Solitude owners, Important FYI, Spare tire crank too short

**stvaughn** · 05-11-2022, 12:51 PM

At least on my 310 the spare tire crank handle is to short. Had occasion to mount spare while camped yesterday. Upon attempting to lower the tire with my slide out I discovered that the crank barely reaches the winch socket and rubs on the side of the trailer as I lower the tire. I put the slide in before I changed the tire and when I tried to raise the tire up I discovered that the handle will not rotate and engage the winch because the slide wall flange interferes with it’s rotation because the crank is too short. Since the Solitude is a wide body it appears to me that I have a crank designed for one of the other models that are narrower. I suggest checking your crank now before you need to mount your spare tire on the side of the interstate and discover you have to open up the slides before you can lower your spare. My handle measures 12” from the end of the socket to the crank section. Let me know if yours is longer so I can determine that GD just gave me the wrong one. If yours is 12” and clears the slid wall flange then I have some other problem.

Thanks, Steve

**Sparkybeau1** · 05-20-2022, 10:38 AM

I just measured my crank handle. It is 14.5 inches from the end of the socket to the first 90° bend of the crank handle. We're currently using our camper so I can't check do see if it engaged with the slide closed.

**orbsah** · 05-20-2022, 03:49 PM

While you’re at it, check to make sure the spare tire isn’t loose. I’ve had to cinch mine up a few times.

**stvaughn** · 05-20-2022, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Sparkybeau1

I just measured my crank handle. It is 14.5 inches from the end of the socket to the first 90° bend of the crank handle. We're currently using our camper so I can't check do see if it engaged with the slide closed.

I think you’ll be ok. Looks like they put the wrong one in my Solitude.