Can The Lippert RV Spare Tire Carrier Winch Be Locked In Place To Prevent The Tire From Dropping?

Question:

i have the lippert tire carrier w/winch #lc159041. it has unwound itself on two recent trips. first time was a return home from a short trip and when unhitching, noticed the tire hanging about 6 inches above the driveway. i tightened it back up and it felt secured. last trip, we arrived at our campsite to find the tire dragging in the rv park gravel, huge flat spot with hand-sized hole worn through. i dont see any other damage. so, question is.....is there a way to lock the winch from unwinding on its own?

asked by: Jim T

Helpful Expert Reply:

There is no way to lock the Lippert RV Spare Tire Carrier with Winch # LC159041 as it ships from the factory. You would need to weld on a tab which would allow you to use a Pin # 37201211 by drilling a hole through the tab and shaft for the winch. We do have a Replacement Winch # LC159056 you can use to replace your current winch since the internal brake is not holding the tire in place. Lippert does note with these to not over crank or use any power tools to raise/lower the tire as that will damage winch and cause the tire to drop.

expert reply by: Bud M