Has anybody changed the crank-down access from the rear bumper to the rear wheel opening on the passenger side on a Ford Dually (2004 or similar) like this?

I would appreciate any advice on frame slots, etc.

THX

Rick

Rick,
I have a Chevy Silverado and had to move my access like you. I rotated the spare winch and directed it out centered on the rear panel between the rear passenger wheel and bumper. I found an existing access hole through the frame that allowed the tube to pass through. I purchased another tube and the plastic access panel like in the bumper and installed it lining up with the tube. The extra tube was due to the added length I needed. For Chevy I connected the tubes together with 1/2" EMT conduit coupler (fit perfect). I transferred the keyed lock from the bumper access panel to the new panel. I also had to purchase an additional extension to reach. Works great. Total cost was about $120. Parts includes the rear bumper access and the clamps for it, another tube and one extension. I hope that this helps.

Great news that it can be done for a General Motors Product as well. Just a bit more expensive, I guess.

BTW, I did succeed in getting it done on my Ford dually. You can read about it here.

Rick

Depending on how much room you have between the bumper and your camper, you may be able to retain the stock crank location. I made an adapter that allows me to attach a standard 3/8 drive ratchet onto one section of the rod that goes into the bumper so I can drop the spare while the camper is loaded. In other words, I no longer use the second extension piece that you normally attach your lug wrench onto.

My adapter is a craftsman 3/8 drive socket that has a #2 philips adapter swaged into it. This is a standard Sears tool you can buy. This tool fits into the square opening on the extension rod that you slide into your bumper and allows you to attach a ratchet to raise/lower your spare tire.

I've tried it with the camper loaded and it works great.

I found another solution for you. You can purchase a small 12 VDC winch at Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com) for $49.95 (Lot #92860).
That way you can lower and raise your spare easily. Doesn't seem as though it would be very difficult to install and the load on it would be minimal.
I wish I had found this before I modified my truck to access from the side.
Hope that this may help someone.