New Tire Carrier Build for 2023 Micro Minnie 2108FBS

[bcborn]

Drew up and modeled a new tire carrier for our 2023 2108FBS, to move the tire up (top of bumper) and closer to the trailer wall. Doing so, the bike carrier (mounted to rear hitch) can be mounted higher and won't stick out so far.

Will post the fabricated mount once complete.

 

[Eagle5]

Hi bcborn,
Great drawing and wooden mock-up. You do nice work! Looking forward to seeing it in steel or aluminum.
Thanks, Eagle5

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

Looks great!
What is the top bolt for?
Since you are moving it higher you are lengthening the moment arm (by about 8”?), any concern on twisting the stock bumper? Or have you added stiffeners to the receiver?
Bill

 

[bcborn]

Looks great!
What is the top bolt for?
Since you are moving it higher you are lengthening the moment arm (by about 8”?), any concern on twisting the stock bumper? Or have you added stiffeners to the receiver?
Bill

Hi Bill,

Top Bolt? The the three bolts at the top are the rim mounting studs (lug nuts installed) There are two 1/2" x 6 Bolts at the bottom to clamp the unit to the rear bumper. The OEM unit was clamped with U-Bolts.

The new unit places the tire 5 1/2" higher and 3 3/4" closer to the trailer.

No plans to do anything with the stock bumper or it's mounting.

If anything torque on the bumper tube should be less, as the tire is sitting closer to the trailer (more forward on the bumper tube). If one was to pull on the tire, the extra 5 1/2" height could provide more leverage to twist the bumper. The OEM mount with the tire rearward of the bumper tube as shown, would provide even more twisting force as it sticks out from the trailer further. Never seen the OEM setup twist a bumper, figured I would be OK here.

I have aligned the mounts in the picture to show the new placement. Remember the bottom of the tire sits above the horizonal plate on top of bumper tube.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

Ok, my question was on the vertical bolt shown in left view of your sketch, which now shows a a u-bolt. Lifting bolt I guess.
I have always been more concerned with the wind forces going down the road on the OEM mount, watched it wiggle going down the road.
Maybe closer to the trailer wall will slip stream around…? Tends to create a suction away from trailer wall?
But I am a bit confused, on the OEM bracket, are the U-bolts assembled 90deg off?
Anyhow, no need to answer my dumb questions…
Bill

 

[bcborn]

Ok, my question was on the vertical bolt shown in left view of your sketch, which now shows a a u-bolt. Lifting bolt I guess.
I have always been more concerned with the wind forces going down the road on the OEM mount, watched it wiggle going down the road.
Maybe closer to the trailer wall will slip stream around…? Tends to create a suction away from trailer wall?
But I am a bit confused, on the OEM bracket, are the U-bolts assembled 90deg off?
Anyhow, no need to answer my dumb questions…
Bill

The u-bolt is so I can run a tension strap/ratchet strap/ cable lock to the bike/bike carrier. As for the OEM bracket the u-bolts come from the rear of the bumper and into the bracket mount as pictured

 

[bcborn]

Lower View showing how new mount attaches

 

[dmann]

Hi bcborn,
Great drawing and wooden mock-up. You do nice work! Looking forward to seeing it in steel or aluminum.
Thanks, Eagle5

Agree! Please provide details once fabricated, mounted, and tested.

 

[bcborn]

Fabrication shop completed the tire carrier build. Fit's great, could have left a 1/16th clearance instead of 1/32 to slide over the bumper tube, tight, but OK.

Next up is to make the receiver tube for bike carrier to wrap up in front of tire up from hitch.

 

[dmann]

Fabrication shop completed the tire carrier build. Fit's great, could have left a 1/16th clearance instead of 1/32 to slide over the bumper tube, tight, but OK.

Next up is to make the receiver tube for bike carrier to wrap up in front of tire up from hitch.

 

[dmann]

Looks great! Let us know how it performs. What was the bracket made from?

 

[bcborn]

Mild Steel, See drawing above