Which way to swing, The Spare tire!

The Claw · 06-05-08, 09:06 PM

Just ordered a 4x4 labs rear bumper! Woooo Hoooo

!

Need to decide on Spare Tire swing from DS or PS.

Checked FAQ on bumpers and searched many ways looking for a thread on Pros and Cons on spare tire location for this question and have not been able to find any yet. Soooooo....

Tire swing from DS seems to be the norm. On a 60 series this makes sense for a couple of reasons. Keeps area clear for rear viewing (not hers,

) out the back window and jerry cans are right next to gas tank filler for easy siphoning and no lifting.

So I was thinking about swapping sides and putting spare tire on PS and ladder with Jerry cans on DS. Giving up some rear viewing and placing the jerry cans in easy access to filler on the DS of the 80.

Anybody have experience or discuss this before?

Thanks,

Mud members

NLXTACY · 06-05-08, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Claw

So I was thinking about swapping sides ...

Before you make that type of commitment, see what the

thinks.

You don't want to ..come out..of the blue with something like that. Thats a lifestyle choice that you are both going to have to live with.

And remember, we are all friends here no matter which way you decide to swing.

Beowulf · 06-05-08, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Claw

Anybody have experience or discuss this before?

There was a fairly long discussion on this with pros and cons from about 4 years ago. If you are serious and want to find it try the following:
Advanced Search, 80-Section, keywords=tire carrier luggage left right load*

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Claw

Tire swing from DS seems to be the norm.

For many years the Kaymar and the Slee tyre carriers were just about the only choices in the US. The Slee is US PS (right side) and there are a LOT of Slee rear bumpers out there. I don't think left side is the norm.

-B-

thumper · 06-05-08, 10:11 PM

i have a 4x4 labs rear bumper, spare is on drivers side, here are some pictures to help you decide.

i love my bumper. luke does awesome work.

The Claw · 06-05-08, 10:22 PM

Beowulf,

Thanks for the tips on words to search by in the advanced area. Being a rookie at web sites like this can be frustrating and fun at the same time.. Not knowing the exact words to search by takes us places we do not expect. We don't find what we are looking for but get to learn a lot of other cool things that might come in handy one day.

NLXTACY, I new I could count on you to rise to the repost.

All in good fun.

The Claw

e9999 · 06-05-08, 11:15 PM

well, from both the rear visibility and the opening in traffic issue when parked, I'm happy with my USPS tire side...

The Claw · 06-05-08, 11:21 PM

OK

Armed with words for advanced search from Beowulf, I was able to find a couple of good thread discussions by Semlin in 01-11-06 and Photo_Cruiser 12-11-03.

Semlin did a poll on dressing left or right and swinging one way or the other. Even after reading all the posts, I am still not sure if Semlin was dressing right and swinging left or was dressing left and swinging right or was it..... never mind.

Both good threads. Think I will go for the tire on PS and Jerry cans on DS.

Tire could stick out in traffic when parked along the curb if on DS
When my bfb is in the DS tire on PS will Balance
Jerry cans close to gas filler
I am right handed

There were a couple other but that covers it for me. Unless someone else has a strong opinion for DS and provides a convincing argument.

It is only money.

The Claw

Bluetribal · 06-06-08, 08:38 AM

You bring up a good point for the gas can's being on the DS.
The only thing else to consider is not being able to see the hottie in traffic driving behind you anymore! I try to stay right justified in my lane so I can use my DS door mirror but it's just not the same as the rear view mirror.....

Beowulf · 06-06-08, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluetribal

I try to stay right justified in my lane .....

Computer programmer in real life?

-B-

Clutchee · 06-06-08, 01:06 PM

We have a Iron Pig rear bumper......tire carrier is on the drivers side & swings that way.

Kinda nice should you have to work on something with the tail gate open makes nice "fence" between you & traffic.

Also should you add a fuel carrier I would want this on the PS of the vehicle to keep it out of traffic.

Problem solved-get dual pivots so in the future this is not a issue should you add features to the bumper.

D'Animal · 06-06-08, 01:08 PM

Think about changing a tire while on the side of the road during traffic. Do you want your spare tire to be sticking in traffic on the drivers side or on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Just a thought.

gnx7 · 06-06-08, 01:11 PM

of note.... full gas cans are safer than gas cans that are near empty. it is the fumes that are volatile and can blow up. If they were to be struck the gas would simply pour out. Remember your hot exhaust is on the passenger side.

My Kaymar as the spare on the passenger side. Visibility is fine.

