Spare tire mounting (Slee 100 Series bumper)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

You have a pic? I was always curious about this and wondered why that bar didn't have a contour in it for the tire but never had a problem myself. What tire was it that you had the issue with? This is a bit disconcerting. It may be time to bring out the angle grinder.
 
We had a look at this. It was never like this. The upright was just a support and should not contact the tire. For some reason it has moved out a little and it touching the tire. The best remedy is to wrap the hoops on the tire carrier with some rubber tape (or cut a 1/2 circle of PCV pipe and tape it to the carrier) to thicken the tube in the three spots it needs to contact the tire. You just need enough so the flat bar does not contact. We are fixing this in the future runs. neoworms is the first case I heard of a tire actually failing. We have seen small indentations in the tire sidewalls after years of being on the carrier, but never cut a tire.

The pressure on the tire should just be enough to stop the tire from oscillating on the carrier. It should not be sucked in to create too much pressure.

Neoworm, when you say it cut the tire, are you saying that it actually cut through the sidewall? Or just left a mark?
 
sleeoffroad said:
We had a look at this. It was never like this. The upright was just a support and should not contact the tire. For some reason it has moved out a little and it touching the tire. The best remedy is to wrap the hoops on the tire carrier with some rubber tape (or cut a 1/2 circle of PCV pipe and tape it to the carrier) to thicken the tube in the three spots it needs to contact the tire. You just need enough so the flat bar does not contact. We are fixing this in the future runs. neoworms is the first case I heard of a tire actually failing. We have seen small indentations in the tire sidewalls after years of being on the carrier, but never cut a tire.

The pressure on the tire should just be enough to stop the tire from oscillating on the carrier. It should not be sucked in to create too much pressure.

Neoworm, when you say it cut the tire, are you saying that it actually cut through the sidewall? Or just left a mark?
Click to expand...

Christo, slotting a peace of PVC pipe down the middle and placing it over the metal bar is something I will try this weekend. My spare tire is hard up against the bar and has me worried about damage to the tire over time. I will take photos this weekend.
 
I just put our bumper on and found the same issue.
I cut a piece of 1/4" air line and slotted it. Seems to be ok.
photo.webp
 
sleeoffroad said:
We had a look at this. It was never like this. The upright was just a support and should not contact the tire. For some reason it has moved out a little and it touching the tire.
Click to expand...

Both of my tire carriers have been like this, the one purchased 1.5-2 years ago and the one purchased 1 month ago, so it's nothing new. I was always concerned about it but like I said above, I never had an issue with damage to a tire when properly installed. If neoworm can show some photos showing actual damage it would help. I may consider the PVC band-aid.
 
Last edited:
It definitely cuts into the tire. Christo, I would recommend Jon's suggestion of cutting a contour into that flat support to avoid tire contact. For the record, despite the shortcoming with the upright support contacting the tire, the Slee bumper is still king.
 
Neoworm, when you say it cut the tire, are you saying that it actually cut through the sidewall? Or just left a mark?
Click to expand...

It cut the sidewall. The tire is still useable but it is definitely only a spare now. I will post up a pic after my morning coffee.

For the record it was mounted properly that bar just sits out a bit too far and I drive ALOT of washboard roads.

I tend to find weak spots in products at a faster rate than most. :rolleyes:

Maybe I should get into product testing. LOL
 
Pulled my tire off to see what this was all about and discovered minor rubbing on my spare (nothing to the extent of cutting the tire). The worst seemed to be that straight bar support vs the hoop. You can see the various spots where the tire makes contact with the carrier so I just put thick door/window foam insulation in those spots, and doubling it up on the bar support. Not sure if this is a lasting solution but it will do for now.

IMG_0480.jpg

IMG_0481.jpg

IMG_0483.jpg
 
neoworm said:
Spend a few days on some seriously washboard roads and that foam is going to be useless.
Click to expand...
I agree. I think Christo's idea of PVC pipe sounds more durable.
 
It's probably worth mentioning here that the Hi-Lift jack base should be moved inboard a bit too. It also contacts the tire and rubs through the side wall.

Did your sub change it's jigs Christo?
 
I just split some old garden hose I had laying around. It will do the job until I come up with a more permanent solution..
image-436585328.webp
image-515151507.webp
 
pegasis0066 said:
IMG_0480.jpg
Click to expand...

This is about how much we want to see the tire sit on the carrier. If anyone is prepared to drill and tap the tubing, then we have the rubber stoppers (like the one used on the carrier arm to stop against the bumper) that can be installed on the tubing. That will move the tire out about 1/2" and there will be no issue. Also it will then be rubber against rubber.

Just contact me if you want some.

Otherwise I would suggest wrapping the round tubing to increase it's OD in the spots where it touch. That would also move it outboard.

We have not changed jigs, but I believe that these issues might be when we went to the double swing-out and it changed geometries somewhat. As far as I know we are the only manufacturer that uses this technique of compressing the tire to eliminate oscillation on the tire. If you don't then you will eventually develop stress cracks on the tire mount portion.
 
Sweet. I'll give the rubber stopper a shot, interested to see how they hold up to the vibration long term. PM sent.
 
Yes, just checked my older single, centered swing out. There is actually a 1cm gap between the center support and the tire. If I had the newer version, I think I'd do just that, clearance that support a bit.
 
Red neck engineering.
After summer, may swap the flip flops for something warmer :+0

ForumRunner_20120518_230945.webp
ForumRunner_20120518_230945.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom