R1S Spare tire hitch mount options?

[Acecorgi]

So the two 1/2” spacers weren’t nearly enough. Looks like 2” is minimum with potential contact of the eTrailer vertical bar with the wheel. So really need 2.5” of additional clearance.

I mocked this up using 2” hitch and one of the 1/2” spacers, which gives about 1/2” clearance between the post and wheel (see pictures).

Problem: apparently no such thing as a 2.5” spacer, at least in the 5 x 5.5 bolt patter needed.

I just ordered a two inch spacer and will pair it with one of the 1/2 inch spacers I already received.

Will post new trial tomorrow.

Thanks for the update! Hope it works out. I was looking at other hitch mounts but any others seem to not be able to handle the weight or reasonable priced.

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[thebwk]

Incredible thread! I have a Yakima EXO that I used for extra cargo for a road trip this spring. Would love if they had a spare tire mount for that system.

 

[BrentInCO]

So the two 1/2” spacers weren’t nearly enough. Looks like 2” is minimum with potential contact of the eTrailer vertical bar with the wheel. So really need 2.5” of additional clearance.

I mocked this up using 2” hitch and one of the 1/2” spacers, which gives about 1/2” clearance between the post and wheel (see pictures).

Problem: apparently no such thing as a 2.5” spacer, at least in the 5 x 5.5 bolt patter needed.

I just ordered a two inch spacer and will pair it with one of the 1/2 inch spacers I already received.

Will post new trial tomorrow.

If a larger spacer works well, would you please share a link to that spacer?

I just reinstalled everything, including the two 12mm spacers, and using some of the things 909phillyman shared. It’s definitely better, was easier this time, and I’m feeling much better about this solution.

I now bought 1/2” x 4&1/2” carriage bolts, expecting to add a 2” spacer, which are definitely too long for the current application. I’m using this to tighten the nuts and bolts in place:
ARES 70021-1/2-Inch Drive 19MM Non-Marring Lug Nut Socket - Protective Sleeve Protects Custom Rims and Lug Nuts from Damage
https://a.co/d/dWmMo5U

 

[909phillyman]

So the two 1/2” spacers weren’t nearly enough. Looks like 2” is minimum with potential contact of the eTrailer vertical bar with the wheel. So really need 2.5” of additional clearance.

I mocked this up using 2” hitch and one of the 1/2” spacers, which gives about 1/2” clearance between the post and wheel (see pictures).

Problem: apparently no such thing as a 2.5” spacer, at least in the 5 x 5.5 bolt patter needed.

I just ordered a two inch spacer and will pair it with one of the 1/2 inch spacers I already received.

Will post new trial tomorrow.

Interesting findings. Don't forget, the offset on my aftermarket wheels is +25, and the lower, inner, part of my wheel/tire DOES make some contact with the tire carrier arm as illustrated in some of my earlier pics, however, the contact is very minor, and I am able to securely mount the wheel at all 3 points to the carrier. Just putting it out there, but maybe it would be beneficial if you use the 2" spacer AND allow your OEM wheels to make some contact with the lower carrier arm. I think that might offer additional support with it partially resting on the carrier arm, rather than only having the wheel be suspended and secured at the mounting point only. I hope that makes sense. I would recommend that anyone going with this setup add a little rubber pad on the lower carrier arm to cushion any contact between the wheel and carrier...as I illustrated earlier.

Anyway...I'm interested in your next moves. Please keep us posted!

 

[909phillyman]

If a larger spacer works well, would you please share a link to that spacer?

I just reinstalled everything, including the two 12mm spacers, and using some of the things 909phillyman shared. It’s definitely better, was easier this time, and I’m feeling much better about this solution.

I now bought 1/2” x 4&1/2” carriage bolts, expecting to add a 2” spacer, which are definitely too long for the current application. I’m using this to tighten the nuts and bolts in place:
ARES 70021-1/2-Inch Drive 19MM Non-Marring Lug Nut Socket - Protective Sleeve Protects Custom Rims and Lug Nuts from Damage
https://a.co/d/dWmMo5U

Well, what you have looks great! What's the problem with how you have it so far...is there too much contact with the lower arm, or is the wheel still sitting too close to the carrier post? It looks to me that you're on point!