Red Beard · 06-06-08, 01:12 PM

Getting the cooler out of the back, while on the side of the road, SOMETHING's going to have to swing out into traffic. Gas cans or tire.. I'd say Gas cans, they're a bit smaller of a target. too bad they can't flip down.

CodyRx7 · 06-06-08, 01:18 PM

Do it lambo door style.

sandcruiser · 06-06-08, 04:20 PM

I prefer driver side spare mounting because you loose less visibility.
for changing the tire, you are probably going to get the tire on/off while the swingout is closed to prevent it from swinging, so that's a non-issue.

if there is a stop on the tire swing, then the traffic 'issue' isn't much to worry about as the tire is only going to protrude about a foot from the side of your truck, and less than 8" from the tip of your mirror. Most of the time, that isn't likely to cause any traffic issues.

Is carrying the fuel can an extra two feet really an issue?

Corbet · 06-06-08, 04:48 PM

If it were me I'd opt for the spare on the passenger side and jerry can carrier on the drivers side. One might close his/her tire carrier to remove the tire but most of us will need to swing it open to get the correct tool to do so. Then just remove the tire off the open carrier. Filling a jerry can already in the carrier sounds better to me. Call me lazy.

One argument I didn't see mentioned is if you have a fridge mounted on top of a drawer system it seems most end up with it on the passenger side. I know mine eventually will. This would make the visibility thing kind of a moot issue with the tire.

My .02

619TOY · 06-06-08, 07:05 PM

Mine's on the left as it was designed. I could have put it on either side but decided to keep it on the left.

When you back up and turn your neck, you have an easier time focusing on that little gap between the tire and the right C pillar than if you had to turn your head past that point to focus on a clear area between the tire and the left C pillar. This assumes that the jerry cans are slightly shorter than the tire or they are sometimes not needed/carried, as in my case.

If you go with a 4X4 Labs bumper, you can try it both ways and see what works best for you

Kalawang · 06-06-08, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLXTACY

Before you make that type of commitment, see what the

thinks.

You don't want to ..come out..of the blue with something like that. Thats a lifestyle choice that you are both going to have to live with.

And remember, we are all friends here no matter which way you decide to swing.

Kalawang

d0ubledown · 06-06-08, 10:30 PM

i vote for drivers (left side) mount. i dont get why people would be worried about drivers side with traffic and all. wouldnt you remove the tire while the swing arm is locked closed..and not open? same with putting flat tire back on carrier..?

i dont care for the view out the rear drivers side anyway...more concerned about the blind spot on the rear passenger side.

The Claw · 06-06-08, 11:59 PM

Sand Cruiser,

I don't intend to carry gas cans over to the DS and lift them up and pour them in. I am lazy and want to just swing them out on the drivers side and syphon in till empty.

As far as visibility to the rear I don't think it is really going to make that much differance now that we have all the really cool electronic gismos like backup cams and rear view (thats a beautiful thing) cams. Some of the threads that talk about these show it is not to $$ and pretty easy to do.

D'Animal · 06-07-08, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d0ubledown

i vote for drivers (left side) mount. i dont get why people would be worried about drivers side with traffic and all. wouldnt you remove the tire while the swing arm is locked closed..and not open? same with putting flat tire back on carrier..?

i dont care for the view out the rear drivers side anyway...more concerned about the blind spot on the rear passenger side.

But most carry their tools in the back of the vehile. You have to swing it open to get your tools.

lovemylc · 06-07-08, 06:37 AM

I have has several different SUV's in the past that had factory mount tire carriers on the back. Thay all had the spare mounted just slightly to the side of center on the PS. After I noticed this I asked a tech at the dealer and he said it was to offset the weight of the driver and keep the car as level as possible.

I remember way back when (70's and early 80's) I was a big fan of the Alfa Romeo Spyder - the little convertable. Well, Alfa has a racing background, and I remember learning that the engineers had placed the battery in the PS of the trunk.... to balance the car againt the driver!

So the spare tire placement as told to me years ago may be true.

Grolar · 06-07-08, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovemylc

I have has several different SUV's in the past that had factory mount tire carriers on the back. Thay all had the spare mounted just slightly to the side of center on the PS. After I noticed this I asked a tech at the dealer and he said it was to offset the weight of the driver and keep the car as level as possible.

I remember way back when (70's and early 80's) I was a big fan of the Alfa Romeo Spyder - the little convertable. Well, Alfa has a racing background, and I remember learning that the engineers had placed the battery in the PS of the trunk.... to balance the car againt the driver!

So the spare tire placement as told to me years ago may be true.

