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Expert Answers about Spare Tire Covers


  • Troubleshooting 2014 MDX Factory Full Size Spare with Curt Hitch Receiver
  • The Curt # C13146 will fit a full size 18 inch spare tire, using the factory tires with the low profile. I called Curt and the factory tire they fitted with this hitch receiver has a 27.39 inch diameter. If you have traded out your tires over the years, that is the issue as the original ones had about 3/16 inches of clearance at its smallest part. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # e98840 will fit with a full size spare if the spare is 18 inch but not...
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  • I Installed The DT35MR And The Spare Tire Will Not Fit Back In To Place
  • We did not encounter this issue with any of our installs that we did here. Most recently we installed the Draw Tite # DT35MR on a 2021 Ford F-150 and the spare tire went right back in to place with no issues. Unless your spare tire is not stock, or you somehow installed the hitch in the wrong spot, I am not sure how this would be possible. If you can provide some pictures I would be happy to take a closer look and see what can be done. I have also linked our install video below if you...
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  • Would Pro Series Carrier part # PS10401-10402 Clear Spare of Toyota Rav4
  • Here's how you will determine if the Pro Series Carrier part # PS10401-10402 will allow your snowblower to clear your rear spare. You will need to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on the hitch of your vehicle out to the furthest point out on the spare. If that distance is less than 12 inches the carrier would extend out beyond it. I attached a review video for this carrier for you to check out as well.
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  • Could Longer Bolts Be Used to Install Fulton Spare Tire Carrier # FSTC1000301 on 4 Inch Bumper
  • Yes, with longer bolts you could attach the Fulton Hi-Mount Spare Tire Carrier # FSTC1000301 to a 4 inch by 4 inch frame/bumper. We had a customer leave a review on this mount and he said that with longer bolts he was able to use this mount on a 4 inch by 4 inch bumper and it worked fine.
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  • Difficulty Removing Locking Knob on Surco Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack
  • If you are talking about the locking knob on the Surco spare tire bike rack # BT300 then unless it is unlocked the knob will just spin. Sometimes you have to put tension on the knob by pushing in or pulling out on it while turning it. If you are talking about another part of the rack, let me know and I can help troubleshoot further.
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  • Explanation for Trailer Tire Tread that is Convex Rather Than Flat
  • I consulted with our resident tire expert, and we're both at a loss. Heat build-up caused by over or under inflation, overloading the tire or failing to observe the speed rating of the tire (65mph in most cases) are the typical causes of premature tire failure. When you describe the tires as being 'rounded', I'm assuming that you mean that the tread portion of the tire is convex, rather than being flat so it makes full contact with the pavement. Over-inflation usually causes this, but...
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  • Troubleshooting Removing Cover from Thule Locking Cylinder Knob
  • Thanks for the photo and explanation of the issue. The plastic lock cylinder plug in the older model of the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack # TH963PRO will likely require a you to carefully drill out the plug at this point. Use a small drill bit and gradually get larger as needed without going too deep to remove the plug. You will need to find a way to rotate the plug 90 degrees to release or completely drill it out so you can use the lock cylinder in its place. I've attached a video shat...
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  • Troubleshooting 5th Wheel Wiring Harness and Trailer Brake System Error on 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500
  • It sounds like a connection issue. I recommend removing the connections, checking for even the slightest bend in pins, and adding dielectric grease # 11755 to keep moisture and debris out. I recommend doing this at all 3 connection points of your # DM8555001 harness and then also adding that grease to the 7-way under the cover on both units. This is the first I've heard of this issue with a 2017 model and also the first I've heard of the issue tied to installing a 5th wheel or gooseneck...
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  • Is It Okay to Use Different Tire Sizes on Trailer
  • The two tire sizes you have are similar but they are not the same. The 215 tire size is slightly larger in diameter and in width. You would want to go with a new wheel and tire in the size of ST205/75R14 like the part # AM32153 to match that size. The diameter difference between the two is right at 1/2 of an inch. Using different size tires is not safe so we recommend always running same size all around.
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  • How to Unlock and Loosen the Knob on a Thule Spare Me Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack
  • If the key itself is not turning then remove the key and try some spray lubricant to lubricate the internal mechanisms then try the key again. If it is the knob that is not turning (or if it just turns and turns) then the knob is still locked. It has to be fully unlocked for the knob to engage so you can loosen it and remove the bike rack. If you still have problems let me know and I can help troubleshoot further.
