15" tire upgrade mods to spare tire sling

Having finally upgraded our 2619 TM to 15" rims I came across the need to modify our spare tire sling to accommodate the wider width of our new Maxxis ST225/75R-15 tires. After checking around for ideas I decided on extending the existing suspension bracket to allow for the additional width. This is something that anyone thinking of upgrading to 15" rims should keep in mind if they have the underneath mounted spare tire sling. In my case I decided on welding the spacers in place, however one could easily have used drilled holes with bolts in the suspension bracket with longer spacers.

Plus while I was at it I thought it would be a good time to add casters to the spare tire sling to ease sliding the sling in and out from under the trailer. I chose to use a bolt on caster bracket for this instead of welding it, in case I needed to try larger casters or didn't like the set up.

Since I am pleased with the results I have posted pictures of the modifications at another TM website in their photo section. See folder titled "Spare tire sling mod" or click on the link below. (Note you may have to join this free TrailManor group to see the pictures.)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TrailM...90914/pic/list

[rickst29]

and what a fantastic job you did!

When I went after mine, I bolted in my arm-lengthening extenders (rather than welding). Exactly as you describe, that's Quicker/Cheaper for a guy without the equipment.

[Bill]

One other approach - and one I chose not to do for the long term - is simply to retain one of the 14-inch tires as a spare, and carry it in the original carrier. If you have a flat, the 14-inch spare will carry you for a long ways to a repair/replace shop, and the now-deflated 15-inch tire will fit nicely in the original sling.

Bill

Bill, a 15" tire will not fit in the original sling of my 2008 SL,even if deflated. I had to modify it to hold the larger diameter of the tire.