True for the 1,800 lb Alfa, but I'm not sure if it makes a huge difference on a 6,000 lb Cruiser, or?
Edit: DS for the cans, PS for the tire make perfect sense for your siphoning projects, + safety AFA the exhaust it concerned.

robmir · 06-07-08, 09:02 PM

It's something as hard as choosing between a brunette or a blonde !!!!!!

Get what makes you feel better

Seriously, in 1993 when I was appointed as our country TJM distributor I placed my order for several rear bumpers but didn't specify the side and the aussies sent me their DS as the default (which is of course our PS) so it seems they like it that way and has nothing to do with weight leveling but more with clearing the view when backing.

The Claw · 06-08-08, 09:57 PM

Hey D'Animal,

I plan on having all my PM's done and not having to use my tools, So I won't need to swing it open to get them

Hey PM me and let me know where you are on the C Coast. I get down to SLO to visit my Sister and try to remember the good times I had going to school at Cal Poly a long time ago.

I am planning on going to Surf and Turf this year if gas is not $12 a gallon.

The Claw

PS robmir, I like Red Heads,,,,,,,

06-05-08, 09:06 PM	#1
The Claw IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: El Dorodo, CA (Home of Poor Reds) TLCA# in the works Posts: 23	Which way to swing, The Spare tire! Just ordered a 4x4 labs rear bumper! Woooo Hoooo! Need to decide on Spare Tire swing from DS or PS. Checked FAQ on bumpers and searched many ways looking for a thread on Pros and Cons on spare tire location for this question and have not been able to find any yet. Soooooo.... Tire swing from DS seems to be the norm. On a 60 series this makes sense for a couple of reasons. Keeps area clear for rear viewing (not hers, ) out the back window and jerry cans are right next to gas tank filler for easy siphoning and no lifting. So I was thinking about swapping sides and putting spare tire on PS and ladder with Jerry cans on DS. Giving up some rear viewing and placing the jerry cans in easy access to filler on the DS of the 80. Anybody have experience or discuss this before? Thanks, Mud members __________________ ’97 LX450 NEW 4X4 Labs Rear Bumper! Locked 3X, 6” Slee, Hanna Sliders, 9.5K warn, 35’s, CDL/7 Pin, no “D”, 120K, "KI6MKX" 96 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab 3500 DRW

06-05-08, 10:11 PM	#4
thumper IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA TLCA# 3078 Posts: 187	i have a 4x4 labs rear bumper, spare is on drivers side, here are some pictures to help you decide. i love my bumper. luke does awesome work. Attached Images __________________ 1997 Lexus LX450 5.29s / Snorkel'd / 4x4 Labs Rear Bumper / ARB Front Bumper M12000 Winch / LTs MAF / Toyo 315 MTs / Factory Lockers / OME Heavy Suspension...for now

06-05-08, 10:22 PM	#5
The Claw IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: El Dorodo, CA (Home of Poor Reds) TLCA# in the works Posts: 23	Thanks Beowulf & NLXTACY Beowulf, Thanks for the tips on words to search by in the advanced area. Being a rookie at web sites like this can be frustrating and fun at the same time.. Not knowing the exact words to search by takes us places we do not expect. We don't find what we are looking for but get to learn a lot of other cool things that might come in handy one day. NLXTACY, I new I could count on you to rise to the repost. All in good fun. The Claw __________________ ’97 LX450 NEW 4X4 Labs Rear Bumper! Locked 3X, 6” Slee, Hanna Sliders, 9.5K warn, 35’s, CDL/7 Pin, no “D”, 120K, "KI6MKX" 96 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab 3500 DRW

06-05-08, 11:15 PM	#6
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,191	well, from both the rear visibility and the opening in traffic issue when parked, I'm happy with my USPS tire side... __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD and souped up DR650

06-05-08, 11:21 PM	#7
The Claw IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: El Dorodo, CA (Home of Poor Reds) TLCA# in the works Posts: 23	OK Armed with words for advanced search from Beowulf, I was able to find a couple of good thread discussions by Semlin in 01-11-06 and Photo_Cruiser 12-11-03. Semlin did a poll on dressing left or right and swinging one way or the other. Even after reading all the posts, I am still not sure if Semlin was dressing right and swinging left or was dressing left and swinging right or was it..... never mind. Both good threads. Think I will go for the tire on PS and Jerry cans on DS. Tire could stick out in traffic when parked along the curb if on DS When my bfb is in the DS tire on PS will Balance Jerry cans close to gas filler I am right handed There were a couple other but that covers it for me. Unless someone else has a strong opinion for DS and provides a convincing argument. It is only money. The Claw __________________ ’97 LX450 NEW 4X4 Labs Rear Bumper! Locked 3X, 6” Slee, Hanna Sliders, 9.5K warn, 35’s, CDL/7 Pin, no “D”, 120K, "KI6MKX" 96 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab 3500 DRW

