[VAC] Re: Spare tire

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

jim clark,

I'm in the process of removing the aluminum surround in the under floor
spare tire hatch.  I had two reasons for doing this.  First, the power wire
for my breakaway switch and tongue jack was damaged at the point it exits
the "A" frame.  I couldn't get any slack and started tracing the wire.
About 24 inches is exposed when I removed the curb side surround.  Still
haven't found where it joins the break wires and returns to the recepticle
that connects to the tow vehicle.  In the process of spending many hours on
my back with dirt falling in my eyes, etc., I've found symptoms that might
lead to problems covered by the surround.

Where the tire mounting hindge is attached to the frame, the surround has
been pulled down about an inch.  I suspect that the frame is damaged at the
attachment point of the carrier.  DID YOU WATCH TO SEE HOW THE ATTACHMENT
WAS MADE?   I know I'll have to cut the surround away to determine if there
is a problem with my unit and how to make a fix.  DO YOU KNOW HOW THE ENDS
OF THE SPARE TIRE BRACKET ARE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME?

With regard to the top surround that covers the floor, the spare tire
bouncing has flattened the aluminum against the floor.  In fact, a prior fix
involved using screws to hold the aluminum against the floor.  Of course, it
should be suspended about 3/4 inch below the floor so the seams around the
upper edge were stretched and damaged.  I want to install a 3/4 inch plywood
scab across the floor as part of replacement of rot under the water tank.  I
need all the strength in th floor because the stress from the water tank can
be substantial.   DID YOU OBSERVE AT LEAST 3/4 inch for insulation under the
floor?   The floor brace is more important the the insulation. :)

I note two things that might not seem important; however, I'm very tired of
repairing water damaged areas of my Safari that were caused by a failure of
the previous owners to caulk joints. :(

The entire surround of the spare tire is a a perfect example.  This area
will always have road water blown against the aluminum surround.  The joints
must be sealed against water seepage.  Not doing so invites both floor rot
and frame rust.  My Safari hardly knows what caulk is!

Second, the spare tire mount for my Safari did not have provision to keep
the tire from bouncing up an down in the "A" frame carrier.  The previous
owner did stuff a folded rug above the tire to prevent the bouncing;
however, the damage was already done.  I'm supposing that what ever
insulation may have been installed had long ago been beaten into powder.
DID A/S INCLUDE A STRAP OR OTHER MECHANISM TO HOLD THE TIME FROM BOUNCING?
If so, I'd appreciate a description of the hold down apparatus.

My Safari has considerable rust damage from water entering the underfloor
area through the front trim strip/banana joint.   The bathroom floor failed
for the same reason.  The damage I see is a direct result of previous owners
failure to caulk the joints UNDER THE TRIM STRIP.  Guess the "out of sight,
out of mind" is true for A/S maintenance.

If  you can shed a bit of light on the several questions hidden in the
dialog, I'd appreciate it.

                                                       Joy