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Another Off-the-wall Idea For An Av Modification

MagicMtnDan

SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2002
Messages
928
I'm headed out to Death Valley for three days this Friday. It's going to be a blast four-wheeling and camping...

Since I had my Av lifted I've been wondering (and posting) about the possibility of fitting a 35" tire with wheel under my Av in the spare tire mount location. I've asked professionals and they're highly skeptical that a 35"er would fit under there.

Since I really want to take a full-size spare on this trip, the only other option I think I have is to put the spare on the removable cargo box lid (three-section panels). I don't mind losing the view out the rear window for this trip so it could work.

The problem I have is I don't know a good and simple way to secure the tire to the deck lid. I was hoping there'd be a way to use the things that apparently are handles. I haven't removed them by taking out the Torx screws holding them in because even if I could use those locations to mount something, I need two forward locations as well.

I even thought of temporarily mounting one of those off-road roof racks on top of the decklid panels (maybe even high enough above them so they could still be removed. If I could mount a rack there I could put my full-size spare on that rack while keeping all my other camping supplies inside the cargo box.

Anyone know anything about those handle-things? Can they be used for more than handles? What are they made of (I don't think they're metal - probably plastic or fiberglass)? Do you have any ideas for mounting either the spare tire to the decklid panels or a roof rack on top of the decklid panels? (I don't want to do anything that will permanently modify the panels or other components.

Thanks for any/all help you can provide. (y)
 
The handles can take alot. I use ratchet straps with an s hook end. At the tailgate end of the handel, it is recessed. hook there.
I've straped 20 2"x8"x16', through the rear glass hole. Many sheets of plywood/ sheetrock, 8' ,10', +12' . Wheel barows. 55 gall barrels. Stainless steel stove and blower hood. 6 inch x 16 foot pipe. And alot more, not all at once :3: . All on top of the pannels >:D

I also built a bar clamp that is hooked to the forward most pannel. With 4' antenna mounts on either end. I have also hooked straps to that to hold down a load from time to time. The bar lays accross the pannel and hooks the end of it at the drain rail, then under. 1/8 flat steel J hook. Look on my web site I have some pics of it. It's ugly, but I like it.

GM missed the boat on this. How many hooks in the bed? 8 I think.
You should see how I haul hand trucks >:D

good luck
 
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