Spare Tire Access

[RickJ]

Has anybody changed the crank-down access from the rear bumper to the rear wheel opening on the passenger side on a Ford Dually (2004 or similar) like this?

I would appreciate any advice on frame slots, etc.

THX

Rick

[RickJ]

Has anybody changed the crank-down access from the rear bumper to the rear wheel opening on the passenger side on a Ford Dually (2004 or similar) like this?

I would appreciate any advice on frame slots, etc.

THX

Rick

[P Colahan]

Rick,
I have a Chevy Silverado and had to move my access like you. I rotated the spare winch and directed it out centered on the rear panel between the rear passenger wheel and bumper. I found an existing access hole through the frame that allowed the tube to pass through. I purchased another tube and the plastic access panel like in the bumper and installed it lining up with the tube. The extra tube was due to the added length I needed. For Chevy I connected the tubes together with 1/2" EMT conduit coupler (fit perfect). I transferred the keyed lock from the bumper access panel to the new panel. I also had to purchase an additional extension to reach. Works great. Total cost was about $120. Parts includes the rear bumper access and the clamps for it, another tube and one extension. I hope that this helps.

[RickJ]

Great news that it can be done for a General Motors Product as well. Just a bit more expensive, I guess.

BTW, I did succeed in getting it done on my Ford dually. You can read about it here.

Rick

[Harald]

Depending on how much room you have between the bumper and your camper, you may be able to retain the stock crank location. I made an adapter that allows me to attach a standard 3/8 drive ratchet onto one section of the rod that goes into the bumper so I can drop the spare while the camper is loaded. In other words, I no longer use the second extension piece that you normally attach your lug wrench onto.

My adapter is a craftsman 3/8 drive socket that has a #2 philips adapter swaged into it. This is a standard Sears tool you can buy. This tool fits into the square opening on the extension rod that you slide into your bumper and allows you to attach a ratchet to raise/lower your spare tire.

I've tried it with the camper loaded and it works great.

[P Colahan]

I found another solution for you. You can purchase a small 12 VDC winch at Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com) for $49.95 (Lot #92860).
That way you can lower and raise your spare easily. Doesn't seem as though it would be very difficult to install and the load on it would be minimal.
I wish I had found this before I modified my truck to access from the side.
Hope that this may help someone.