Can Spare Tire be Mounted to Sidewall of Tear Trailer

Updated 05/01/2019 | Published 04/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

CE Smith Offset Spare Tire Mount - Galvanized Steel - 4- and 5-Lug Wheels

(429)

$46.93

Yakima LoadWarrior Roof Rack Cargo Basket - Steel - 44" Long x 39" Wide

(108)

$460.23

Question:

I have a tear trailer and I recently purchased a spare tire. I am stuck on where I can mount it and what I can use to do that. Mounting it on the tongue isn’t an option due to the fact I don’t want the tongue weight increased. Nor do I want it under the trailer due to accessibility. I was recently considering placing it on one of the side walls, above or slight beside one of the wheel wells, would this be suitable? Would the trailer be unbalanced by doing this? I have included a photo of the place I am considering, I do have access from inside the bedroom or the back kitchen to add extra support if required. The walls are 3/4inch plywood. If you feel this would be a suitable spot, what hardware can be used to hang the tire? I hope you can help me! Thank you,

asked by: Kathleen B

Expert Reply:

Mounting a spare tire on a teardrop trailer can be a bit tricky especially if you don't want to use a tongue mount carrier like the CE Smith # CE27310G. Placing the spare tire on the side of your trailer would cause balance issues and I can't really recommend it because the trailer wasn't designed to have something heavy mounted to the outside. Your best option is to mount the spare tire to your tongue and then put your cargo behind the axle to help offset the tongue weight.

The only other option that I can recommend is using a roof rack and a roof basket like the Yakima LoadWarrior # Y07070 using the Spare Tire Carrier # Y07076. If you want to go this route and you don't already have a roof rack just let me know the year of your Subaru Outback and I can make a recommendation for you.

Obviously if you are wanting to mount the tire on the side of the trailer it is your choice to do so. Since this is a custom application it would be best if you asked your local hardware or home improvement store what they recommend using to hold the weight of the spare.

expert reply by: Jon G