Factory Tire Carrier

[Justin Fleming]

Can anyone provide a picture of what I am missing to complete this tire carrier. I believe it to be a centering spacer, threaded rod of some sort and a hold down nut of some sort. This seems to be a hard to find/locate item. The picture shows everything that I have at this time

 

[runamok151]

That looks exactly like the Valley Industry carrier I have on my K5. That looks new. Who's making them now?

Only thing I don't see on yours is a carriage bolt (3/8", 6-8" long depending on wheel) and nut to hold the tire on. There isn't anything to center the wheel. Just tighten up the nut enough so the sidewall of the tire presses into the tube a little to keep it from moving around. Mine has held up well for about 20 years. Half the time it had a 33" tire on it w/out a problem. I noticed the arm that the wheel sits on started to bend down after I had a 35 bouncing on it for a while. I'd advise gusseting that arm if you go w/ 35s or bigger.



edit: I realized after posting the pic, I have two bolts holding my wheel on. I can't remember if it came that way or if I drilled a lower hole for a 2nd bolt to solve a bouncing problem.

Also, I didn't like how mine started to grind and squeal when I opened the gate and grease didn't seem to help it any. I made four large "washers" out of a plastic milk jug and stacked two between the arms and bracket on both the upper and lower hinges. It's been silky smooth and quiet ever since.

 

[Justin Fleming]

I just put some love into that one, its old and used for sure...

 

[southernspeed]

My 35" makes a hell of a noise, bouncing around. I think I'll be moving it in to the truck.
Looking at these carriers, it seems weird what manufacturers could get away with back then for an 'accessory ' item. No way would you buy something for your new Escalade or whatever and drill a dozen holes in the bodywork to mount something that's going to beat your panels up anyway! :-)

 

[runamok151]

My 35" makes a hell of a noise, bouncing around. I think I'll be moving it in to the truck.
Looking at these carriers, it seems weird what manufacturers could get away with back then for an 'accessory ' item. No way would you buy something for your new Escalade or whatever and drill a dozen holes in the bodywork to mount something that's going to beat your panels up anyway! :-)

My tire doesn't bounce or make noise. Maybe it's because I have a 2nd carriage bolt holding it tight to the carrier?

I don't think the weight of this carrier and tire has done any damage to my truck, other than the drilled holes. I have the typical sheetmetal cracks in the corners of the tailgate, but they were there before I put on the carrier. They haven't grown in the 18 odd years a tire has been mounted.

 

[southernspeed]

My tire doesn't bounce or make noise. Maybe it's because I have a 2nd carriage bolt holding it tight to the carrier?

I don't think the weight of this carrier and tire has done any damage to my truck, other than the drilled holes. I have the typical sheetmetal cracks in the corners of the tailgate, but they were there before I put on the carrier. They haven't grown in the 18 odd years a tire has been mounted.

I haven't actually looked into mine too much as I bought it a few months ago, drove it the 1900 miles home then parked it. It could well need 'tightening up' here and there. I've seen distorted tailgate tops before but you never know how much abuse they've had! Working on the truck the other day, I did look under the tyre cover and notice that it's actually a 31" tyre on the back instead of a 35"!! So I'll definitely be looking into securing it better when I get a 35" spare!