06-06-08, 08:38 AM	#8
Bluetribal I-HEART-DIRT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Diego Of San Posts: 1,760	You bring up a good point for the gas can's being on the DS. The only thing else to consider is not being able to see the hottie in traffic driving behind you anymore! I try to stay right justified in my lane so I can use my DS door mirror but it's just not the same as the rear view mirror..... __________________ Mark 96' LC - 285 Cooper STT's \| Slee Skid Plate \| Eclipse Speakers \| JD Bulbs \| Rear Cargo Light \| Durabaked \| Visor Fix *\| Hanna Bumper \| CDL Switch* *Check out* *SoCal 80's*

06-06-08, 01:06 PM	#10
Clutchee IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TN TLCA# 13383 Posts: 1,777	We have a Iron Pig rear bumper......tire carrier is on the drivers side & swings that way. Kinda nice should you have to work on something with the tail gate open makes nice "fence" between you & traffic. Also should you add a fuel carrier I would want this on the PS of the vehicle to keep it out of traffic. Problem solved-get dual pivots so in the future this is not a issue should you add features to the bumper. __________________ You can't fix Stupid ---CottonLand Cruisers----- ---White Trash of the Elwood Chapter---- ---STLCA---- ------------------------------------------------ We've been this close to death before, we were just too drunk to know it Guess the price of being sobers being scared out of your mind -Drive by Truckers- -----------------------------------------------

06-06-08, 01:08 PM	#11
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 9,629	Think about changing a tire while on the side of the road during traffic. Do you want your spare tire to be sticking in traffic on the drivers side or on the passenger side of the vehicle. Just a thought. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan)

06-06-08, 01:11 PM	#12
gnx7 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 507	of note.... full gas cans are safer than gas cans that are near empty. it is the fumes that are volatile and can blow up. If they were to be struck the gas would simply pour out. Remember your hot exhaust is on the passenger side. My Kaymar as the spare on the passenger side. Visibility is fine.

06-06-08, 01:12 PM	#13
Red Beard IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Orange County, NY / Rochester, NY Posts: 359	Getting the cooler out of the back, while on the side of the road, SOMETHING's going to have to swing out into traffic. Gas cans or tire.. I'd say Gas cans, they're a bit smaller of a target. too bad they can't flip down. __________________ IH8RUST '92 FJ80 - 3FE - Homemade Bumper, Homemade Roof Rack. 33" Cooper STT Discoverers. 6 KC HiLites, Mac Mini with 7" Touchscreen ROTW

06-06-08, 01:18 PM	#14
CodyRx7 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Prescott Valley, AZ Posts: 1,799	Do it lambo door style. __________________ 97 LX450 - Champagne Silver / 161k / 5.29s / ARB lockers F/R 39" Michelin XML tires, 8" coils / L shocks, 1.5" wheel spacers, Slee caster plates, ARB rack & Safari Snorkel, 60 ARB bullbar, custom sliders, dual swingout rear bumper, Overland RTT on a Monster M100 trailer Copper State Cruisers #045

06-06-08, 04:20 PM	#15
sandcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica Posts: 1,848	I prefer driver side spare mounting because you loose less visibility. for changing the tire, you are probably going to get the tire on/off while the swingout is closed to prevent it from swinging, so that's a non-issue. if there is a stop on the tire swing, then the traffic 'issue' isn't much to worry about as the tire is only going to protrude about a foot from the side of your truck, and less than 8" from the tip of your mirror. Most of the time, that isn't likely to cause any traffic issues. Is carrying the fuel can an extra two feet really an issue? __________________ 91 fj80 w/ 93 1HD-T. OME 850/860 w/ 1" front spacer, LEDs, HIRs, Hankook MT's 31x10.50r15, Tuffy center, ARB rear locker (in progress), in garage: lightforce lights, full rack, superwinch X9, maggiolina tent, hella horns. WTB: Tan DS mirror & housing '88 HJ60, "Louie" For Sale in Costa Rica.

