Way to better secure spare tire than just relying on winch ?

[verk]

I upgraded to 285/75R17 per the knowledge of this forum, thank you. Amazingly the spare that is now 3.25" bigger diameter fits in this area despite tire shop saying it would not. Without this video here I would have assumed the shop was correct. A couple of observations: the spare moves side to side a bit so I'm wondering if there is a stud or some other way to better secure that people have used ? This side to side movement was also evident as chafe on factory Michellin LTX A/S ( date of manufacture week 41 of 2003 ) that was just replaced.

Sven

 

[AEdelheit]

The factory winch can handle the weight just fine but I use a ratchet strap to the receiver hitch to keep it pulled back and away from the differential as a larger spare can hit an aftermarket diff cover so the strap keeps it pulled back and secure while the winch keeps it up. I run a 35" spare under the bed.

 

[seafish]

I also have also been using a 1" ratchet strap strung from one side of frame, then under the spare tire and then back to the other side of frame. It not only prevents a catastrophe in case the winch cable fails but also prevents the spare from moving at all under the truck. The winch and ratchet strap work REALLY well together,

In fact , I just checked it for first time in a couple years, and it was still snug and in good condition (the ratchet strap) though I did spray a little WD40 on the mechanism to keep it lubed and easily operated.

 

[Ozymandias]

I just have a chain with a bolt through the front part of the rim.
I did not like the idea of have it straped to the Hitch because if the winch would fail the front of the spare wheel would come down to the tarmac and send the back of the truck airborne.

 

[AEdelheit]

I just have a chain with a bolt through the front part of the rim.
I did not like the idea of have it straped to the Hitch because if the winch would fail the front of the spare wheel would come down to the tarmac and send the back of the truck airborne.

Good point though I will say even with a lot of very hard off road use I have never seen a winch fail, doesn't mean it cant happen though.

 

[seafish]

Good point though I will say even with a lot of very hard off road use I have never seen a winch fail, doesn't mean it cant happen though.

I have heard of and seen at least 3 pictures of the winch rope failing.

And also seen pictures of in one case of the damage it caused... which can be substantial particularly if one is towing a trailer when it fails.

The frame to frame method that I mentioned above works extremely well with zero downsides AFAICT.
No tools required, and it easily secures the spare in a way the it no longer moves.
Even if the ratchet mechanism completely seized up from driving salted roads etc, you can always just cut the strap if needed.

Just my .02

 

[Ozymandias]

Good point though I will say even with a lot of very hard off road use I have never seen a winch fail, doesn't mean it cant happen though.

Me too, I have it more as an anti-theft device.
Chain has a big rusty padlock on it to scare thief's off. And a hidden M10 bolt for me to open it easily.

 

[verk]

great experience and insights, thanks for all the replies

 

[seafish]

NOT saying that it is common, but found these threads with a couple pics with quick search

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/spare-tire-winch-failures.251957/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/dodge/ram3500/winch-equipment-problems.php

 

[Topzide]

That's were a little Fluid Film or Woolwax on the cable can help prevent the cable from failing due to corrosion. I've applied wax and some heat from heat gun to melt help melt into the core or the wire rope. Most important thing is to rinse under side after any winter weather event or off roading. Haven't plumbed a hot water tap on the front of the house yet (will be this summer for sure) to aid in this en devour! My buddy did this at his place and used a sprinkler under his vehicles. He had blend valves in basement to control temps! Feel free to copy the idea.

 

[bcbender]

Feel free to copy the idea.

I sure will.....

Actually my neighbor has that on his house... hot and cold right there on the side of the garage. I plan to put one in behind my shop for washing equipment and atvs etc, only difference is I am putting in a tankless so I can wash as long as I have water!. sure is cold doing it in the winter!

 

[verk]

I installed this stainless ratchet strap in 1" x 5' with j-hooks and the size is just right for others looking for something easy. Not cheap at $30 for a single strap, but anything other than stainless seems to turn to crap right away when exposed to elements. Suncor used to make a lot of their stuff in Mass., but sadly this ratchet was made in China. For others that plan to install there are a couple options when strapping across the tire from frame rail to frame rail. The better choice is a little further forward splitting the tire exactly with the holes in rails at the top and not as visible as those further back and on the sides of frame rails. I agree with Fluid Film suggestions and covered my winch well when tire was off. Thanks for a really good thread of insights.

 

[seafish]

^^^thats a nice ratchet strap…love the fact that it’s made from SS.

That said, I didn’t see a price for it or even a way to order it?

 

[verk]

https://defender.com/en_us/suncor-ratchet-assembly-with-j-hooks

although now knowing Chinese made I'd do an Internet search for something similar for cheaper like following. Can always cutouff excess.

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/prod...trap-w-stainless-steel-ratchet-double-j-hooks

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I use a chain with bolt and padlock.