Loose extension/spare tire mechanism

[AlexinBC]

Recently, while on a busy freeway, I noticed a piece of pipe sticking out from my 5th wheel. I pulled over before if fell out, and realized that the rollpin/bolt that held the extension to the spare tire lift winch had come out and the extension was about to fall out. In the process somehow the spare was loose under the rig and hanging about 3 inches below the floor. I was unable to lift it since the rod was loose, but jammed some old towels between the tire and the rig to keep it from swinging free. It was another 10 hr drive home, but I have since replaced the pin with a big cotter pin and will pick up some gorilla tape to close the small opening I had to make to get at the lift mechanism. All is well that ends well. Alex

[egwilly]

Good catch! I'm climbing under mine right now to check!!

[IdahoBob]

If you have a bumper-mounted spare tire, check the U-bolts that secure the bracket to the bumper. Early in the life our our Wind River, one of our U-bolts failed (broke) at one of its 90 degree "corners".

Bob

[Rickeoni]

One more thing to check!

[RAM 6.7 4x4]

I'll make sure to check that before we head out on the next trip. Thanks for the early warning. Can't imagine the kind of potential disaster that could unfold if a critical part dropped off the rig unintentionally...