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Topic: How do you use the false spare tire storage space? (Read 538 times) previous topic - next topic
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How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Hi, I am trying to maximize my storage.  Will you share with me how you utilize that awkward exterior storage compartment. I understand from other posts why the spare tire is not located there. I just wish it was useful storage. We are planning our first two week trip at the end of May.  We are working our way up to longer trips. So far we have had some great weekend trips, and a few one week trips. Our "Sand Castle" just came out from under it's winter cover and we are anticipating lots of fun with it.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #1 –
It's a fairly small area that many don't bother with.
Some build small shelves, others install hooks, used to hang cords and hoses on.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #2 –
You must not have a 27' RB. We're all stuck with that darned spare tire back there. 😫

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #3 –
Man Kent, you must wax and polish the spre tire compartment!

I want to put the Jack and tire iron back there.  I thought of it as unsealed and unlocked.  But never though of other things.
I think of the Pattery Pro-Fill pump. 

I should move the trailering wires as in 1988 they put the 4 prong round plug in the tire cover and the wires get a little tight when the door is opened. The  1988 MB has two external storage units below the floor, one behind the drivers Running Board and one behind the RR tires i use for the Engine and Chassis stuff.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
 
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #4 –
Kent, you need to remove that pesky tire. I believe that's where the outside bar is supposed to go!  :D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
You must not have a 27' RB. We're all stuck with that darned spare tire back there. 😫

Kent

I sure wish mine would fit back there. It would sure free up some compartment space.
Lynn and Lori
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: tlbh2o  - 
Hi, I am trying to maximize my storage.  Will you share with me how you utilize that awkward exterior storage compartment.

That's not our model, but being 'unsealed' makes it ideal storage for portable propane canisters for barbeque, stove, lantern, etc. Probably not too much work to rig a way to secure them there.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
That's not our model, but being 'unsealed' makes it ideal storage for portable propane canisters for barbeque, stove, lantern, etc. Probably not too much work to rig a way to secure them there.

Steve


That's actually what I was thinking also, Steve. Perhaps just roll them up in towels?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Kent, you need to remove that pesky tire. I believe that's where the outside bar is supposed to go!  :D

Or...Yank that ol' thing out and stick an inflatable hot tube back there.

Now that's roughing it.

Seriously, though, as other rigs "spare tire" space is not functional, I wonder how much support is behind it (in the coach) to support any type of shelving or racks.

Maybe an outdoor flat screen would be nice. Now that would rock the casbah.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Duro  - 
I sure wish mine would fit back there. It would sure free up some compartment space.
In return for having the spare tire stored in the side compartment, you get either a longer benches/beds, in the rear, or more legroom for the driver. 
Which would you have preferred to give up?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
In return for having the spare tire stored in the side compartment, you get either a longer benches/beds, in the rear, or more legroom for the driver. 
Which would you have preferred to give up?

Larry
Yea I know why it isn't mounted back there on the MB. I just wish they would have came up with another storage location instead of the compartment. Like maybe under the coach like many trucks and suv's have. My Xterra is nice it has a crank system to lower the tire when you need it.
Lynn and Lori
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #11 –
I wonder if anyone has added a spare tire rack under the rear end?

Ours is a 26.5MB, so we get the spare in the rear and gain space under the passenger side couch/bed. 

Along with the spare, I keep an extra length of sewer hose and elbow, a 25 foot section of "dirty" water hose, 50AMP electric service adapter, and our 30AMP extension cord. 

These are all things I dont mind being covered in dust or getting wet, and that can't cross contaminate our drinking water kit.

If I had no spare in there, I would add my extra quart of motor oil, the emergency boy scout tinder (lighter fluid), and extra bag of charcoal, coach wash and wax supplies.  If there is room.  This would free up space for the spare that would have to go where these things are now stored!

Camping abhors an empty space. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
I wonder if anyone has added a spare tire rack under the rear end?