06-06-08, 04:48 PM	#16
Corbet IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Durango, Colorado TLCA# 15340 Posts: 873	If it were me I'd opt for the spare on the passenger side and jerry can carrier on the drivers side. One might close his/her tire carrier to remove the tire but most of us will need to swing it open to get the correct tool to do so. Then just remove the tire off the open carrier. Filling a jerry can already in the carrier sounds better to me. Call me lazy. One argument I didn't see mentioned is if you have a fridge mounted on top of a drawer system it seems most end up with it on the passenger side. I know mine eventually will. This would make the visibility thing kind of a moot issue with the tire. My .02 __________________ Rising Sun 4 Wheel Drive Club Member 1976 FJ40, A project with little progress. 1985 FJ60, SBC 350, Ranger Overdrive, OME, 33" MT/R, SafariGard bumper with T-max winch. 1997 FZJ80 40th Anniversary, locked and mostly stock... 2005 Subaru Outback XT limited (wife's)

06-06-08, 07:05 PM	#17
619TOY IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,037	Mine's on the left as it was designed. I could have put it on either side but decided to keep it on the left. When you back up and turn your neck, you have an easier time focusing on that little gap between the tire and the right C pillar than if you had to turn your head past that point to focus on a clear area between the tire and the left C pillar. This assumes that the jerry cans are slightly shorter than the tire or they are sometimes not needed/carried, as in my case. If you go with a 4X4 Labs bumper, you can try it both ways and see what works best for you __________________ Steve '97 LX 450 with Slee 6", 35" Toyo's, Slee front, 4X4 Labs rear, Hanna sliders, 5.29's, front and rear chromoly axles and the two Dober's: Zeus and Zoey

06-06-08, 10:30 PM	#19
d0ubledown IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: vansterdam, BC Posts: 298	i vote for drivers (left side) mount. i dont get why people would be worried about drivers side with traffic and all. wouldnt you remove the tire while the swing arm is locked closed..and not open? same with putting flat tire back on carrier..? i dont care for the view out the rear drivers side anyway...more concerned about the blind spot on the rear passenger side. __________________ sonny 1998 4RunnerBUILT. WHEELED. SOLD new ride: 1997 FZJ80

06-06-08, 11:59 PM	#20
The Claw IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: El Dorodo, CA (Home of Poor Reds) TLCA# in the works Posts: 23	Sand Cruiser, I don't intend to carry gas cans over to the DS and lift them up and pour them in. I am lazy and want to just swing them out on the drivers side and syphon in till empty. As far as visibility to the rear I don't think it is really going to make that much differance now that we have all the really cool electronic gismos like backup cams and rear view (thats a beautiful thing) cams. Some of the threads that talk about these show it is not to $$ and pretty easy to do. __________________ ’97 LX450 NEW 4X4 Labs Rear Bumper! Locked 3X, 6” Slee, Hanna Sliders, 9.5K warn, 35’s, CDL/7 Pin, no “D”, 120K, "KI6MKX" 96 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab 3500 DRW

06-07-08, 06:37 AM	#22
lovemylc IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: mt pleasant SC Posts: 109	My experience I have has several different SUV's in the past that had factory mount tire carriers on the back. Thay all had the spare mounted just slightly to the side of center on the PS. After I noticed this I asked a tech at the dealer and he said it was to offset the weight of the driver and keep the car as level as possible. I remember way back when (70's and early 80's) I was a big fan of the Alfa Romeo Spyder - the little convertable. Well, Alfa has a racing background, and I remember learning that the engineers had placed the battery in the PS of the trunk.... to balance the car againt the driver! So the spare tire placement as told to me years ago may be true. __________________ EM 1997 White LC, Georges LEDs, Mot's clears all around, cupholder, reclined, custom LED dash lights, Red LED's in doors, Firestone Destinations 285/75/16, pink babyseat 1997 Black Lexus LX 450

06-07-08, 09:02 PM	#24
robmir IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: South America Posts: 563	It's something as hard as choosing between a brunette or a blonde !!!!!! Get what makes you feel better Seriously, in 1993 when I was appointed as our country TJM distributor I placed my order for several rear bumpers but didn't specify the side and the aussies sent me their DS as the default (which is of course our PS) so it seems they like it that way and has nothing to do with weight leveling but more with clearing the view when backing. __________________ 1993 FZJ80, 2" OME, 305/70-16, Auburn Locker, F&R TJM bullbars,Long Range 150 ltr gas tank, 170 Amp alt, 240 amp 3 Battery Isolator & 3 Deep Cycle batt,4 DBA slotted rotors, Carbon/Ceramic pads, SS/Teflon brake hoses, Warn 9000, PIAA 80 Racing,Coil&Shock Dampened Front Seats.Engel 60 Qts Fridge. Last edited by robmir; 06-07-08 at 09:20 PM.