BAL Hide-A-Spare carriers store a travel trailer's spare wheel under the frame, rather than on the rear bumper. The 28217B is designed to recess into an open frame cavity; the 28218B mounts below a trailer's enclosed underbelly. Both lower by releasing a locking knob and pin, then telescope outward to make the wheel easier to reach.
Which Hide-A-Spare model fits?
28217B — Recessed mountOpen frame cavity, without enclosed underbellyView this model on NewRVParts
28218B — Underslung mountEnclosed underbelly, carrier sits below frameView this model on NewRVParts
The current B-suffix versions are bolt-together assemblies. Earlier 28217 and 28218 versions had welded components. Use the actual model number when selecting a bracket rather than assuming the earlier construction is identical.
BAL installation and bracket identification drawings
The factory installation drawing identifies the pivot bracket, storage bracket, locking knob and spare tire mounting hardware by letters A–H. The model identifier shows why the recessed and underslung brackets have different lengths.
Assembly and tire fasteners
Open original installation drawing (PDF)Recessed versus underslung
Open original model identification diagrams (PDF)On a phone, open either PDF to zoom in on the bracket illustrations and fastener positions.
Parts identified in the drawings
| Callout | Component | Manufacturer number or detail |
|---|---|---|
| A | Pivot bracket | 20400036 (short, 28217B) or 20400037 (long, 28218B) |
| B | Storage bracket | 20400038 (short, 28217B) or 20400040 (long, 28218B) |
| C | Locking knob | 10800062 |
| D | Spare tire mounting plate | Part of carrier; additional tire-mount plates not offered separately |
| E | Wheel-mount bolts | 2 illustrated in installation drawing |
| F | Wheel-mount nuts | F-1, F-2 and F-3 positions shown in wheel attachment figure |
| G | Flat washers | Used at the wheel-mount bolts |
| H | Lock washers | Used at the wheel-mount bolts |
| — | Nylon spacer | 7056; manufacturer-listed spare part |
The short mounting brackets belong to the recessed 28217B; the longer mounting brackets belong to the underslung 28218B. Use the exact manufacturer number when asking about an individual bracket, knob or spacer. These replacement components are not currently linked as NewRVParts product listings.
Check your trailer before installing
Measure across the frame rails and look under the trailer: exposed crossmembers and open cavities point toward the recessed version, while a continuous enclosed underbelly calls for the underslung version. Check tire diameter and clearances near tanks, propane lines, wiring, steps and slide mechanisms. The underslung carrier and tire reduce ground clearance; positioning closer to the axles helps limit clearance problems.
BAL specifies these Hide-A-Spare carriers for nonmotorized trailers, not motorhomes. Follow its instructions for the actual frame type and ensure the locking knob and safety pin are secured before travel.
For a cable-operated carrier that uses a different frame-width range, see the BAL 28240 Retract-A-Spare guide. For bumper-mounted carriers, see the Stromberg TR-1 and TR-2 reference.