Spare Tire Cover [OEM]; Loose, Floppy, Unsecure... no more. A simple fix...

[cr4x4cruiser]

When we got the Monty we realized the spare tire carrier was held on with nothing more than a piece of bent wire. Further, when we removed the three pieces of the spare tire cover set - to inspect and clean the tire & carrier - we realized there was a fair amount of movement. Even though the factory did put some rubber material inside the cover it was probably at the end of its life cycle. We knew a simple fix was available...



A trip to HD yielded us the parts we needed;

1 pkg: 'EVERBILT' #100 698 Vinyl Bumpers [clear, self-adhesive, 3/4" Square x 3/8" Tall] > 12 pieces per pkg. [under $3.00]

1 pkg: 'Master Lock' #124T Locks, w/ matching keys for both locks > 2 pieces per pkg. [under $6.00]

You'll find both products in the Hardware section...



A] Make sure the backside of the top and bottom cover halves are clean, and devoid of any grease/ oil/ polish/ wax.

B] A total of 4 each Bumpers will be used on each half...

C] 2 Bumpers go on either side of the latching sections [top]... center each Bumper between the latch mount and the outside face, about 1/2" from the leading edge.

D] 2 Bumpers go on either side of the clamping sections [bottom]... center each Bumper between the clamp mount and the outside face, about 1/2" from the leading edge.


See pictures for a better understanding of their respective placement...


E] These Vinyl Bumpers, WHEN USED WITH A STOCK SIZE TIRE, will eliminate most any flex in these two halves.

F] There is much more tension on the locking clamp now...

G] The lock is not a theft deterrent, it is simply something superior to a rusty bent piece of wire.



** I might just go back and use the remaining 4 Vinyl Bumpers - by placing them on the sides of the two halves, about dead-center with the logo... it probably would not hurt, and it will likely help spread out the load/ stress on the covers.

*** Note; I could not find another similar posting for such... if there is, sorry for the repeat.

 

[jhill15]

Simple fix, kick the oem cover to the curb lol jk great little write up man. Mine was junk when I bought the rig so this will be good fix if I ever want get it out of the shed.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

90% of us no longer use the factory cover, great tip though for folks who do.

 

[cr4x4cruiser]

Truth be told, we will be removing the spare tire... primarily because of the fact that the spare is the one thing not destroyed when/if the truck gets rear-ended. It never fails, when you see an incident like such... somebody rear-ends ya', caves in the rear door, shatters the rear window, and the repair bill is in the thousands... all while the spare tire and wheel are good to go for another round.

We will be opting for a roof-mounted spare, along with fabricated all-steel [read, larger] bumpers - front & rear. That should give our truck a fighting chance at keeping the repair bills to a minimum, as well as give other drivers second thoughts about tailgating.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Truth be told, we will be removing the spare tire... primarily because of the fact that the spare is the one thing not destroyed when/if the truck gets rear-ended. It never fails, when you see an incident like such... somebody rear-ends ya', caves in the rear door, shatters the rear window, and the repair bill is in the thousands... all while the spare tire and wheel are good to go for another round.

We will be opting for a roof-mounted spare, along with fabricated all-steel [read, larger] bumpers - front & rear. That should give our truck a fighting chance at keeping the repair bills to a minimum, as well as give other drivers second thoughts about tailgating.

Cool, good luck!

 

[Evo666]

Maybe this is the reason why the round part keeps spinning. 😕