Hi!
Finally getting around to the project of adding a tire rack to our open 18' featherlite trailer :stickoutt hooray!

The first project on the list - adding a truck box for storage onto the tongue is done. Now the debate is should we look at having something custom fabbed up for the tires or is there a readily available bolt-on option? I've seen one on the Trailex website and it seems like the only option that Google wants to show me.

I'm hoping that someone else who's already been down this road (pun intended :D) would care to share what brand of bolt-on rack they ended up with and how it's been holding up. And any other wisdom gained in the process.
Thanks in advance-
Natalie

just make one.......

My 18' featherlite came with the trailex rack:
http://cars.g93.net//expedition.jpg

It's mounted low, so the tires don't protrude above the top of the truck.

I didn't install it myself, but as far as I know it's been there for 4-5 years, and you'd never know..

I bought the Trailex tire rack and bolted it on myself. Just need a heavy duty electric screwdriver and take some time to punch the holes square. You could have one fabricated but it would probably cost and weigh more.

Where did you guys get your Trailex racks - that certainly sounds like the way to go. I really like the low mount for the tires, from a stability/ aerodynamic/ my back standpoint!

Contact Trailex.

http://www.trailex.com/viewprod.cfm?action=add&pn=CTTR&pr=573&pid=39&id=13&mcat=92&cat_id=92

here's mine

Thanks for the responses!

Now that the Trailex website is back up and running, I had a chance to check it out. The description for the rack reads: "CTTR TIRE RACK - INCLUDES TWO DEAD BOLD LOCKS, SPECIFY MODEL WHEN ORDERING ". Very helpful... no dimensions or anything :)

So am I safe in assuming that those who bought the Trailex rack didn't have to do any modifying in regard to getting it to fit width wise? It's hard to tell from the photo on the website if it's at all adjustable in that regard. For the height, however, it looks like the options are endless... mount it at the height you're happy with.

I'll be happy to check this project off my list!

Thanks,
Natalie

I believe I found a diagram on their website to assist in measuring for a custom width. If not just call them, they are very helpful. I believe i measured from the outer wall including the aluminum ridge that runs along the outside, they will ask you to buy the nuts and bolts (galvanized steel at Lowes), pick up some extra washers to use as spacers for the spacing caused by the ridge.

If you're a little ambitious, here's a link re building your own. (Actually, it's about building a whole damn trailer, so just zero-in on the tire rack.) Even if you're not up to building it yourself, with the measurements in the article it would be pretty simple to get a welder to fab it for you for cheap.

http://www.circletrack.com/howto/78218_building_race_car_trailer_part_1/index.html

I just installed the trailex rack after much research of having one custom built (having an alum trailer does limit you, everything is an arm and a leg for fab work). What is nice about the trailex is being able to remove and adjust height if need be. I needed to tell them the measurements from outside to outside trailer edge and that was it. It comes in a couple of pieces, very erector set like.

rob

Rob,

How did you get it? 90% of the places around here are listed on their site as "Boat" dealers. Just wondering if this is UPS-able, or, from a shipping standpoint, if I should work with a dealer that will get it in for me, or go right to Trailex - and if they will send it at all - do you know?

Thanks!

Rob,

How did you get it? 90% of the places around here are listed on their site as "Boat" dealers. Just wondering if this is UPS-able, or, from a shipping standpoint, if I should work with a dealer that will get it in for me, or go right to Trailex - and if they will send it at all - do you know?

Thanks!

I had them ship it too me, yes came via UPS. it wasn't to expensive which surprised the hell out of me. I went to them. its a custom order item, but they'll do it with no worries. They'll give you everything you need except the bolts to put it on to your trailer. They let you source that item, my guess is since they have no idea of how you are going to slap it on. All said it was roughly $650 ish or in that area. 2x2 Al tubing cost more than that now, forget about time to weld it up

I agree, easy to install and works great. I did not price a custom rack but can't see how it would be better or less expensive.