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About enclosed trailer spare tire mount

An enclosed trailer spare tire mount is a very important product used in every closed trailer. The main job of the spare tire mount is to conveniently and securely fix the spare tire in the trailer space. Since communication is crucial for enclosed trailers, it is even more critical to the trailers that transport cars. They provide protection from all types of weather. Enclosed trailers have a lot of important and useful features. Being one of the most useful, the enclosed trailer spare tire mount has a lot of merits.

Types of enclosed trailer spare tire mounts

Side mount

  • A side mount is designed to be fixed on the wall or side of the trailer and will rotate like a swing-out tire rack. The base of the side mount will fix the spare tire horizontal relative to the trailer.

  • Side mounts are best applied for enclosed trailers that have limited space on the floor or rear end and will want to save that space.

  • Easy access is one of the merits. The spare tire on the side mount is always within reach and easy to see. The problem, however, is that it can be fixed on only one side of the trailer and will reduce some space on that side.

Floor mount

  • Floor mounts are designed to be fixed on the ground or floor inside the trailer. It will usually be in the form of a bracket that is fixed on the center or in the corners.

  • The purpose of floor mounts is to provide a secure place where the spare tire is mounted without taking too much horizontal space.

  • One of the advantages of this mount is that it is very stable. Since the spare tire is fixed on the floor, the tie will be contained in a very stable condition with any kind of movement in the trailer.

Swing-out mount

  • A swing-out spare tire mount is known to be one of the most convenient and attached to the rear door or ramp of an enclosed trailer. It is likely that the carrier holding the spare tire will rotate out of the way, like a flip so that the door, ramp or lid can open up.

  • It is used in trailers where the owner wants the convenience of easy access to the spare tire but without the inconvenience of mounting on the sides or floors.

  • The advantage of the swing-out is that the holder fixed on the tire swings out from the mounted position and offers easy access to the tire.

Supplies that enclosed trailer spare tire mounts are made of

Steel

  • Steel is a weak but strong material. When talking about durability, steel is unmatchable. Steel mounts are used in all kinds of trailers, as it is resistant to abrasion, impact, and even bending.

  • One of the biggest advantages of steel trailer parts is that they are affordable. So even if it is a steel enclosed trailer spare tire mount, it is not going to break the bank.

  • Steel is sometimes coated with materials that do not conduct electricity to prevent the accumulation of static charge on the surface. Such coatings also help steel parts to be more cost effective and to have a longer life span since the elements against which they have been coated are also highly abrasive. This coating can be either plastic, a coating of aluminum or zinc, also known as galvanizing.

Aluminum

  • In recent times, aluminum has gained immense popularity as a substitute for steel in making spare tire mounts due to its lightweight and high tolerance capability. Aluminum condensed is a high resistant mount against rust and other chemical effects. Hence, it is used in trailers that often face bad weather.

  • Typically, an aluminum enclosed trailer spare tire mount is lightweight, which makes it easier to improve the fuel economy of very heavy vehicles like trailers. Though light in weight, aluminum houses strong properties, some manufacturers use aluminum primarily to make the construction of their products as well as the products they manufacture cost efficient.

Stainless steel

  • Stainless steel is expensive; it is used for its properties of strength and resistance to corrosion. It will often be used in high-end trailers or applications where enclosed trailer spare tire mount potentially exposed to moisture, chemicals and extreme temperature.

  • The common types of surface treatment on stainless steel include polishing and passivation. Passivation is the process of applying a tortious chemical to stainless steel that helps it resist corrosion. Polishing on the other hand may improve aesthetic as well as provide a certain degree of protection.

How to select the enclosed trailer spare tire mount

Compatibility

The size and type of spare tire generate a lot of difference from one trailer to another. This is why the enclosed trailer spare tire mount has to be selected based on the trailer model and the tire size.

Some of the most universal products are side mounts that are compatible with almost every type of tire. But for sol mounting and swing-out mounting, the right mount has to be obtained for the specific tire size.

Material

The other factor that should guide the spare tire mount selection is the material of the mount. Steel, aluminum, or stainless steel are all materials used in making the mounts. Each of the materials has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Steel is tough and can be put to use in making inexpensive products. Corrosion is not something you need to worry about with stainless steel, while aluminum is lightweight yet strong.

Ease of access

One other important criteria for selection are ease of access. If it is important for one to reach the spare tire easily when needed, a swing-out or side mount will be the right choice. However, if the space is an issue, then a floor mount can have the spare tire stored securely but will not be as accessible as the other two.

License and storage conditions

One must also consider the weather conditions. If the trailer is often used in rainy or salty sea air conditions, it is recommended to use a stainless steel or galvanized steel mount. For dry and hot weather, aluminum or standard steel might be often used. However, it would not be so effective when it comes to long-term storage.

Maintenance and care tips for the enclosed trailer spare tire mount

  • Avoid using abrasive chemicals and scrubs. Stainless steel parts are sometimes treated with a chemical to enhance the toughness of the upper layer against corrosion. This process is known as passivation. To avoid damaging the passivation layer, only soft, non-abrasive cloths should be used to clean the stainless steel parts. Unique, non-abrasive chemical agents should also be used to clean stainless steel products, as stated above. Harsh chemicals and scrubbers may compromise the surface of the products and make them less efficient.

  • Use anti-corrosion sprays. The enclosed trailer spare tire mount is sometimes left in storage for a long time. During this long storage, the mount should be checked occasionally, especially if it is made from steel. Camo or rust is one of the most common enemies of steel. Anti-corrosion sprays should be applied to help keep the metal from rusting.

  • Check for signs of wear. Like any other trailer parts, it's good to check the spare tire mount from time to time to make sure it's in good condition. Sometimes wear and tear are inevitable if the mount has been used for a long time. Some common signs of wear are visible scratches, dent, or bending. If there are signs of stress in certain areas, it might be best to replace the mount.

Q & A

Q1: Will the enclosed trailer spare tire mount fit every tire?

A1: No. The encased trailer spare tire mount will likely not work for every tire. They are compatible with various tire sizes, but some mounts need to be specific to the product's tire size. This is true especially for the floor and swing-out mounts. They are usually fixed at the center area and side of the space. That area will limit the movement of the tire but offer stability. While some side mounts allow adjusting the height, others are fixed.

Q2: Does the enclosed trailer tire mount need maintenance?

A2: Yes. The good thing about the spare tire mount is that it does not need much maintenance. The only thing one has to check once in a while is the state of the mount. Sometimes, for example, the one made out of steel needs some anti-rust spray, especially after a certain period of storage. The enclosed trailer spare tire mount is sometimes left in storage for a long time. Camo or rust is one of the most common enemies of steel. Anti-corrosion sprays should be applied to help keep the metal from rusting.

Q3: How can one tell that it is time to change the enclosed trailer spare tire mount?

A3: One of the most common questions people ask is how to determine whether to change the spare tire mount or not. Some obvious signs include visible scratches or signs of wear. If it is an old mount whose wear and tear has taken place, then it is advisable to replace the mount. Monts like hardware parts are meant to be replaced once they have worn out. The longer the mount is used, the less effective it will be in securing the tire.

Q4: Is the spare tire mount used in the enclosed trailer heavy?

A4: No, it is not. But it depends on the type of materials used in making it. For example, if the mount is made out of aluminum, it will not be heavy at all. Aluminum houses strong properties, some manufacturers use aluminum primarily to make the construction of their products as well as the products they manufacture cost-efficient. Steel mounts tend to be heavier, although a lot of manufacturers have designed their products out of steel to make them less heavy to carry around. Regardless of material, the design of the mount will also affect its weight.