Quick How To: Installing BAL Hide-A-Spare

Model Installed:  BAL 28215 Hide-A-Spare Tire Storage - Recessed Mount  

I opted for this model as, quite frankly, it was the one available on Amazon.

Location:  

-Mounted in front of axel, as close to axel as possible, without physically moving any clamps, wires, gas lines, etc...

Key Notes:  

-You will need to purchase, at a minimum, eleven (11) #14 x 1 1/4" self tapping screws.  I bought a couple extra just in case I lost one or two.  Also, a silver Sharpie is really handy.

-Pull the telescoping bars apart and cut 8 3/4" off the end of the main carrier bars and 8 3/4" from the inside bars.  It is important that you cut the inside end of the smaller bars as you cannot lose the bolt holes.  You will be losing the little detent balls but that's ok as you're not going to pull the spare out from under the camper like the Incredible Hulk so the chances of you telescoping the bars so far they come apart is minimal.

-Place the mount so you are pulling the tire out to the passenger side so should you have a flat you're not working on the traffic side to retrieve the spare.

-This spare tire carrier does NOT require exact measurements to install.  Do not fret over 1/4" one way or the other, everything will be just fine.

Process:

-Using two clamps, clamp the anchor end plate to the inside of the frame (closest to the center of the camper) on the driver's side, as close to the axel as possible and as low on the frame as possible so that you can still install the 6 self tapping screws.  The bottom of my plate was approximately 7 1/2" from the floor of the camper.  This spare tire carrier will easily swing side to side to remove the spare, so you do not need to worry about hitting the fender on the camper or anything of that nature.

-Slide your bars back together, and place the carrier under the camper.  Using the provided bolts, mount the inside bars to the anchor plate.  Snug up the bolts but remember that you're not trying to crush the pipe, just hold it in place.  Spacers go between the bracket and the pipe.

-Remove the frame plate from the "active" side of the carrier.  You'll need it in a few.  Mount your spare tire to the carrier.  It's going to stay there, so you can do it right.  I also put the spare tire cover over top of the tire as well, just... well, just because I had it and hated to throw it away.

-Now, pick up the spare and position it like you're putting it away.  You'll feel the tire go against the floor of the camper, which is what you want.  That will keep it from jostling going down the highway.  Move the carrier side to side until the plate is square on the outside of the frame.  Hold it in place and mark the location with the silver Sharpie.  

-Put the spare carrier back on the ground and then clamp the frame plate to the outside of the frame using the outline you drew with the Sharpie as a guide.  You'll notice that you can only install 5 of the 7 screws as the lowest two are below the frame.  It's ok.  Don't worry.  Five screws are plenty to hold the spare in place (there are only six on the other side and #14 self tappers are stout).  Install the five self tapping screws, swing the tire up and secure.  That's it.  Done.  

Ground Clearance:

More than the fresh water tank.

Final Notes:

-Self tappers are run in using an impact driver, no marking and drilling necessary.

-The pipe is thicker than you think.  I used a cutoff wheel to cut it but it is easily doable with a hacksaw.  Just know it's going to take a little effort.

-This is a super easy process, provided you have the tools.  Don't be afraid to do it yourself.

Hope this helps.

Ahh!  Mine is not a Hood River edition, so you are no doubt correct on the tire width difference.  I wouldn't worry about it pushing up on the floor of the camper as it will do nothing but offer support to the center of the floor, which has a little give anyway.  Glad it helped!

Thanks  

POD WE R