Spare Tire Mounting Location

Two Dog Traveler

New Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2024
Messages
1
Location
Knoxville, TN
I've got a 2018 F-350 with a Northern Lite truck camper and occasionally tow a boat. Problem is that with the camper and the 600 lb. hitch weight I was sitting on the factory installed helper springs and interstate driving was rough to say the least. I had a Kelderman air suspension installed and couldn't be happier, only issue is that the compressor and air tanks are mounted where the spare tire used to be. Does anyone know of a company that makes tire mounting kits or have mounting location ideas. Thirty years ago I mounted the spare on the front of my Dodge but that little Cummin's didn't much air like the newer trucks, anyway, thought I'd ask. Thanks.
 
Hi TDT, welcome to Wander the West! I also have a F350 and Northern Lite, and occasionally tow a boat. Other than the front receiver mount you mentioned, I don’t have any good recommendations for the spare. You’ve probably looked at the swing style receiver carriers, but they would add a lot of weight behind the axle.
 
I had a Northern Lite 8.11 on my 2017 F350 until I switched and bought a Four Wheel Camper this fall. I had my airbag compressor mounted on the driver side underneath near the front of the bed. It works great at that location and is close enough to the cab that my bluetooth remote WirelessAir gauge seems to keep a pretty decent connection. I have it next to my garage door remote on the sun visor.

As an aside, I installed Torklift International StableLoads on mine and they work great. Between and StableLoads and the airbags, I have a really nice ride. I also have a sway bar on mine that comes with the Ford FX4 package. All three of those things make a real difference. My payload is also 4226 lbs.

I had my spare in the original location but the problem with that and having the overhang of your camper on the back is that the stock rod from the factory to lower your spare is too long to get through the hole in the back bumper. You can shorten it somehow or be faced with having to raise your camper up off the bed should you get a flat tire. Depending where that happens it could be a real problem or challenge. Something to be aware of if you are not already.
 
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