Let’s Talk About BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount
Rear bumper spare tire mounts are the bane of many travel trailer owners’ existence. They are unsightly, obstruct bike racks and cargo carriers, and add unnecessary weight and length. Thankfully, BAL, a trusted name in RV stabilization, offers a solution with the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount.
My journey to this product started with a common problem: a desire for more space and a cleaner look on my travel trailer. I was tired of the spare tire sticking out like a sore thumb and constantly getting in the way. I wanted a solution that would free up the rear bumper for other accessories and improve the overall aesthetics of my rig.
Upon unboxing the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount, my initial impression was positive. The steel construction looked robust and durable, and the design appeared well-thought-out. It seemed significantly more robust than some of the flimsier, universal spare tire carriers I’d seen.
I considered a few other options, including bumper-mounted carriers and frame-mounted winches. The bumper mounts still presented the issue of obstruction and aesthetics, while the winch systems seemed like overkill for my needs. The BAL unit offered a good balance of ease of installation, discreet storage, and reasonable cost.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The unit looked promising, but I was eager to see how it would perform in the real world and how easy it would be to install. I was hoping for a significant improvement over the traditional bumper mount and a cleaner, more functional setup for my travel trailer.
Real-World Testing: Putting BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount involved installing it on my 28-foot travel trailer. I performed the installation in my driveway, using basic hand tools and a floor jack for support. The instructions were relatively clear, though I did consult a few online videos for clarification on certain steps.
The mount itself performed as expected during the installation process. Once the initial adjustments were made, securing the tire was straightforward and the unit felt very stable. The instructions specifically mention trailers with I-Beam frames without underbelly enclosure, and my trailer fit this perfectly.
After the first use, I noted that the tire was indeed well-protected and out of sight. There were no rattles or unusual noises during a short test drive. I didn’t experience any immediate issues, although I was aware of the importance of periodically checking the hardware for tightness, especially after initial use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and a few thousand miles of travel, the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount has held up remarkably well. I’ve towed through rain, wind, and over some pretty rough roads. The system has remained secure and rattle-free.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear beyond some minor surface rust on a few of the exposed bolts, which is easily addressed with a rust inhibitor. The steel construction shows no signs of bending or weakening. The finish has resisted chipping and fading.
Maintenance is simple. I periodically check the bolts to ensure they are properly torqued and apply a bit of grease to the moving parts. Cleaning is as easy as hosing it down when I wash the trailer.
Compared to my previous experience with bumper-mounted carriers, the BAL unit is a significant improvement. It provides a much cleaner look, doesn’t obstruct access to the rear of the trailer, and feels far more secure. It definitely outperforms my expectations in terms of durability and convenience.
Breaking Down the Features of BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount
Specifications
- The BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount is designed to mount a spare tire beneath a travel trailer. It utilizes a recessed mount suitable for I-Beam frames without an underbelly enclosure.
- It is designed for use with frame widths ranging from 68″ to 75″. This is a critical specification to verify before purchase to ensure compatibility with your trailer.
- Tire mount hardware is included. Frame mount hardware is not included, meaning you’ll need to source your own bolts, nuts, and washers suitable for your trailer’s frame.
- The Manufacturer is BAL.
- It is specifically not designed for use on motorhomes or motorized vehicles, only towable trailers.
Performance & Functionality
The BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount performs its job effectively by securely storing the spare tire out of sight and out of the way. This frees up valuable space on the rear bumper and improves the overall appearance of the trailer.
Its primary strength is its discreet storage and ease of access when needed. A key area for improvement would be clearer instructions regarding the specific type and grade of frame mounting hardware required.
It meets and exceeds my expectations by providing a robust and reliable solution for spare tire storage that doesn’t detract from the functionality or aesthetics of my travel trailer.
Design & Ergonomics
The BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount features a simple but effective design. The steel construction ensures durability, while the recessed mount allows for a low-profile installation.
The system is relatively user-friendly, although some mechanical aptitude is required for installation. Understanding basic trailer frame construction is helpful.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction and protective finish suggest that the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount should last for many years with proper care. Regular inspection and maintenance, such as tightening bolts and applying rust inhibitor, will help extend its lifespan.
Maintaining the unit is straightforward. Periodic cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount itself doesn’t offer many customization options. It is a fairly straightforward mounting system.
However, users can choose to add accessories such as locking mechanisms to prevent theft of the spare tire. Additionally, applying a protective coating or paint can further enhance its resistance to corrosion.
Pros and Cons of BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount
Pros
- Securely stores spare tire out of sight, freeing up bumper space.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting reliability.
- Relatively easy to install with basic mechanical skills.
- Improved aesthetics compared to bumper-mounted carriers.
- Provides easy access to the spare tire when needed.
Cons
- Frame mounting hardware is not included.
- Instructions could be clearer regarding frame hardware requirements.
Who Should Buy BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount?
The BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount is perfect for travel trailer owners who want to free up space on their rear bumper and improve the overall appearance of their rig. It’s also ideal for those who value a secure and discreet spare tire storage solution.
Those who lack mechanical skills or are uncomfortable working on their trailer’s frame might want to consider professional installation. This product may also not be suitable for trailers with enclosed underbellies or frame widths outside the specified range of 68″ to 75″.
A must-have accessory would be a set of high-quality frame mounting bolts, nuts, and washers of the appropriate grade and size for your trailer’s frame. Also, consider a lock to prevent tire theft.
Conclusion on BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount
Overall, the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount is a well-designed and effective solution for storing a spare tire on a travel trailer. It provides a significant improvement over traditional bumper-mounted carriers in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and security.
The price of $162.99 is justified by the quality of construction and the benefits it provides. The one drawback of not including frame mounting hardware is easily overcome with a quick trip to the local hardware store.
I would definitely recommend the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount to any travel trailer owner looking for a cleaner, more functional spare tire storage solution. Take control of your trailer’s space and appearance – invest in the BAL 28217 Hide A Spare Tire Storage I Beam Recessed Mount today!