Spare tire relocation to tongue

[RocknRoll]

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a recent weight distribution mod I recently performed.

After getting rid of my (2) 6V batteries (150 lbs.) from the tongue and replacing it with a single lithium (45 lbs.) in the pass-thru, it was an opportunity to move the spare tire from the rear bumper to the front and redistribute some load back to the tongue.

Preparation involved re-routing the propane line and electrical wiring.

I found a spare tire winch on Amazon for a 2007 F-250 that had the exact dimensions I was looking for as far as height and footprint. I fabricated an aluminum plate, riveted it to the frame and bolted on the winch. It holds the tire up very securely.

I then fabricated a .050 powder coated diamond plate that matched the front perfectly and fastened it down with (4) 1/4-20 knurled thumbscrews.

Found a large, waterproof toolbox and added rubber pads to prevent vibration and slippage. This gave me some additional space in the pass-thru and easy access to my tools.

Clearance isn't an issue, as I've tested it going up and down a steep driveway. By removing the weight from the rear, it now tows even better than it did originally.

Total cost was around $120. I think it turned out extremely well and looks factory

[Bigbird65]

Good job you did.

[RocknRoll]

Originally Posted by Bigbird65

Good job you did.

Thanks Ken!

[Shenight]

Clever, RockNRoll!

[RiverRVers]

This is excellent - great work! I've been looking at ways to mount my spare to the tongue... will give this a try.

[RocknRoll]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. A few more links/notes:

I'd like to reiterate that I riveted the mounting plate to keep the hole diameters as small as possible to maintain the structural integrity of the brace.

Spare Tire Hoist
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The hoist has a 1/2" female receptacle (I would have preferred a male). With that, you'll need to purchase a 10mm square socket driver
https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-203..._t2_B008TOHAVG

Dewalt Single Latch Toolbox
This toolbox is probably the best I've ever purchased, especially for near $20. Not only does it fit perfectly and waterproof, it can be used as a step stool and has a pipe groove for a bungee. I also dig the single, one handed latch. I even bought a second one for household tools!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-2...4082/202710560

[Old Navy]

So, I assume you access the winch by moving the toolbox out of the way to reveal an access hole in the diamond plate? I might have to do something similar when I upgrade from GC2 to lifepo4 batteries.

[RocknRoll]

Originally Posted by Old Navy

So, I assume you access the winch by moving the toolbox out of the way to reveal an access hole in the diamond plate? I might have to do something similar when I upgrade from GC2 to lifepo4 batteries.

No access hole. Remove the bungee, move the toolbox and them remove the plate entirely with the thumb screws. A one minute operation at best and besides the impact driver/10mm, no tools needed.

Another note. I looked at the aluminum plate and it was actually .045, thin enough to easily cut. The winch height matched the top of the tongue exactly, acting as a standoff for added strength for the toolbox.

[Winnie1800BH]

So I'm clear. You hid the spare tire winch inside the tool box? Anything else you can share?

[creativepart]

Originally Posted by Winnie1800BH

So I'm clear. You hid the spare tire winch inside the tool box? Anything else you can share?

I don’t think so. He said:

No access hole. Remove the bungee, move the toolbox and them remove the plate entirely with the thumb screws. A one minute operation at best and besides the impact driver/10mm, no tools needed.

[RocknRoll]

Thanks Creative.

To clarify, one of the pics I originally posted below shows the winch mounted to the plate. The top of the winch is flush with the top of the frame, allowing it to serve as a center support for the diamond plate cover + toolbox.

On another note, the toolbox I purchased for $20 nearly two years ago are now $35. Crazy!