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Old 07-02-2016, 07:58 PM   #1
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Spare tire is dicey!

An interesting discovery today in regards to the spare tire on my Freedom Express 246 RKS. To install a battery switch where I wanted it, I lowered the spare tire from the A frame to make access easier. The spare on these units are stored underneath the A frame, via a retaining cable that lowers/raises the spare. So I lowered the spare enough, installed the switch and raised the spare back to original position.

Once raised back in place, the tire had rotated slightly and exposed where the tire had previously had contact with the frame of the battery carrier. I was surprised to find that the frame had impacted the spare tire sidewall and caused wearing that was quite visible. Enough so that I would not trust this tire on the highway, perhaps around the block but certainly not at highway speeds.

So, as I thought it over, the spare as originally mounted, was not raised evenly and as a result one side had more pressure on it than the other. The opposite side had a mark, but no wear.

I'll most likely replace this spare tomorrow before I head out next weekend on the next trip. Next decision is where to keep the spare to prevent damage in the future. Back bumper? Under the bed storage?

It validates a saying I've used for years when describing life support equipment used in an activity....two is one, one is none.

Appreciate any input others may have.
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Old 07-02-2016, 08:01 PM   #2
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Can you put a rubber pad between the frame? Like a piece of horse mat.
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Old 07-02-2016, 08:15 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by doc73 View Post
Can you put a rubber pad between the frame? Like a piece of horse mat.
DW made that suggestion as well. My thought was there will still be movement/pressure/etc on the tire. Certainly, it would be better than not having something there. That placement of the spare tire is nice...its easy to access, is protected (or so I thought) and easily checked (or so I didn't ), so I may do just that.

You'll notice in the pics that I added protective tubing over the propane line and the bolt holding the WDH bracket. So, I try to be proactive on potential problems. This forum has been a fountain of information for me in this regard.
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Old 07-02-2016, 09:01 PM   #4
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Sidewall depressions are common occurrence and I have not heard of any negative effect on tire durability.
A much higher probability of problems with the use of a spare come about from the fact that almost no one checks the inflation of the spare so most are under inflated when applied. With a resultant failure due to overload.
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Old 07-03-2016, 01:42 PM   #5
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Rubicon??

Just wondering with that credo.
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Old 07-03-2016, 02:50 PM   #6
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I'm not sure if this would work... I've noticed that Walmart sell Teflon in sheets. The noted purpose is for crafters to iron on appliques, keeping the iron clean. So the stuff has to be somewhat substantial. You could put a couple of layers between the tire and the frame. That might handle the rubbing issue.
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Old 07-03-2016, 03:24 PM   #7
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Thanks looks like something that should be checked. Let us know what solution that you come up with.
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Old 07-03-2016, 03:41 PM   #8
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"Two is one, one is none". I like that. Thing about us Firefighters is we are always thinking "what if?". I'm the same way. Drives DW nuts. But I've got to keep her safe. Well done brother.
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Old 07-03-2016, 07:37 PM   #9
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I cut a piece of ¾ treated plywood on top of my tire to protect it, and keep water from standing around bead of tire and rusting rim.
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Old 07-03-2016, 09:05 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SailorSam20500 View Post
I'm not sure if this would work... I've noticed that Walmart sell Teflon in sheets. The noted purpose is for crafters to iron on appliques, keeping the iron clean. So the stuff has to be somewhat substantial. You could put a couple of layers between the tire and the frame. That might handle the rubbing issue.
When a spare is properly tightened against the frame there is no relative motion i.e. rubbing. I believe you will see this on S-10 or equivalent.

If the indentation is your main concern then you might make a plywood doughnut shape to spread the laod against the entire sidewall.
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Old 07-04-2016, 07:24 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormrider151 View Post
"Two is one, one is none". I like that. Thing about us Firefighters is we are always thinking "what if?". I'm the same way. Drives DW nuts. But I've got to keep her safe. Well done brother.
Drive DW a little nuts as well. But, it's a short drive. .
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Old 07-04-2016, 07:30 PM   #12
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Millions of vehicles stow a spare like this, as stated, a single indentation is no worry, if it is actually worn into the sidewall of the tire from movement it is not secured tight enough.
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Old 07-04-2016, 07:30 PM   #13
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Thanks looks like something that should be checked. Let us know what solution that you come up with.
What I've done for now is to add a dense foam pipe insulation between the square tubing and the spare (see photo). And made sure I can get at the stem to check the tire pressure. The "plywood donut" seems the best option if I want to keep the spare in the same spot.

In my case, it wasn't simply indented or impinged, it wore material from the sidewall. Replacing it was really the right thing to do. Ironically, the service center underfilled it
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Days camping in 2021: Still Not Enough
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Old 07-10-2016, 02:28 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MaineCampingFan View Post
What I've done for now is to add a dense foam pipe insulation between the square tubing and the spare (see photo). And made sure I can get at the stem to check the tire pressure. The "plywood donut" seems the best option if I want to keep the spare in the same spot.

In my case, it wasn't simply indented or impinged, it wore material from the sidewall. Replacing it was really the right thing to do. Ironically, the service center underfilled it
If the sidewall was worn it was not properly tightened in the first place. Bet if you complained to dealer tyhey would tell you it was your responsibility. If they told me that I would ask for the page in the owners manual that tells me the torque spec
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Old 07-10-2016, 02:34 PM   #15
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I cut a piece of ¾ treated plywood on top of my tire to protect it, and keep water from standing around bead of tire and rusting rim.
Same here...
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