Oh, and eye-spy an official "cardboard alignment plate" Good job sir...good job!!!

 

[Si.LE.R1S]

TL;DR

2” spacer should* be just right.

Now the details (sorry, it’s a long one):

I mistakenly ordered a spacer with a “collar” around the bore, which of course does not marry flush with the flared Rivian 20” AT inner bore. So I used the 2” spacer + 1/2” wide bore spacer and got the following results.
7” clearance between tire and glass
1” clearance between wheel and vertical post of eTrailer spare mount

Using a flat 2” spacer would be less than 1/2” narrower on the clearances above (based on advanced geometric principles…).

I plan to order these:
GDSMOTU 5x5.5 Wheel Spacers 2 Inch for Ram 1500 1994-2010 - 5 Lug Wheel Spacers 9/16” Thread Pitch with 108mm Bore Compatible with Dakota Durango Aspen Raider https://a.co/d/dFuv3ZN

Overall, as @909phillyman has found, the whole setup seems very sturdy and will serve my very occasion use very well. Aesthetically, the additional spacer does push the wheel back compared to @909phillyman use with the Ram 1500 wheels.

Below are some representative pics:

DON’T BUY THESE!!!!!!!

3/8” collar thickness prevents flush seating of Rivian 20” AT wheel

Added 1/2” spacer to cover collar. Total offset of 2.5”
IMPORTANT: added spacer results in reduced threads for lugs, but can use 5 lugs instead of three, I guess.

Added 1/2” spacer to cover collar;

1” clearance between wheel and vertical post

7” clearance to wiper/glass

Fully mounted with hitch inserted to 2nd position as suggested by @909phillyman

For enquiring minds only: the increased clearance led me to try mounting the eTrailer DIRECTLY to the Rivian hitch. I used 2 x 2” spacer (4” additional clearance) and the tire was right up against the rear windshield wiper (see below).

Definitely a no go for the Rivian ATs, but I bet the Ram 1500 replicas would work.

Great aesthetics, but….

Doh!!!

The eTrailer hitch also has no “hitch tensioner” (I may have made up that term”) so the slop would 100% allow contact with this setup. Could I add another 2” spacer…?

 

[Acecorgi]

It's too bad there isn't another hole in the E trailer hitch. Wonder if drilling another to get this closer will impact rigidity.

 

[Si.LE.R1S]

It's too bad there isn't another hole in the E trailer hitch. Wonder if drilling another to get this closer will impact rigidity.

My eyes did wander over to my bit set…lol.

But the two other positions are reinforced inside the hollow shaft, so drilling a new hole probably would not be equivalent. And you’d have to hack off the first third of the hitch shaft. ??‍

 

[Acecorgi]

My eyes did wander over to my bit set…lol.

But the two other positions are reinforced inside the hollow shaft, so drilling a new hole probably would not be equivalent. And you’d have to hack off the first third of the hitch shaft. ??‍

Oh I didn't gave a good look inside so that's good to know! I had previously bought an angle grinder before I found out you can use the 2nd hole. Still debating to use the new method of cut away. Would probably have to paint it, which could be annoying.

 

[garrison]

Great stuff guys. Wondering if there is wobble from where the e-trailers wheel mount connects to the swing are since there isn’t a anti wobble wedge there? Would it be possible to weld the two together? Perhaps that would let you lower the clearance without having to modify the pin hole location on the e—trailers mount.

 

[BrentInCO]

Great stuff guys. Wondering if there is wobble from where the e-trailers wheel mount connects to the swing are since there isn’t a anti wobble wedge there? Would it be possible to weld the two together? Perhaps that would let you lower the clearance without having to modify the pin hole location on the e—trailers mount.

No wobble for me. And etrailer sells anti wobble pins, etc.

