Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

[UncleWillie]

Anyone have issues trying trying to mount a spare tire?

I have a 2012 Bayliner 185BR on a Karavan Trailer with the swing away tongue.
I have already purchased a spare tire for it (215/75D14), but waited to purchase the tire mounting bracket until I was certain where it would fit.
No matter where I try, it looks like it will just barely clear the hull by less than an inch if anything.

The Winch Post, Jack, and Swing-Away Hardware fill up all the real estate on the tongue. :blue:
The Cross Frame Members are bowed to clear the hull that sits inside the frame. No room underneath!
The boat overhangs most of the trailer frame with about 12 inches above the frame to the hull.

It looks like it just may clear the hull if mounted amidships, just forward of the axle if the tire were spaced 2-3 inches away from the frame.
Typically, how much space is between the tire and the frame?

I am looking for suggestions or pictures for how to mount the beast.
It sure looks a lot bigger up on the frame than it does on the Axles.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Pics of Your boat ON trailer.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Mine is just behind the winch post.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Most bayliners I see have the spare mounted on the frame rail most of the way back towards the axle. That is where mine is - couple inches of clearance, which is plenty

the one on my trailer is something like this:
Hi Mount Spare Tire Carrier by Fulton

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Most Bayliners I see have the spare mounted on the frame rail most of the way back towards the axle. That is where mine is - couple inches of clearance, which is plenty...

I was thinking that on the frame rail, just forward of the axle was the only place that looked even possible.
Do you have any issues with the hull bumping the tire during loading or is the boat aligned with the Bunks by the time it get that far forward?

I am thinking that if it looks too close, a couple of 1-2 inch spacers could be used to move the tire outward a little.

I found a couple of Offset Tire Mounts that tilt the tire outward.
I don't like the idea that it would catch water in the rim and not drain and the price is a lot steeper than the normal tire mounts.
It looks a little strange too.

In searching the web for trailer photos I was surprised that most trailers do not seem to have a spare tire.
It was not on my immediate needs list. But I am not going to go for long without one.
I figure if I have it, I'll never need it! But if I don't ......

Here are a couple of picture I found. I like the second one better, but it sure looks close!
Both photos give you an idea of how much extra space there is. Not Much!


1 2

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Could you Not mount it rear of your winch? horizontal?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Do you have any issues with the hull bumping the tire during loading

My hull does occasionally bump the tire when loading - but its a tire - people use them as dock bumpers

That second picture is similar to where mine is mounted

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Could you Not mount it rear of your winch? horizontal?

That is where I have one of my spares, the other is mounted vertically right next to the horizontally mounted one but I have a lot of room, smaller trailers certainly pose interesting issues at times..

Yeah I carry two, I have a tandem trailer, and when we go to Powell I carry another spare in the truck too, never want to be stuck on the road again!!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Mounting a Big Spare Tire on a Not So Big Trailer.

Could you Not mount it rear of your winch? horizontal?

There is not enough space behind the winch post to fit the tire above the frame.
The boat takes up the space between the frame sides.
Mounting it Below the Frame won't leave much ground clearance.

It look like I'll try the side mount option, just in front of the axle.
Bumping the tire is acceptable as long as bumping the rim does not get involved!