Where do you mount spare tire on Z7

[MLT Nitro]

I bought a spare for my 2009 Z7 trailer. My trailer does not have a built in holder. What style do ya use and where do you mount it. Pics if you can.

[JimmyE]

No pics but, BPS sells them. I bought one and mounted it on the side in front of the right side step but didn't like it. I had built and welded a carrier in the V on the trailer like the big boys have on their boats.

[GRR884]

My old boat....

[TRCM]

Here's mine.....

[Disciple]

JIMMYE: DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS? I WAS GOING THE SAME ROUTE, BUT COULD NOT FIND ROOM. THE Z-7 TRAILER TAPERS TO THE FRONT QUICKER THAN THE Z-8. I COULD GO UNDER; BUT I THINK IT WOULD DRAG.

[MLT Nitro]

Mark I think thats the way I was leaning, I have just a plain black rim, so that tire cover on yours would be ideal for cleaning up the look of it since my rim doesn't match. Thanks

[TRCM]

You may have to space the tire out like I did to keep it from touching the hull. I used some wheel spacers between the rim and the mountso I have ~ 1" of clearance, which is plenty. Been fishing with it this way now for 4 yrs, and haven't hit it but 1 time, and that was barely, due fighting a hard wind and current, and coming in a little too fast and crooked.

Also, that cover I got @ BPS, and it lasted about 3 yrs. The one I have now, I got from Advance Auto, and it has a drawstriong cord to allow you to tighten it. The first one didn't.


Modified by TRCM at 6:56 PM 2/24/2012

[Baja 252]

I was going to do some welding and mount mine under the frame, but where I launch it would have dragged all the time. I ended up mounting it on top of the trailer frame. Pretty easy to do, you need a long "U" bolt from BPS and 4 stick-on rubber pads to protect the frame and tire.

[Charger69]

Question for Baja 252. Did you fab the step that is mounted to your winch or by it aftermarket? I was thinking about doing the same thing to my Z7. I fish by myself alot, does it really help getting in and out of the boat? Sorry about getting off the topic.

[Baja 252]

Yes, I made it. I traced the shape of the factory step and then added the square section to mount it under the winch. This is what the template looked like before I made the bolt holes.



I used 1/4" steel plate for the step, powder coated it and purchased the factory rubber pad from Tracker Parts. I'm about 250lbs and it holds me just fine. It really helps getting in the front of the boat while launching. The only thing that would be better is if it could be on the other side (more natural for me to step up) but the winch handle would obviously be in the way.

This photo shows how it mounts under the winch.

[Charger69]

Thank you for the reply. Looks like I have a little project for next weekend!