To All,
I have run a storage box on the back of the stretch for for the last 9
years and 40K miles. As many have pointed out it is a matter of leverage.
In my original installation I build the mount that was attached to the
spare tire carrier.

<
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/general-pictures/p46878-gmc-stretch-maintenance.html
>

And he first installation was like this:



Great looking installation, but it wasn't going to work for 2 reason. One,
was the use of the tire mount as the only means of support and two the
hitch was covered up by the storage box. It was really hard to hitch up
the tow hitch.

First modification was to add a 18" hitch extension and this is the one
that I use, there are several on the marked:

<
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007M1FNM?tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
>

The hitch extender moved the hitch ball out 18" where it was easy to attach
the tow bar and it gave me a point to add bracing to the storage box mount
on the spare tire mount and the hitch assembly tying the 2 together. Added
note here is that I have a thru the bumper hitch that is welded to the
frame in the back giving me a very robust trailer hitch assembly. The
unfortunate thing I that I do not have any pictures with me here in AZ to
show the final result and layout of the mount, I have looked on the photo
site and my personal file on may laptop and no luck. The brace runs from
the upper box mount on the spare tire down to the extension as close to
where the extension goes into the thru bumper mount hitch, keeps the load
or leverage as close to the hitch to shorten the leveraging on the
extension. Seeing that I need to remove the box to get the spare tire if I
have a tire issue on the coach the lower mount is held to the extension
with HD removable clamps. Yes i have had to remove it the change a tire!

WORDS OF WISDOM: You need to keep the weight down in the storage box!!!!
I have 50' of water hose, 25' of 50A extension cord, 25' of 30A extension
cord, 2 each 10' macerator extension hose, misc small stuff. I think that
the total weight that is in the box is just under a 100#. I carry stuff
that I use everyday.

TSC was where I purchased the Box. I also reinforce the box to spread the
load.

<
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-full-size-low-profile-single-lid-tool-box-silver
>

You can find these at a multitude of store in the US.

I am social distancing in Tucson at this time and hope to be home in 2 to 4
weeks depending on the national situation.
I will find of take new pics and post when I get home.

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
TZE Zone Restorations
78 Buskirk Custom 29.5' Stretch
75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)
Still on Location in Tucson!


On Tue, Apr 21, 2020 at 6:22 AM Jon Roche via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> it is all about leverage. I have a bike carrier that I hang off the
> rear spare tire. 2 bikes it is great and solid feeling, but when I put
> the
> extension out and add another 2 bikes it is amazing how much that extra
> 24" of leverage does to that spare tire mount. I quit hauling 4 bikes like
> that, and end up putting 2 bikes on the towd, and 2 bikes on the coach
> rack.
>
> I just installed a blaine merril hitch, and I am hoping I can make/buy a
> little rack that will float above the tow bar using one of these:
>
> https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Curt/D-192.html
>
> but I know it is all about the further away from the frame you get will
> cause more problems.
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
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