Spare tire relocation to tongue
Posted 05-17-2023 at 07:33 AM by RocknRoll
Tags spare tire, tongue, tool box, winch
Here is a weight distribution mod I recently performed.
After getting rid of my (2) 6V batteries (150 lbs.) from the tongue and replacing it with a single lithium (45 lbs.) in the pass-thru, it was an opportunity to move the spare tire from the rear bumper to the front and redistribute some load back to the tongue.
Preparation involved re-routing the propane line and electrical wiring.
I found a spare tire winch on Amazon for a 2007 F-250 that had the exact dimensions I was looking for as far as height and footprint. I fabricated an aluminum plate, riveted it to the frame and bolted on the winch. It holds the tire up very securely.
I then fabricated a .050 powder coated diamond plate that matched the front perfectly and fastened it down with (4) 1/4-20 knurled thumbscrews.
Found a large, waterproof toolbox and added rubber pads to prevent vibration and slippage. This gave me some additional space in the pass-thru and easy access to my tools.
Clearance isn't an issue, as I've tested it going up and down a steep driveway. By removing the weight from the rear, it now tows even better than it did originally.
Note: I'd like to reiterate that I riveted the mounting plate to keep the hole diameters as small as possible to maintain the structural integrity of the brace.
Spare Tire Hoist
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The hoist has a 1/2" female receptacle (I would have preferred a male). With that, you'll need to purchase a 10mm square socket driver
https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-203..._t2_B008TOHAVG
Dewalt Single Latch Toolbox
This toolbox is probably the best I've ever purchased, especially for near $20. Not only does it fit perfectly and waterproof, it can be used as a step stool and has a pipe groove for a bungee. I also dig the single, one handed latch.
Total cost for the project was around $120.
After getting rid of my (2) 6V batteries (150 lbs.) from the tongue and replacing it with a single lithium (45 lbs.) in the pass-thru, it was an opportunity to move the spare tire from the rear bumper to the front and redistribute some load back to the tongue.
Preparation involved re-routing the propane line and electrical wiring.
I found a spare tire winch on Amazon for a 2007 F-250 that had the exact dimensions I was looking for as far as height and footprint. I fabricated an aluminum plate, riveted it to the frame and bolted on the winch. It holds the tire up very securely.
I then fabricated a .050 powder coated diamond plate that matched the front perfectly and fastened it down with (4) 1/4-20 knurled thumbscrews.
Found a large, waterproof toolbox and added rubber pads to prevent vibration and slippage. This gave me some additional space in the pass-thru and easy access to my tools.
Clearance isn't an issue, as I've tested it going up and down a steep driveway. By removing the weight from the rear, it now tows even better than it did originally.
Note: I'd like to reiterate that I riveted the mounting plate to keep the hole diameters as small as possible to maintain the structural integrity of the brace.
Spare Tire Hoist
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The hoist has a 1/2" female receptacle (I would have preferred a male). With that, you'll need to purchase a 10mm square socket driver
https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-203..._t2_B008TOHAVG
Dewalt Single Latch Toolbox
This toolbox is probably the best I've ever purchased, especially for near $20. Not only does it fit perfectly and waterproof, it can be used as a step stool and has a pipe groove for a bungee. I also dig the single, one handed latch.
Total cost for the project was around $120.
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