You probably remember that Andy Baird and a few others installed their spare tire on the front of truck cab.   Someone else had mentioned that moving that much weight from the rear to the front was also a nice trade-off since the front-end tends to be lighter.  I may make that modification sometime in the future, but right now I've got other LD pending projects.
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Traxless  - 
You probably remember that Andy Baird and a few others installed their spare tire on the front of truck cab.   Someone else had mentioned that moving that much weight from the rear to the front was also a nice trade-off since the front-end tends to be lighter.  I may make that modification sometime in the future, but right now I've got other LD pending projects.


 I would be concerned about affecting the engine cooling.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #14 –
I have a MidBath. I thought about putting items in back but the areas that  the cover attaches to the hinge and the area around the post bolt seems prone to being easily damaged.  I am also afraid to use any thing that would rub through the paint.  If the factory had put some mounting points back there or a shelf so items could be secured I do washing stuff.  Now I might put a spair dump hose but not anything with any mass. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #15 –
I should add that I'm not criticizing others that put stuff there. I'm a worry wart. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #16 –
The spare tire cover doesn't seem to be something that was intended to open and closed a lot.

Each time I go in there I notice how the cover itself hangs and pulls on its hinges. Always gives me a bit of a pause as I gently set it in its open position.

Getting it off the bolt in the first place can be a struggle as well, but with some gentle coaxing it opens but I definitely don't let it swing open on its own.

"What? Me worry?" Well maybe a little.

https://youtu.be/_mW5_QDkx-k

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #17 –
Qitcher gripin and be thankful you don't own a 30'.  :o

First you open the Continental and swing it full out, then open an intermediate hatch before you can view the cave where the tire lives, way back under the queen bed where only Godzilla can reach it. You're going to need a chain hoist to snake that sucker out of there because it's like an eel in it's hole, laying on it's side just waiting for the touch of a human hand. Pity the poor roadside assistant that is faced with that problem before he can fix your flat.  ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
You must not have a 27' RB. We're all stuck with that darned spare tire back there. 😫

Kent
No not a rear bath, mid bath. So far we have enjoyed every outing and the LD has met all our expectations.
Sand Castle (Theresa & Everett) Surfside
01'  26.5 Mid Bath,   2018 31IB
Michigan born and starting to explore the US with my  spouse and our furry friend. Enjoying joining LD group rallies.
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #19 –
Quote from: tlbh2o  - 
Hi, I am trying to maximize my storage.  Will you share with me how you utilize that awkward exterior storage compartment. I understand from other posts why the spare tire is not located there. I just wish it was useful storage.


We store our saucer sleds there.    I understand that most people on this forum are not looking for saucer sled storage, but I thought I'd chime in anyway.  :)  Three sleds (that we used at White Sands National Monument), I was thinking of selling them back, but then figured that would be the perfect place to store something lightweight that I may or may not need in the future.  But they are always there if I want them, not taking up precious storage space elsewhere. 
Rebecca in WA
2016 mid-bath
"Ramirez"
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #20 –
When our kids were small and we were on longer trips (months), we would store the car booster seats back there.  There is no need for the boosters in the LD (no shoulder belts in the kids seats) but they would come in handy when we rented a car.  I wrapped the seats in trash bags and never had any problems.

Since then, it's been empty.  We typically have plenty of storage space, even with 5 of us, for week to month long trips.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #21 –
Ok, so now I'm curious. From what's been said there seems to be more to the spare tire area (Continental Kit?) than meets my minds eye.

I have never seen the inside of the spare tire area other than my RB. Does anyone have a pic that they would like to share?

What in the world am I missing out on anyway?

Curious Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Ok, so now I'm curious. From what's been said there seems to be more to the spare tire area (Continental Kit?) than meets my minds eye.

I have never seen the inside of the spare tire area other than my RB. Does anyone have a pic that they would like to share?

What in the world am I missing out on anyway?

Curious Kent

Kent, you'd be amazed what the inside of that cover looks like. There's a whole new world in there, kinda like this . . .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed_qmcoQNaY

Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #23 –
The rear cover does make a nice place to hide a spare key.
Lynn and Lori
Re: How do you use the false spare tire storage space?
Reply #24 –

"The rear cover does make a nice place to hide a spare key."

I would be afraid to hide a spare key in the false spare tire storage place. if someone were going to try to steal the tire and they discovered the key in the process, they would have a very easy entry into the inside of the coach.

Monica 

Monica
2017 MB