Spare Tire
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=5151
Printed Date: 12 Jun 2025 at 7:50am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Spare Tire
Posted By: David and Danette
Subject: Spare Tire
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2014 at 3:23pm
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I am working on a plan to mount the spare tire under the trailer. It is similar to what Bal sells a hinged frame work that drops down on one side. The plan that I have will be placing the tire in front of the axle. The only thing I am little concerned with is the ground clearance, I don't think it will be a problem but not sure. The lowest part of the frame will have 8 1/2 " of ground clearance about 25" in front of the axle. Does any one think that would be a problem, the axle has about the same clearance 8 1/2" ? Moving it would distribute the weight better for towing and provide more space in the cargo area. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2014 at 8:16pm
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Clearance at the axle is almost irrelevant. As tires go over an obstacle the axle rises so it always has about 8 1/2" of clearance over any obstacle. A lot may depend on the kind of camping you do. I've nearly scraped off my drain pipe holder because of clearance issues. Do you have a hitch on your pod? I thought that was kind of standard location for the spare. I want to move my spare somewhere else though so I can use the back for bikes. Or I want to figure out something else for bikes, so I'll be interested in where you end up with this. I tried a tongue mount but the spare won't fit due to my dual propane tanks. I share your concern though about ground clearance with an underneath mount. It could get really nasty if you hit something at any speed. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2014 at 9:22pm
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Thank you TT for your reply. I no longer have a r-pod earlier this year we bought a Vibe similar frame and axle as the r-pods. Not sure if about 2' of distance in front of the axle will drop much when trailer is on a angle. You are right if I hit something and it broke lose the spare, it could be dangerous for us and anyone driving behind us. BAL " Hide-A-Spare " is used on different campers but haven't read anything on ground clearance yet. I will keep searching to see if I find anyone mentioning ground clearance. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2014 at 7:40pm
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I built the frame today for storing the spare tire under the trailer. The tire is up under the trailer with about 8 1/2 " clearance under the frame. My measurements were a little off the tire is not centered on the frame but it will work. All I need to now is secure the tire to the frame, tomorrow I may do that. I thought about the sewer drain valves, with 7 1/2" ground clearance and twice the distance from the axle about 4'. They have not hit the ground yet so I was willing to take the chance with the spare with 8 1/2" ground clearance at 2' in the front of the axle. My 86 year old mother did not help my concern, she said what if the tire gets hit and it comes up through the floor of your camper. All I can say is I hope not!
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Aug 2014 at 11:20am
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Sounds like a winner. I wish the pods did the same to free up space on the front or back. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: mtbmitch
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2014 at 11:50am
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------------- enjoy the fresh air |
Posted By: mtbmitch
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2014 at 11:52am
another spare tire location option ------------- enjoy the fresh air |