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  • Troubleshooting Brake Lights And Wiring On 2003 Ford 250 Super Duty
  • There are a few troubleshooting steps to help you figure out why your brake lights and turn signals are not working. I would start by making sure that there is not any corrosion or debris blocking your connection points. If they are clean or still not working, I would check your grounding connections. Make sure your grounds are firmly connected to a clean, bare metal surface. Before jumping to fuses, I would make sure the issue is definitely the tow vehicle side or the trailer side (I...
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  • How to Remove Thule TH963PRO Spare Me 2 Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack
  • The fact that the locking knob continues to spin without engaging would indicate that the lock has not unlocked. Thule recommends working the key back and forth at the same time you're turning the knob. What can also be helpful in freeing the lock tumblers is to insert the key, then give the end of the key a rap with a rubber or wooden mallet. You don't want to go super-medieval on it, or use a metal hammer as it could damage the lock but you'll want to deliver enough of a shock that the...
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  • RV Tire Cover Recommendation for a LT265/75R16
  • The overall diameter of your tire is 31.6 inches. The Classic Accessories RV Wheel Covers # CA80085 that you referenced would be a little bit big but would still work very well for you. They are designed for 32 to 34-1/2 inch tire diameters.
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  • Tire Sidewalls are Cracking on Kenda ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tires # AM1ST86
  • I actually have this same problem, though it is occurring on my car and not a trailer. I spoke to our resident tire expert and he stated that this happens from the UV rays in the sun. It is not an immediate concern unless your tires are losing air pressure. If this happens they will need to be replaced. If the tires do need to be replaced at some point, I also recommend cleaning out the wheels where the tires normally cover them. Gunk can build up in there and also cause tire pressure...
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  • Troubleshooting Titan Tire Chains That Seem to be Too Small
  • Thank you for submitting a picture, that makes it much easier to be able to tell exactly what is going on with your chains. At first glance it does look like the part # TC2526 is too small for your tire. It really looks like you need to pull the yellow of the chain closer to the center of your wheel so that the tensioner chain doesn't have to bridge as far of a gap to connect the yellow chain at the bottom of the tire. Try grabbing the chain and positioning it so that the yellow portion...
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  • Installing Taillight Converter Tow Package Trailer Wiring Harness on 2000 Chevy Silverado
  • Typically, your truck would have been equipped with tow package wiring that would have already been converted. It sounds like somebody's come along and messed with that. You can begin by checking for the original tow package wiring. Look for a wiring harness that terminates in bare wires located above the spare tire or on the driver's side frame rail alongside the spare. The plug you refer to won't be there, as GM didn't start using that until the 2003 model year. If the wiring is still...
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  • Troubleshooting Outside of Front Right Tire Cupping
  • Cupping is caused by bouncing and generally the issue is you are out of alignment. It may look fine but I do recommend having your toy hauler taken to a trailer repair shop and having it checked out thoroughly to be on the safe side. Tires will also wear on the outside due to being under-inflated so they need to be inflated to max psi, rated for the proper load you are carrying and also balanced. There are a number of potential issues so as I stated, a trailer shop who specializes in...
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  • Trailer Tire Wear Troubleshooting
  • Trailer tires are typically made to be run at the max psi listed on the tire when filled cold. It is very possible because of the capacity of your tire that your tire is rated too high. My recommendation is to instead use Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C # AM3H300 which is rated for a max load of 940 lbs at 50 psi and speeds up to 65 mph. The wear on your tire most likely has to do with too high a capacity as well as exceeding the max...
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  • Why Does My Trailer Keep Blowing Out Tires
  • Trailer tires can blow for a few reasons. If the trailer is overloaded that can do it. The combined capacity of the tires needs to be greater than the gross trailer weight. Exceeding the speed rating can also create excessive heat build up and lead to failure. The other common issue is under inflated tires. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. This is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires to handle...
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  • Where do Find Third Brake Circuit for Installing Camper Shell Third Brake Light
  • The main trailer wiring harness is located under the truck bed, usually above the spare tire. There is usually a socket for your trailer connector to plug into, but if you peel back the wire loom you will find a light blue wire further up in the wiring harness that is intended for use for a third brake lamp on a camper shell. I attached a couple pics to help you see where the wire is at.
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