Spare Tire Crank/Holder System Check

[VOwens]

I was driving down the highway this week on the way home and bang in front of me this guy's spare tire came out from under the rear of his truck and fortunately skidded off into the ditch. Must have given him a wake-up call as he stopped. I stopped for a quick look and to give him a hand tossing it into his bed. The cable broke causing the tire to drop. Who ever checks that stuff...right?

Today I went out and lowered mine down, checked the cable and the crank mechanism and gave it all a little greaseless lube before I cranked it back up tight. All was well, but the 15 minutes or so I spent doing it left me feeling better. Even gave the spare a pressure check and a squirt of air. Was also a nice refresher on the jigsaw puzzle jack storage under the passenger seat.

Going to do the same to my travel trailer here soon as well.

Might be time well spent when doing other maintenance.

 

[Daw14]

Very good reminder to at least check the air , my spare is now coming up on 10 yrs old , so might be time to give it a good look over. I imagine it’s dry rotted by now.

 

[Badger 13]

I check tire pressure on the spare when I check the tires, which is quite often. It is easy since the valve stem faces down. I lower the spare at least once a year and lube up the cable and anything else that can be lubed. When it is down, I treat the tire with Aerospace 303 Protectant to help preserve it. I also use a one piece tool from Steelman to lower & raise the spare which makes it pretty easy.