Largest Spare in Stock Location

Tabs out of 1/4” plate that will be welded to the the cross bar so the hooks on the end of the straps stay inline and don’t twist. That’s why I’m waiting till the strap comes so I can line the tabs up so that the ladder portion of the strap is nice and parallel. I got the winch mechanism today and was able to mount it up. Additionally I made up a latch that will allow me to release the tire thru the tow hitch and will be able to use the hitch pin to lock the winching mechanism from releasing. I’ll be ordering a locking hitch pin soon so not just any will be able to release the tire. Yes it will still receive a standard hitch. Just waiting on the strap to arrive.
With this set up I’ll be able to release the tire with zero effort, remove hitch pin and press button boom, tires on the ground.
Putting the tire back will be as easy as putting the tire on the ladder portion of the strap and use a drill/impact to tighten the strap up. Since there’s plenty of space in there now all that should need to be done is making sure the tire is between the frame rails. Yes, I’ll completely repaint everything once this project is complete lol.

 

35x12.5 R 17 mounted under the bed. The push lever release worked perfectly to instantly drop the tire and using the tow hitch pin locks it in place. I used my motorcycle jack to slide the tire under and to set the tire in place and the impact to tighten the strap. It took about 3 minute to put the tire back up.
Now I have to buy another 17” rim 35” tire lol

 

Great mod

 

I stand corrected. I ended up having to trim my rear fenders and make support brackets for the bedside's