When I recently upgraded my axle, I also added 14'' tires. Since my original spare was little more than an antique cake donut on a rusted out rim, I decided to replace it with a new 14'' on a new rim. Only problem was that it wouldn't fit on the back where my other one was.

I thought about putting it underneath, but there really wasn't enough clearance. And, yes, I probably could have modified the old mount to work, but then it would have compounded an already perplexing problem I had: With an A/C in the rear window, my tongue weight was way too light. When I traveled, I carried everything I could forward, but it still wasn't quite enough.

So, I talked to my welder and here is what we came up with. He did have to move my propanes back, and it is a close fit, but it works like a champ. PLUS, the trailer now tows like a dream.

I was a little concerned about the way it extended over the tongue, but we took it out and tested it. Jack knifed it going backward and turned as tight a circle (going forward) as I could. No chance that it could hit.

He even fixed it where it could be locked.

Sorry the picture is a little dark, but it's cloudy out today.

Suz... What a great idea! I was just thinking that it would be a solution to the bike rack problem too. Move the spare to the front, bike rack on the back.

(putting yet another great idea from someone else in the back of my head for future reference)

Thanks! Although it wouldn't work for everyone (especially those with a front mounted A/C), it was a great answer for me.

When I talked to the welder about it, he said, ''You know this is going to add quite a bit of tongue weight with the tire and the metal?'' ''You betcha,'' I said, ''bring it on!''

They are close, but not as close as it appears in the picture. Nothing touches anything else, so I'm not worried about rubbing when the trailer flexes.

The hard propane cover will work, but the lock as to be removed to get it on and off, so I am temporarily using a soft one. I've got a couple of ideas on how to modify it. I know I could cut holes in the top for access, but I want the whole top to come off and latch back.

Very very nice, Suz. nothing like I imagined, I like this a lot.

Thanks.

Suz, when we picked up our Casita in Feb. we got one of the new kinds of covers that Casita is now using and it has easy access thru the two round openings on top. So far have had no problems with them coming open when traveling. Only problem might be if wasp build inside it and you stick your hand in..... My picture was made on a rainy day too.