 

[909phillyman]

Great stuff guys. Wondering if there is wobble from where the e-trailers wheel mount connects to the swing are since there isn’t a anti wobble wedge there? Would it be possible to weld the two together? Perhaps that would let you lower the clearance without having to modify the pin hole location on the e—trailers mount.

There is no wobble with the Kuat hitch swing > eTrailer spare tire carrier because the eTrailer carrier does come with an anti-rattle securing pin. That pin eliminates sway/rattle and secures the connecting point between hitch/swing and carrier. I'm currently trying to source a LOCKING anti-rattle pin that works with the tire carrier, but I have not had success yet.

NOTE: If you are also looking for a locking anti-rattle locking pin, I would suggest that you not waste your time with any of the eTrailer ones because twice now they have stated that one of their pins would work with the carrier...to then be subsequently proven wrong by me, once I purchase it...at their advice. It is too much effort to get a refund on items from there...even when they're the ones that incorrectly "validated" and advised the purchase of a "compatible" pin for their own carrier. Once I'm able to find a compatible locking anti-rattle pin that works with this carrier, I'll update the thread.

Good luck!

 

[Acecorgi]

There is no wobble with the Kuat hitch swing > eTrailer spare tire carrier because the eTrailer carrier does come with an anti-rattle securing pin. That pin eliminates sway/rattle and secures the connecting point between hitch/swing and carrier. I'm currently trying to source a LOCKING anti-rattle pin that works with the tire carrier, but I have not had success yet.

NOTE: If you are also looking for a locking anti-rattle locking pin, I would suggest that you not waste your time with any of the eTrailer ones because twice now they have stated that one of their pins would work with the carrier...to then be subsequently proven wrong by me, once I purchase it...at their advice. It is too much effort to get a refund on items from there...even when they're the ones that incorrectly "validated" and advised the purchase of a "compatible" pin for their own carrier. Once I'm able to find a compatible locking anti-rattle pin that works with this carrier, I'll update the thread.

Good luck!

I think the E trailer aligner helps secure the mount in place and helps with rattling if you put just a normal locking pin, though not sure how it will hold up over time.

@Vegas_R1S did you order GDSMOTU 5x5.5 Wheel Spacers 2 Inch for Ram 1500 1994-2010 yet? I could try and bite the bullet on it if you hadn't.

 

[BrentInCO]

There is no wobble with the Kuat hitch swing > eTrailer spare tire carrier because the eTrailer carrier does come with an anti-rattle securing pin. That pin eliminates sway/rattle and secures the connecting point between hitch/swing and carrier. I'm currently trying to source a LOCKING anti-rattle pin that works with the tire carrier, but I have not had success yet.

NOTE: If you are also looking for a locking anti-rattle locking pin, I would suggest that you not waste your time with any of the eTrailer ones because twice now they have stated that one of their pins would work with the carrier...to then be subsequently proven wrong by me, once I purchase it...at their advice. It is too much effort to get a refund on items from there...even when they're the ones that incorrectly "validated" and advised the purchase of a "compatible" pin for their own carrier. Once I'm able to find a compatible locking anti-rattle pin that works with this carrier, I'll update the thread.

Good luck!

I have this, but thicker would be better https://1up-usa.com/product/2-2-5-slotted-hitch-bar-lock-1-4-turn

I also have this https://1up-usa.com/product/add-on-lock-1-4-turn

 

[Si.LE.R1S]

I think the E trailer aligner helps secure the mount in place and helps with rattling if you put just a normal locking pin, though not sure how it will hold up over time.

@Vegas_R1S did you order GDSMOTU 5x5.5 Wheel Spacers 2 Inch for Ram 1500 1994-2010 yet? I could try and bite the bullet on it if you hadn't.

(FKA Vegas_R1S)

I order the 2” spacers. Went for the cheapest option but they are talking forever to ship. Will send a follow up pic of the entire set-up with clearances once I get them.

I did notice some wobble at the eTrailer - Kuat union, but seemed minimal - should be addressable with hitch tightener. I did not take it out on the road, yet. Will do that once the final setup is in place.

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