoun]

First, you need to know the construction of your walls; post style (z, hat, or tube), distance on-center, and wall covering (lauan, plywood, alum).

Then you can determine the best course of action, as a lot of 7w trailers will have z-post walls and a 1/4 lauan covering, which is not suitable for hanging more than a rake.

[lawyerbob]

as a lot of 7w trailers will have z-post walls and a 1/4 lauan covering, which is not suitable for hanging more than a rake.

LOL - thanks for the tip - I'll check that out for sure before I do anything!

[Doug FST 5]

The arrangement in our trailer was put together by the former owner. There is a length of "U" channel mounted to the wall at vertical ribs behind the wall sheathing. Bolts with big flat washers were selected that are caught by the lip of the "U" channel and can go through the lug holes in the race wheels. Big wing nuts secure the wheels to the wall. All of this is positioned so the tires rest on the wheel wells inside the trailer. The "U" channel doesn't support the weight of the wheel - just holds it to the wall. I mount the trailer spare wheel and a spare beam on the other side of the trailer.

Doug FST 5

[lawyerbob]

I'll have to look at yours at Gratten Doug - I doubt I'll have time to do anything before then anyway.

[RussMcB]

Years ago I saw "tire shelves" installed on the wall of the trailer. That seemed so much better that "hanging". I copied that idea in my 24' Pace Shadow.

http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/atta...9&d=1222315915

I carry four tires on the lower shelf (of which a large part is the inner fenderwell), and four other tires on the shelf above it. Above those shelves are handy cabinets.

I'll definitely go this route again in my next trailer. I like that it does not take up much space but provides a lot of tire (and other) storage.

[lawyerbob]

That looks really nice Russ! I think I'd have to raise them up some and "hang" the shelves from the top because I don't think I have the width for the floor support, but I really like that general idea.

Bob
'

[lawyerbob]

We had an old solar cover roller for the pool and when I started looking at it I realized I had two 7'+ sections of 3" round aluminum "tube"

Got some steel angle and bolted that through the steel stubs on the trailer sides (covering three stubs to spread the load) and then used heavy duty pipe hangers bolted to the angle to secure the tubes. Then put in a set screw on each tube to keep it from rolling.

Got some 2X2 and cut some supports to transfer the load to the trailer floor so it's not all on the walls.

It will get road tested this weekend, but I think it should be ok