Front Mount Spare Tire

[grumpy0374]

I'm one of those who still can/will change a flat if need be. Carry impact wrench, compressor, jack. But wanted to move the 80 lb spare from under the rear of our Lexi where it was just uneeded dead weight.
Bought a Reese Front Mount Class 3 Hitch and a Curt Spare Tire Carrier, both from Amazon.
Neighbor helped with mounting the hitch. Figure with the tire/rim, hitch, carrier, hardware, I'v added 150--160 lbs to the front. Rear of these long class c's are already heavy and front end light, so I'm hoping the weight transfer will help. Weighed my unit last year and even with the new weight up front I'm still way to the good.
Grumpy

[youroo]

Should help on the front straitaway,might overheat coming into the pits? Youroo!!

[grumpy0374]

Not really worried about overheating. Have talked with others who've done the same with no issues. Still plenty of open grill. Installed a Scan Guage over the winter, so I can keep an eye on temp. There's so much room between the grill and the radiator that if problem comes up I can easily run some duct from the side grill to the center.
Grumpy

[geotex1]

You can also have a welder cut down the carrier and sling the tire to bumper level. It'll cause less damage there too if an unfortunate collision occurs. As an aside, your insurance company could frown upon the tire there because it inhibits proper activation of airbags in a frontal collision. You may wish to check the fine print of your policy if this concerns you. I know one nationwide carrier that does take exception to this sort of modification (along with Ranchhand-type bumpers).

[mike.t]

Plenty of open grill? You have blocked about 90% of the grill and 60% of the trans cooler

[47chevy]

I would DEFINITELY pull that "pretty" tire cover ! ! I agree with mike.t ,(other than he drives a Chevy) you are deflecting air, it will not wrap around the tire cover at speed .

[bob caldwell]

Street rodders know all about over heating problems.

[47chevy]

Ya , we do ! ! !

[mike.t]

New electric fan on the 32' ;o)

[bob caldwell]

Try cooling a 31 2-door A with a blowen 502!

[47chevy]

Gotta make sure the sir can get out as well as in ! !

[OldCoot]

At the very least, I would stand the tire up straight and remove the cover.

[grumpy0374]

Ouch!!! You guys show no mercy!!!
First trip isn't until middle of April, so I won't really know of any problems until; then. But...
First, I installed a Scan Guage so I can monitor the engine. If it does get hot, I can remove the spare in a matter of minutes.
Second, if it shows the rig is over heating, I can run some ducting, like flexible dryer duct from under the bumper to the radiator. Plenty of room between the grill and radiator to do it, or add an xtra fan.
Third, we are planning a four month trip starting April, next year, up into Canada and across into Alaska, and I plan on taking two spares. Now I can, as I can still mount one in the original position.
Fourth, it acomplished what I wanted to do, move dead weight from an area where it's not needed, to a location that should benifit from some added weight.
I would not risk damaging engine/tranny and if it proves the mod was a bad one, it can be reversed in about two minutes, and I'm out about $220 bucks, the cost of the hitch and spare tire mount.
Grumpy

[bob caldwell]

Sometimes we're board !

[mike.t]

no one after ya Grumpy but just looking at that spare tire and the very little grill you can see has us concerned.

[grumpy0374]

I know Bob. I have taken everything brought up under consideration before I started, and it can be reversed if need be.
The Ford V-10's tend to run on the cool side, and I don't think I'm going to have a problem. I've run through the Smokies and the Pocono's, towing our Subi XV and temp never got above the normal range. Granted, the Rockies will be a different story, as will running through the hot west in summer. With the Scan Guage I will be able to get an accurate water and I think oil temp reading. Obviously I'm not going to risk damage to our rig, and if I do run into a problem and can't cure it, the spare will come off.
Grumpy

[bob caldwell]

Less mountains to cross if a person takes the southern route thru 55 mph Calif

[Gee Whiz]

I want to add a receiver hitch to the front of my TV and mount two bicycles, anyone using this method?

[jonrjen]

The engine heating issue on a Ford "E"-Series is not really related to the radiator cooling ability. The design of the air flow in stock form does not allow a great amount of air flow around the motor itself which is why you can feel so much heat around the "Dog House" in the cab of the truck. Also a great part of why so many who ride in the passenger seat complain about excess heat in the foot well on that side of the RV. My concern would be that with that tire cover displacing by deflection and blocking air flow around the engine these temps will only go higher. This heat would not register on your ScanGaugeII.
Just thinking out loud.

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by Gee Whiz

I want to add a receiver hitch to the front of my TV and mount two bicycles, anyone using this method?

Don't use it but see lot's of it. Cant see where it would be a concern.