Now you have scared me !!! I do not have the "Beer Gut" ..... but, I am heavier than I used to be .... am 55 going on 30! I do like your blanket idea and I believe that wrapping the tire in the blanket on the ground may be an idea to consider also ..... I physically saw a rack mounted this AM at Putnam Hummer in Burlingame and I do believe that I have figured out how to carry skis and snowboards on the rack with the spare tire carrier ....
Michael
---
Pewter Hummer H2
Northern California
www.zootsuitstore.com
------------------------------------