Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier Review

Discovering the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier: My Take

For years, I’ve been hauling a modest, though perfectly capable, 16-foot utility trailer to various job sites and personal projects. The constant companion to this trailer, and a source of intermittent anxiety, has been its spare tire. It’s always been an awkward, bolted-on affair, a cumbersome weight that felt less like a safety net and more like an obstacle. That is, until I started researching better solutions and stumbled upon the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier. This bracket promised to move the spare from a precarious perch on the tongue to a more integrated position under the bow of the boat it often carries, solving a nagging problem of clearance and accessibility.

The need for a change became acutely apparent during a particularly rough launch and retrieval. The spare, mounted low on the trailer frame, scraped alarmingly against submerged rocks, leaving me with a gut-wrenching feeling of impending damage. It was a clear signal that the existing setup was not just inconvenient, but potentially detrimental. While I briefly considered fabricating my own solution or looking at more industrial-grade trailer tongues, the direct approach offered by this particular carrier felt more straightforward and less prone to long-term structural issues.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Tie Down Engineering carrier was one of sturdy, no-nonsense construction. The attractive zinc finish gave it a robust appearance, hinting at its intended resilience against the elements. It felt substantial in my hands, not flimsy or cheap, which is always a good sign when dealing with equipment that will endure the rigors of road travel and exposure.

I recall seeing a few generic, fixed-position spare tire mounts online, but the “angled/pivoting” aspect of the Tie Down Engineering model immediately caught my eye. This offered a flexibility that seemed crucial for accommodating the varying hull shapes of different boats and trailers. It also promised to keep the spare tucked up higher, away from potential ground contact.

Receiving this carrier brought a sense of quiet relief. It wasn’t a revolutionary piece of technology, but it represented a practical, well-thought-out solution to a common trailer owner’s headache.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier to the Test

My testing environment for the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier has been primarily focused on its intended role: securing a spare tire to a boat trailer. This involves frequent launches and retrievals in freshwater and occasional saltwater environments, as well as highway travel and jostling on uneven gravel access roads. The carrier has been mounted on a 4-inch steel trailer frame, a common size that the product is designed to accommodate.

First Use Experience

The installation of this spare tire carrier was remarkably straightforward, a welcome change from some trailer accessories that feel like they require an engineering degree. With the trailer resting on a level surface, I positioned the carrier under the bow section of the trailer frame. The included U-bolts supplied to allow mounting on 3″, 4″ and 5″ trailer frames were a perfect fit for my 4-inch frame. I was able to snug them down with basic tools, ensuring a secure attachment point for the spare.

The angling and pivoting feature was immediately apparent during the initial positioning of the spare tire. It allowed me to find an optimal spot that cleared the boat’s hull while keeping the tire accessible. There was no need for any special adapters or complex adjustments; it simply worked as intended right out of the box.

I encountered no immediate issues or surprises during the first use. The carrier felt solid, and the spare tire it held was held firmly in place.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including numerous trips to the lake and considerable mileage on various road surfaces, the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier has proven itself to be a dependable component. It has endured countless bumps, vibrations, and the occasional splash without any signs of loosening or structural compromise. The attractive zinc finish shows only minor surface scuffs, but no significant corrosion or degradation, even with exposure to boat ramp grime and varying weather conditions.

The durability of this unit is evident. There are no visible cracks, no stiffness in the pivoting mechanism, and the tire remains as securely mounted as the day I installed it. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth when cleaning the trailer is all that’s typically needed.

Compared to the previous method of strapping the spare tire precariously to the side of the trailer frame, this dedicated carrier is vastly superior. Budget options often use thinner materials or simpler mounting systems that can loosen over time. This Tie Down Engineering carrier, however, feels like it’s built to last and perform consistently.

Breaking Down the Features of Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier

Specifications

The Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier is designed with practicality and versatility in mind, aiming to be a robust solution for trailer spare tire storage. It features an adjustable mounting system that accommodates U-bolts supplied to allow mounting on 3″, 4″ and 5″ trailer frames. This adjustability is a key selling point, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of trailer chassis.

The carrier is engineered to fit 4, 5 and 6 lug wheels, making it adaptable to most standard trailer spare tires. Its construction is finished with an attractive zinc finish, which is intended to provide excellent corrosion resistance and longevity in outdoor environments. The angled and pivoting design allows for a flexible installation, enabling the spare tire to be positioned optimally under the bow of a boat or in other convenient locations on the trailer frame.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier is to securely hold a spare tire on a trailer. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The ability to pivot the tire mount offers a significant advantage, allowing for better clearance and fitment around boat hulls or other trailer components.

