Tricks for getting spare tire back into mount - after hitch

[cd_photo]

Had my spare tire out recently to get a hitch installed. It was in pretty rough shape so I got one of the Geolandars that came on the van mounted and made a brief attempt to put it back in its place when I got home today - but with no luck. The tire on there is the same size as the previous one and it looks like the tire is clearing the sides of the hitch. But it just won't get in there far enough to be able to get the hook on the cage. Anyone have any tips?

[BCDelica]

Been there. Used the jack and once a long board, as the tire was a tight fit in the main beams of the hitch.

Had

[yojimbo]

Usually you can get it back in with enough swearing.

HTH

[Firesong]

Wiggle wiggle wiggle

[jelbon]

I mounted mine on the front bush bar.
Removed the lights that I never used, drilled through the bar and used 1/2" ready rod double nutted and washers to anchor the rod.

[TardisDeli]

Just deflate your spare tire a bit, maybe 5 or 10 pounds, so it will fit in the basket. Then you can still use it, with enough air in it, for emergency tire until you get to a tire inflator.

I always have a small viair compressor in my toolbox so I can airdown for better traction on slippery roads. Often other 4x4 will have an onboard air compressor built in.

Cheers Christine.

[cd_photo]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I figured out that the problem is the new/used spare I had mounted. It's just slightly bigger than the one that was on there and doesn't quite fit right into the basket. I took 10 pounds out, used the jack, pounded on it with a hammer, but just couldn't get it in far enough to attach the hook. I guess I'm going to get the old spare put back on the rim and throw that in there. It's a shitty tire but I guess it will get us out of a jam if necessary.