Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 15, 2025 ...

Spare tire for a GV

February 16, 2014, 06:01:50 pm

Has anyone mounted a spare tire on the roof of their GV?? My PO said he used to on his trips to Alaska and after my issues last month I want one with me.  So what I did today was lay one flat on the roof (no rim) on 4 cut squats of outside carpet. I secured it to the roof rail mount posts with straps.  If I like it I plan on having a waterproof, UV cover made for it this spring. 

I'm open to ideas if others have done it or have suggestions.  With the ORED there just isn't room anywhere else for one...besides if I have it with me I'll never need it right?!lol

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #1 – February 16, 2014, 06:17:40 pm

I have one in the joey bed and put extension cords and stuff inside it.  I have seen them on the roof too.

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #2 – February 16, 2014, 06:33:07 pm

Yes, when we traveled to areas with little likelihood of finding a spare, we did put a spare tire (unmounted) on the roof.

But, Dianne made a cover from a light colored sunbrella. The UV up there would quickly ruin a tire.

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #3 – February 16, 2014, 06:57:52 pm

You will need a long rope to get it up and down too.

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #4 – February 16, 2014, 07:26:03 pm

I did use a rope to pull it up and stored in my box up there...Sunbrella is a good idea for material. Plus I have an old one at home....

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #5 – February 16, 2014, 07:39:54 pm

I have been measuring and I think there is just enough room under the nose if I move the air tanks back about 3 feet and cut the tow  assembly flush. I was then thinking of welding tabs on the part I removed and drilling above so I could replace it in a few minutes by inserting a 5/8" bolt through the rectangular tubing and the welded on tabs. A VW Vanagon type spare tire rack would be made so the nose (front) of the rack would lower and then the tire/wheel could be slid out forward and removed. It would pivot on a point at the rear on both sides. Plenty of ground clearance and I don't think it could be seen sticking down at the front.

With our 36 footer, there is only one cargo compartment and the spare takes up a lot of space on the driver's side. But I won't drive an inch without it there.

And with the PV panels on the roof there is NO space left up there. 

Pierce

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #6 – February 16, 2014, 08:53:29 pm

Did many spares.  Foretravel used to make a brown fiberglass cover to go over a gas spare tire on the roof.  Or put one in a Foretravel roof pod. 

Ah let me tell you about a roof mounted diesel spare that because of mounted weight during dismounting accidentally dropped to the ground and bounded hundreds of yards down hill in Alaska across another road and into a stream. 

Had several customers take two mounted spares there.  Seems the rocks on the road were blasted from the hills not round rocks from the stream bed so as the tire "leaned" over in turns the sharp rocks cut the sidewalls on the michelins.  Used to add air pressure so to lessen the tire lean.  19.5 gas stuff?

The ftx Foretravels pointy nose allowed front underneath spare mounting with a crank mechanism to drop it. 

The area where the muffler is on my coach might handle a mounted tire?  Expensive setup.

Bob



 

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #7 – February 17, 2014, 12:39:19 am

How about a safari roof rack for your toad to carry an unmounted spare like those made by Surco? Surco Inc. - Your source for bike racks and accessories. - [url=http://www.surcoinc.com]www.surcoinc.com[/url]

I believe those racks are big enough to carry one of our tires and if you can handle the weight (about 100#) you should be able to lift it up there. Two people could do it easily.  At least you won't have to go shopping for a spare which could be difficult and costly depending your circumstances.  It would save room in the cargo bay and be easily accessible when needed.  The only drawback I can think of is having to carry it on the toad all the time. 

Also,
Has anyone had experience with the tire sealant for puncture protection and flats made by Ride-On?  Tire Sealant | Puncture Repair | Flat Tire Repair | Tire Protection Systems for

It's supposed to increase tire life and mpg by reducing heat, air pressure and balancing issues.  http://www.ride-on.com/images/stories/pdf/RV_Brochure-2Page.pdf

Jerry aka Murph

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Re: Spare tire for a GV

Reply #8 – February 17, 2014, 12:48:02 am

I carry my mounted spare in my GV trunk, no engine back there.

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