Where Spare?
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4393
Printed Date: 29 Jun 2025 at 3:35pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Where Spare?
Posted By: fwunder
Subject: Where Spare?
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 11:36am
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I'm thinking about a bike rack for back of pod - probably a Swagman XC. Where to put the spare? I've seen numerous tounge related spare mounts, but I'm wondering if anyone has considered a roof mount for spare. You see off-roaders use these all the time: http://www.amazon.com/Curt-18115-Roof-Mounted-Cargo/dp/B004O844DS/ - http://www.amazon.com/Curt-18115-Roof-Mounted-Cargo/dp/B004O844DS/ Seems like a pretty easy solution if you already have roof racks. Opinions? fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 2:06pm
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I assme you are talking about the roof of the TV, not the POD ?? If so, it should be fine if you can lift the tire up there. You'll like the Swagman XC. I've had both the XCS2 and the XC2RV. They're the same basic design, just different mountings. I now have the XC2RV on the back of my Camplite. The only consideration on the RPOD is weight. Note that you would need the XC2 for the 1.25 inch receiver, and it provides a few inches of rise which is very helpful.But it is heavier than the FR recommended rack, which is very light, and the bumper/receiver combo is very light duty. I also had that one and it worked fine on the bumper, with the spare moved to the tongue. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 3:15pm
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Yep, Charlie, the TV for cargo rack. There is a question of drag and/or noise, but may not be a big issue. I trudged through the ice and snow this morning to have a look (ughhhhh!) and I'm just not sure there is enough room between battery tray and the WDH for a bolt on solution like: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-Control/Fulton/FSTC1000301.html - http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-Control/Fulton/FSTC1000301.html I'm pretty sure the FR "approved" bike rack is: http://www.amazon.com/Highland-5801200-Black-Aluminum-Sportwing/dp/B001FQAOXQ/ - http://www.amazon.com/Highland-5801200-Black-Aluminum-Sportwing/dp/B001FQAOXQ/ But, I really do like the design of the Swagman: http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-Country-2-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B0001VO1YY - http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-Country-2-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B0001VO1YY As far as weight goes, the Swagman comes in @ about 30# and the Highland @ about 17#. Our Raleigh Hybrids are about 30# I think. Just from looking at pictures, I'm guessing the torque (leverage - distance from hitch) of both are about the same. So, it looks like I'd be looking and a difference of 90# vs 76# vs. whatever the spare w/mount weighs (albeit, less torque). Just looking at the design difference, I'm thinking there might be less impact load on the hitch with the Swagman than there would be with the Highland. Another cold, snowy day pining for some podding.... fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 4:32pm
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Why not go with a roof mount bike rack? The bikes will be easier to load up there, among other things. I don't know about yours, but our bikes weigh less than the pods spare tire.And I like being able to see where and how my bikes are.. ------------- |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 4:46pm
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Hey furpod. I was thinking it would be a lot tougher to get bikes on/off roof than the Swagman tray mount. I might be wrong - never tried it. I guess the other concern would be drag? Still trying to figure if carrying anything on TV roof is significant relative to the parachute that is the pod? fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 5:30pm
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We have been carrying singles and tandems on the roof for 30 years.. I havn't noticed a difference in mpg with or without when hooked to the pod..
------------- |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 6:07pm
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Wow! You got a 30 year old Pod!? ;) Just kidding. Really, that's a great data point. I suspected carrying roof rack stuff wouldn't hurt mpg when dragging pod and even suspect carrying something like kayak or canoe might even help. Thanks! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Jdub
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 8:10pm
| I just put the spare in the storage in the rpod itself. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 8:32pm
No, but we do have a 35 year old Airstream.. ------------- |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 8:37pm
Fred, Can't help on the noise or drag re the roof carrier since I have no experience there. However, I can't imagine the parachute growing much. That POD's pretty big back there! You're correct on the Highland carrier. It's only claim to fame is weight. It's a lot harder to load and secure compared to the Swagman. You'd really like the Swagman. It's really secure and clamps the bikes very securely. And I think you will be OK on the weight/torque on the bumper. The only caution I would look at is the ground clearance at the lowest point on the bikes. A consideration when entering steep drives or gas stations. FYI here's how I moved the spare to the tongue. The tire mounts parallel to the tongue A frame member. It worked fine until I decided to move the bikes to the back of the TV for other reasons. Then the tire went back to the bumper. However, maybe you can get some ideas : http://rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3132&KW=tire+tongue&PID=29715&title=tongue-mounted-spare-tire-on-172#29715 - http://rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3132&KW=tire+tongue&PID=29715&title=tongue-mounted-spare-tire-on-172#29715 As for bikes on the TV roof, I'm too old to lift them up there, especially with the higher SUVs and PUs. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 9:18pm
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Charlie, yes. Your solution for the spare really makes sense. Just to carry that thought forward, I would consider: http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Trailer-MFG-Receiver-Tubing/dp/B0050NGCBI and have it welded to the tongue frame. Of course, I will open whole nuther can 'o worms when I start thinking about a place to store the Yamaha or Honda generator on my wish list - cargo tray on tongue and spare back up on TV roof...which makes your bolt-on solution more attractive. :) fred fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 9:27pm
Yes, that would work too, but I don't do welding in public and I like the reversibility of bolts. Also, the receiver stock is not coated or painted so you'll have to consider paint or some other finishing. The bolt on approach uses all powder coated hardware. Cain't hep wid the genny! Don't got one. 