The core strength of this carrier lies in its adjustable U-bolts and the overall sturdy construction. It securely grips the trailer frame, and once the spare tire is mounted, it feels absolutely solid. The pivoting action is smooth but firm, providing just enough resistance to stay in place without becoming difficult to adjust.

A minor point to consider is that while it fits a wide range of lug patterns, the actual tire’s bolt pattern and offset will dictate the final positioning. However, the carrier itself does its job admirably, preventing any rattling or shifting of the spare.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this spare tire carrier is functional and robust. It utilizes heavy-gauge steel for its main structure, which is then protected by a zinc finish. This finish not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but more importantly, offers a good defense against rust and corrosion, crucial for a piece of equipment exposed to the elements.

Ergonomically, the carrier is designed for ease of installation and tire mounting. The pivoting mechanism is simple and effective, requiring no complex tools or excessive force to adjust. The overall feel of the unit is one of solid craftsmanship; there are no sharp edges or poorly finished areas.

The cleanness of the design means it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the trailer. Its angled and pivoting nature actually helps in reducing the overall footprint of the spare tire assembly on the trailer tongue or frame.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and the materials used, the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier is built for sustained durability. The zinc finish is a proven method for protecting steel against corrosion, and it appears to be applied evenly and thoroughly. Under normal use, which for a trailer accessory involves constant exposure to road debris, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, this carrier should easily last for many years.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A periodic cleaning with soap and water, and perhaps a light application of lubricant to the pivot point if it starts to feel stiff after prolonged exposure to salt or grit, is all that is required. There are no complex parts to break or wear out beyond the standard nuts and bolts on the U-bolts and tire mount.

The only potential long-term concern could be the gradual wear on the nuts securing the tire itself, depending on how frequently the tire is removed or adjusted. However, these are standard hardware items that can be easily replaced if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier primarily comes as a self-contained unit, with the essential mounting hardware included. The key “accessories” that come with it are the U-bolts supplied to allow mounting on 3″, 4″ and 5″ trailer frames, and the necessary nuts and washers to secure them. It also includes the hardware to attach the spare wheel to the carrier itself.

In terms of customization, the carrier itself is quite adaptable. The ability to adjust the U-bolt placement and the pivoting arm allows it to be fitted to various trailer frame configurations and to position the spare tire precisely where it is needed most. It’s designed to work with standard trailer wheels that have 4, 5 and 6 lug wheels.

While not an included accessory, ensuring you have the correct lug nuts for your specific spare tire is crucial for a secure installation. The carrier itself doesn’t require specialized tools beyond standard wrenches.

Pros and Cons of Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier

Who Should Buy Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier?

This spare tire carrier is an excellent choice for anyone who owns a trailer and regularly transports items like boats, ATVs, or equipment that might interfere with a standard spare tire mount. It is particularly beneficial for boat trailer owners who need to position their spare tire in a way that clears the hull and prevents it from dragging during launches and retrievals. Individuals who have struggled with awkward or insecure spare tire mounting solutions in the past will find significant value here.

Those who are looking for a robust, weather-resistant solution that doesn’t require constant adjustment or maintenance should strongly consider this model. It’s ideal for DIYers, mechanics, and boaters who appreciate durable, well-designed equipment that simplifies their trailer setup.

Those who absolutely need the lowest possible cost for a spare tire carrier might want to explore simpler, fixed-mount options. However, they would likely miss out on the significant advantage of the pivoting and angled design for clearance.

To maximize its utility, ensuring you have the correct lug nuts for your spare tire is essential. The carrier itself is complete with its mounting hardware for the trailer frame.

Conclusion on Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier

The Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier is a well-engineered and practical solution for a common trailer owner’s problem. Its adjustable U-bolts and pivoting design offer a level of flexibility that is often missing in simpler mounts, making it particularly useful for boat trailers where clearance is paramount. The attractive zinc finish and sturdy construction promise long-term durability in harsh outdoor conditions.

While the price point of $155.99 places it in the mid-to-higher range for spare tire carriers, the value is justified by its robust build quality, versatile fitment options for various trailer frames and wheel lug patterns, and the significant functional advantage of its pivoting design. It delivers on its promise of quick and simple installation and provides a secure, reliable home for your spare tire.

I would absolutely recommend the Tie Down Engineering 86062 Angled/Pivoting Spare Tire Carrier to anyone looking for a dependable and adaptable spare tire mounting solution for their trailer. If you’ve ever worried about your spare tire snagging, scraping, or simply getting in the way, this carrier offers a smart, long-lasting fix. It’s an investment in peace of mind and practical trailer functionality.