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Spare under fifth wheel ready to slide up into place.
The Hide-A-Spare kit is an easy install and, if you have two people, which I did not, it should take less than 30 minutes.
Since it does not come with mounting hardware, other than for the spare tire, I used grade 8 5/16" bolts from Tractor Supply. I also changed the bolts that mount the tire from 5" that comes with the device to 6" to have more purchase for the nut.
Like much of what you buy for RVs, the corner cutting on the Hide-A-Spare is obvious, in my opinion. The tubing is not particularly heavy and sliding the spare up into the rack takes some effort as it means sliding metal into metal. It would have been nice if the manufacturer has used teflon bushing or something similar to make the sliding in and then lifting up easier.
Overall, however, it all seems to work and hopefully I will not have to get to my spare very often.
Sure, a lot of different ways to do things. In this case, I can still raise it about 2-3" if I have to and also move it further back towards the wheels to increase clearance.
When I checked the Internet, it did not seem folks who installed it were having problems, but, as you say, if you are very long, that would clearly be a consideration and there is not doubt a good number of folks here are long.
Maybe just the picture but it appears like the rolling tire might hit the carrier if the suspension flexes up while moving?
I take it there must be adequate clearance...just doesn't look so.
Also, is it wide enough to to hold 2 tires if possible?
The trailer tire is 20" from the closest point on the bracket. There is room for two tires, but you would have to weld on a mount for the tire to the support like there is for the first tire. Some folks are putting their blue tank under there with the tire. I tried doing that and it fits, but I have not worked out a way to secure it that satisfies me yet.
The Hide-A-Spare is limited to 100# according to the manufacturer.
that would be the way. or just crawl under there.
I suppose the smart way would be to position the valve as close as possible to the outside of the trailer.
Just unhook the rack, drop it down and slide the tire out. It is not that hard to do. Maybe would take a minute or two. It takes longer to unscrew the lock **** then it does to slide the bracket out. This is not a big deal. Take a look at Youtube to see how the Hide-A-Spare works. There is never any need to crawl underneath to get to the tire. The bracket holding the tire releases with a ****, then drops down, and slides out. I would lube the bracket a couple of times a year to make sure it doesn't stick.
looks easier then checking the air in a spare tire on a pickup truck...
I am going to try to reverse the spare tire under my Ford.. so I can check the air pressure without lowering the spare.... What a Pain.
I do like the IDEA of the hide- away... just concerned of Strength !
my trailer did not have a spare or a mount.. changed that.. but tire hanging off rear bumper... not so nice.
Why easier than checking the air in the spare on my dually!
The strength issue, I have no doubt it could be made heavier and if you are even mildly handy you could make one of these with some 20 ga. metal and a couple of piece of pipe and make it as strong as you wanted. I do think it will serve the purpose though. There are already quite a few out there and so far (knock on wood), I have not heard of any problems. I ran a search looking for problems and did not find any.
