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So, I’ve been towing using an extra long hitch. My trailer has an electric raise / lower and the spare tire was always in the way. Today, I relocated the spare to the roof and used a “normal” hitch … what a difference it’s made. Before, I was white knuckling anytime a semi passed on the Highway … major sway. Now, it’s so much improved i almost don’t notice the pass. Anyway, I thought I’d pass along the story for anyone else using a similar setup.
Nice, Rack! is that a Rhino Rack? can you space apart those mounts that screw into the roof rails more far apart, to accommodate say the side ladder? or is that specifically where they go?
Nice, Rack! is that a Rhino Rack? can you space apart those mounts that screw into the roof rails more far apart, to accommodate say the side ladder? or is that specifically where they go?
It’s the FrontRunner (short) rack with the optional safari side rails. You can position the rack along the rails … I chose to push it back as much as possible to avoid some of the wind noise you inevitably get. I haven’t tried to add a ladder, so I’m not sure if it would work or not … sorry.
It’s the FrontRunner (short) rack with the optional safari side rails. You can position the rack along the rails … I chose to push it back as much as possible to avoid some of the wind noise you inevitably get. I haven’t tried to add a ladder, so I’m not sure if it would work or not … sorry.
Thanks for the reply, ah FrontRunner ok. either way it looks great with the safari side rails!
I've a recommendation regarding that roof mounted tire - get yourself a ladder roller to attach to the side of your roof rack. Makes the whole effort of getting a 50lb tire up on top so much easier. Also, just resign yourself to the notion that the new permanent home for that spare is up on top and remove the tire mount. The loadspace door will have much more room to swing open when hitched.
A 53lb KO2 (275/55 R20 by the looks of it) on that 27lb OEM rim is going to be one heavy 80lb beast to get on and off the rack. I think it's a terrible option.
In addition, you lose almost all your usable roof space and take a big aerodynamic hit on an already brick-like profile.
I've a recommendation regarding that roof mounted tire - get yourself a ladder roller to attach to the side of your roof rack. Makes the whole effort of getting a 50lb tire up on top so much easier. Also, just resign yourself to the notion that the new permanent home for that spare is up on top and remove the tire mount. The loadspace door will have much more room to swing open when hitched.
right now, the plan is to only use this setup for the camping season - you’re right in the tire weight, it wasn’t easy to get that sucker up top. Fortunately, my 22yo son was home to help out and, I mean he did all the heavy lifting. I don’t think I would run this setup were I doing off road trails … the probability of needing the spare is just too great. For highway driving / pulling the camper, I’m not over worried about getting a flat. I honestly plan to leverage AAA if that happens and I’ll have help getting that sucker off the roof.
I was considering getting the powerful uk delete kit, but wanted to wait and see how bad the mileage hit was before investing more into the solution. Best option is probably to just change out the electric lift on the trailer as others suggested.
