M101 Spare Location Advice (1 Viewer)

[Chris Wilcox]

Hi,
I'm looking for opinions and reasons on where to locate the spare tire on my M101 CDN.
I'm considering under the tub forward of the axle and also on the tongue centered. For me all other locations are probably out but I may have overlooked something so I'm open to suggestions.

First consideration is under tub.
Pros: out of the way, less tongue weight, more room for a storage box
Cons:In the mud, potential ground clearance issue, more complex mounting using FJ80 tire winch, not really practical to store a larger diameter tire.

On the tongue:
Pros: ground clearance, access, ability to store a larger than OEM tire.
Cons: Heavier tongue weight, top of trailer no longer flat for carrying something long on the top rails, smaller storage box.

Pictures of the options mocked up.

 

[Enigma]

I like your option under the frame. The cons for that are clearance (moreso if you change to a larger/thicker tire) and the awkwardness of getting it in and out of there.
I have my spare mounted similar to your last photo, just off center so it still clears my parking brake. Mine does rub my truck mounted swing out spare a bit on really tight turns and impedes opening the swingout if the trailer is turned too much.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/enigmas-m101-camping-trailer.812384/#post-9280616

 

[Living in the Past]

Not a M101CDN but I use a FJ60 spare tire carrier in M416 using some washers to lower the spring branch in the other bolts holes other than the front one I used for the carrier. Two holes further than that and done. I always be sure I carry a jack handle to be sure I can lower the tire if needed. Any larger tire and it was interfere with the landing leg. A rarely on the road I don't use it and like the fact it's always out of the way. Off road not that worried as I have a number of other old rim/tire combos I could replace if damage.

 

[Chris Wilcox]

Another disadvantage I just thought of is that the tongue mounted one reduces jack-knifing potential by a lot. I prefer the one accessible but it looks like it is going to be mounted underneath.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Chris,

I've seen guys use a Chevy pick up spare tire winch and mount it like you have it underneath. The hand crank winch will lower it easy. You can find them cheap at a pick and pull.

 

[wngrog]

I did the 101cDN I had on the tongue like that.

I did my m416 under the rear with a 100 series winch

I like the rear better because I put water on the tongue and it evens out the balance.

 

[greentruck]

I've considered the underneath mount myself.

The hitch-top one already out, as I have a tray for our gas cylinder there, plus a tire there would limit jackknifing.

Underneath, the clearance issue isn't that big a deal. if the truck has already passed over it, small chance of it hanging low enough to be an issue. The only time when I can see a drawback is if you needed a spare when bellied down in the mud...and then you've got other problems.

BTW, I like those side-hung can carriers.

 

[Living in the Past]

I did my m416 under the rear with a 100 series winch

Would be curious to see pictures of the tire mount in the back. Did you use the entire spare carrier or just the winch attached to one of the braces on the floor? Having a second spare tire would balance the weight. With just in the back just the tire in the back would think the tongue weight would be to light so the trailer would fish tail. Not that big a deal on larger tow vehicles but still a pain.