Using the Bumper Mounted Tire Carrier # TR-2 to Carry a Car Spare Wheel and Tire Combination

Published 05/05/2011

Question:

In someones previous question about the weight capacity of the TR-2, the response was that the carrier was not recommended for carrying a wheel/tire for the powered vehicle, only a trailer wheel/tire. What is the difference between a car wheel/tire and the trailer wheel/tire that would result in that recommendation? Trailer wheel/tire sets run from 26 lbs for 12 alloy wheel to 77 lbs for 16 steel wheel. If the car wheel/tire weighed within that range, would the TR-2 not be capable of carrying the spare for a car?

asked by: Michael P

Expert Reply:

The reason the Folding, Bumper Mounted Tire Carrier, item # TR-2, is not recommended for carrying powered vehicle tires and wheels is the construction of the wheels themselves. A Powered vehicle wheel and tire combination has a wide variety of different configurations, such as inset or outset, that can render the carrier unusable for the application, or create additional torque on the carrier that will compromise the weight carrying capacity of the carrier.

Trailer wheels and tires are designed with 0 offset. This design puts the weight of the trailer on the center of the tire tread, for increased carrying capacity, so there are no issues related to construction of trailer wheels and tires with the carrier.

Another reason the # TR-2 carrier is not recommended is that the attachment system for the carrier is not compatible with most powered vehicles and if attached to a trailer, the vehicle would be without a spare when the trailer is dropped.

expert reply by: Robert G