Travato Spare Tire Mounts

[eric1514]

Very nice!

[kmessinger]

Originally Posted by kmessinger

I didn't see anything about a bike rack but do you have one? The factory rack can be easily converted to a tire carrier. We don't carry bikes much but I have a swing-away hitch mount bike rack so I plan to use the factory bike rack for a tire.

I am converting the bike rack to a spare tire carrier. I have some pictures of the project done by someone on the FB TOWB group but no measurements so I will have to figure it out myself. I am not on Facebook.

If anyone has any data on the bike rack to spare carrier I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

[kmessinger]

I have a 2017.5 Travato that came with a factory bike rack. I am modifying it for a spare tire carrier. Should be done soon, just waiting for a wheel to come in. The horizontal cross pieces will be 12 gauge electrical struts. The wheel will mount to them.

I'll post a complete set of pictures when it is finished.

[Glamper]

Originally Posted by JebTN

I usually call AAA but I l also like having a spare but can change the tire if I need to. Flats don't happen often but I have had enough that I want to be prepared.

Does the regular AAA membership include Campervans? I guess they are not much bigger than mini-vans but much heavier. Just wondered, still do not own one but I would not be able to change a tire...being a glamper...LOL

[EnduroRdr]

Originally Posted by kmessinger

I have a 2017.5 Travato that came with a factory bike rack. I am modifying it for a spare tire carrier. Should be done soon, just waiting for a wheel to come in. The horizontal cross pieces will be 12 gauge electrical struts. The wheel will mount to them.

I'll post a complete set of pictures when it is finished.

Now that I see the mounting tabs for your bike rack, I can visualize how it works.

I didn’t have that on mine, but after seeing your picture I wish mine had those mounts - sir would have made things easier than incorporating the door henges.

Good luck with your project, keep us posted on it with pictures.

[kmessinger]

Here is where I am with the bike rack tire mount. I will list all the hardware and measurements in a later post. Also I need to know on the picture of the nut/blue, which side is down in the channel/strut? (Thanks) The blue nut is in the last picture. #1 is all the pieces and #2 is so you can see where I am going with this. There will be a second strut. The weight of the wheel and tire (69.5 pounds) rests on the bottom rail of the bike rack. The bike rack is rated for 150 pounds. The attachments to the struts are just to keep the tire in place when going over bumps or accelerating.
rack1.JPG[ATTACH]rack3.JPG[/ATTACH]

[kmessinger]

All done. I have to add lock washers and a cover comes tomorrow. Now I get to worry every time I hit a bump!
rack4.jpg

rack5.jpg

[EnduroRdr]

Nice job, looks like it’s gonna work great.
Your worries about it falling off will be more than offset by your “no more worrying “ about being stranded somewhere by a flat!

I hope you ordered a tire cover with a zipper on back for easy access to your barley pop storage! <grin>

[kmessinger]

Ok. Here are the measurements, etc.
Adding a spare tire to the Travato – Save the Colors

[Lostwolfak]

I also have a Wilco Hitchgate Solo XL that allows the rear doors to open fully; works great for any spare tire. This is my second unit after having the first bent in a rear-end accident. Good product but customer service/production status updates/delivery are all quite frustrating.

[skiblu12]

can someone explain to an rv newbie....having a spare tire mount put on my travato K 2017.....weight will probably add 200#.........do i need to be concerned re affect on GVWR???? This of course would be after light cargo , normal liquids and two passengers.

[vanhalen]

is that a surco tire mount? do you know which model? it's not MEANT for promaster right?

[EnduroRdr]

Originally Posted by vanhalen

is that a surco tire mount? do you know which model? it's not MEANT for promaster right?

No it is not sold as a promaster mount.
It is from surco (mid 80’s Chevy van) but I cut and welded/fabricated the mounts to fit my promaster.

[mkguitar]

Originally Posted by skiblu12

weight will probably add 200#.........do i need to be concerned re affect on GVWR????

many run their vans through the CAT scales to get a weight- i am over 9000# loaded and wet ( water weighs 8# x gallon in the tank, gas 6# x gallon) 2 people dog, clothing, food etc.
If I have my trail 90 on it's carrier, that's another 245#



all factory built RV's will have tags with weights listed- on my pleasure way is on the inside door of a cabinet


mike