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 9:39pm
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Uh, Oh. Look what I just stumbled across: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/trailer-tray-a-frame-cargo-carrier/70918 - http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/trailer-tray-a-frame-cargo-carrier/70918 Seems a bit expensive for a tongue mounted cargo tray, but it is a solution... fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 9:47pm
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OK, Fred. Get your check book out. It might just work for the genny, but it looks like a pain for the gas bottles. And check clearances if you have a WDH. Seems like you're having way too much fun solving problems. Boy do I know how that is!
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 10:28pm
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Yesserie! By jove, I think I've got it! Picture duel T-105s across the back, Yamaha EF2400i and propane tank(s) in front! http://www.etrailer.com/UTV-Accessories/Curt/C18101.html - http://www.etrailer.com/UTV-Accessories/Curt/C18101.html Oh, and there's this - I know we can make this cheaper: http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/69A6011A0A0.aspx - http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/69A6011A0A0.aspx Ok, I'm worn out. Thanks for helping me spend money!  fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: R & R-Pod
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 10:54pm
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I have decided to get a wheel adapter so I can use my Jeep spare tire on the R pod. That way I can leave the Pod spare at home and save some weight as well. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-WHEEL-SPACERS-ADAPTERS-5x4-5-5x5-1-25-ADAPTS-JEEP-JK-WHEELS-TJ-YJ-/310768097817?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item485b38da19 ------------- Tom&Judy 2014 178 R&R-Pod 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: ToddPOD48
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2014 at 3:11pm
| I had the same question about where to put the spare if I put a bike rack on the rear hitch receiver. I considered adding another receiver but instead the guys at the RV shop suggested putting the spare under the frame just ahead of the step. They fabricated a swing down system that has a lock and easy release so the spare slides off when you need it. There is no loss of clearance because the corner jacks stick down almost as far. It was about $400.00 and solved my problem. Maybe it will work for you. The roof seems too in accessible to me. |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2014 at 7:47pm
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we moved the spare to the tongue in order to mount our bike rack on the rear. . We used the original R Pod spare tire bracket by cutting off the end that goes into the receiver. We welded the spare bracket to the passenger side of the a frame so that the tire is about 2" from the pod itself. we had to also move the single gas tank mounting bracket forward in order to have room for the spare. It's a tight fit, but it works great. an added advantage is the additional tongue weight-about 35 pounds if I remember correctly. At the same time, I had the welder reinforce the rear receiver area with 2 metal gussets and add a 2" receiver for our bike rack. At the end of the new receiver, he also added a 1 1/2" angle from side frame to side frame that was welded to the receiver. I paid a local welding shop $100 for the whole job. I spray painted everything black when completed. We took our pod on a 11 week, 10,000 mile trip this past year with our 2 bikes. I closely inspected the bike hitch receiver, frame and added materials-no evidence of stress cracks or fractures. the only thing that I want to add for the future is some type of eye bolts on each corner of the pod so that I can add a strap to each side to stop some of the sway and bounce. Vann Evans |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2014 at 8:10pm
Got some pics, would like to see you mod. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 11:34am
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we are currently out of town for a couple of weeks-I will get pictures of the spare and bike rack reinforcements when we return Vann |
Posted By: CaperPodder
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2014 at 2:43pm
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Just bumping this thread up to see if Vann has any pictures of his slight modification to the rear hitch. I have the Swagman XC 2 bike carrier and am a bit leary of using it on the pod's hitch receiver with two bikes.
Anyone else actually use this bike carrier and 2 bikes? ------------- Don, Mimi, & Nola the Goldendoodle 2013 RPod 177 (CachePod) 2013 F-150 4x4 |
Posted By: jj
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2014 at 6:44pm
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installed on rpod 177 http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-Control/Stromberg-Carlson/CC-275.html - Stromberg
Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2" - 100
lbs Stromberg Carlson Trailer Cargo C with http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1YY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Amazon.com
: Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1/1/4 and 2-Inch Receiver) :
Automotive Bike Racks : Sports & O 2 bike rack, at camp ground you can move rack to back of your tow vehicle, 2 inch receiver. |
Posted By: sheelyc
Date Posted: 31 May 2017 at 6:24pm
| How is the bike bunk working for you? Any one else try this out? |