The idea is to get the under-body cable hoist assembly from a van, truck, etc., and mount it to my trailer so that the trailer spare is under the deck instead of taking up valuable tongue space. Anybody done it? Are any donors better than others?
The idea is to get the under-body cable hoist assembly from a van, truck, etc., and mount it to my trailer so that the trailer spare is under the deck instead of taking up valuable tongue space. Anybody done it? Are any donors better than others?
Done it. Used a Ford truck hoist. Bolted it to a piece of plate and welded it to the trailer. One of the smartest things I ever did. We did have to make the hanger larger to hold the eight lug wheel.
Sounds like a good idea. I'd try an Aerostar first (for a 3500# axle 5-on-4.5" spare) since they're pretty compact, and I have one to try...not that it does you any good there in GA. But they DO come out of the donor easily, and they ARE sized about right for what you want, and they DON'T include any of the tire cradling.
I'd say you're on to something, Bud!
The cable hoist under my Dodge is strong enough to lift the stupid-heavy 17x9 steel wheel & E-range tire 4x4 tire the truck uses, although many add a safety cable & lock for insurance.
Thinking about it, an 8 lug wheel's winch could be had out of about any Ford pickup since 2004 or so. The cable would be longer, since the pickup's further off the ground, but they also include a locking drive lug. You need the adapter from the same truck you get the winch off of. That might help keep your trailer's spare more secure.
Hey... Thats a great idea. Why didn't i think of that. My trailer spare is locked in the bed of my truck. The tounge on the trailer had my 4 deep cycle batterys pack on it so no room (powers wife sleep apkneea machine)
I've been toying with this idea for my trailer too. I have a couple Dakota spare tire winches here from parts trucks but one is pretty rusty. I also have a couple Wrangler tailgate spare tire mounts. I've been leaning toward the Wrangler ones since they would be easy to adapt and no moving parts to seize up. It might be a little less convenient to have to unbolt the tire from under the trailer, but still more convenient than not having any spare.
Rob_Mopar wrote: It might be a little less convenient to have to unbolt the tire from under the trailer, but still more convenient than not having any spare.
losing a tire 2 hours from home with no spare and a big truck up on the trailer blows.
Just make sure you can get it out from under the trailer with a flat tire...
44Dwarf wrote: Just make sure you can get it out from under the trailer with a flat tire...
True. I'm planning to put mine up front under the deck so the tongue jack can be used to get to them. I'm also planning on two spares since it's a dual axle trailer.
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