Spare Tire

  Clearance at the axle is almost irrelevant.  As tires go over an obstacle the axle rises so it always has about 8 1/2" of clearance over any obstacle.  A lot may depend on the kind of camping you do.  I've nearly scraped off my drain pipe holder because of clearance issues.  Do you have a hitch on your pod?  I thought that was kind of standard location for the spare.  I want to move my spare somewhere else though so I can use the back for bikes.  Or I want to figure out something else for bikes, so I'll be interested in where you end up with this.  I tried a tongue mount but the spare won't fit due to my dual propane tanks.  I share your concern though about ground clearance with an underneath mount.  It could get really nasty if you hit something at any speed.

TT

    I built the frame today for storing the spare tire under the trailer. The tire is up under the trailer with about 8 1/2 " clearance under the frame. My measurements were a little off the tire is not centered on the frame but it will work. All I need to now is secure the tire to the frame, tomorrow I may do that. I thought about the sewer drain valves, with 7 1/2" ground clearance and twice the distance from the axle about 4'. They have not hit the ground yet so I was willing to take the chance with the spare with 8 1/2" ground clearance at 2' in the front of the axle. My 86 year old mother did not help my concern, she said what if the tire gets hit and it comes up through the floor of your camper. All I can say is I hope not!