Spare mounting question.

[itbrokeagain]

Next week I am going on a 4 day wheeling trip. This will be the first time I have not trailered. I will have 3 kids a dog and all of our stuff. I need to fit a 37 inch spare also. I was thinking on the roof. Sound like the best plan?

 

[CruiseOrlando]

I think that's your only option! If you don't have a bumper it can mount on, it's too big to go under ... unless you deflate it and squish it in there, but I'd never recommend that

Oh wait - maybe you could strap it to the hood like the old Land/Range Rovers... hah!

 

[itbrokeagain]

That is what is was thinking. I have never put a tire on the roof. What is the best way to strap it down?

 

[Mtbcoach]

I'd consider using the spare as a base for a platform, putting the lighter weight stuff on the roof. Of course, that all depends on how big your dog is and how much stuff your bringing.

Yet, putting that 150lbs on the floor, cutting a piece of MDF to shape, making a redneck platform to store the other stuff on top of. You could run a piece of threaded rod through it to attach it to the wheel to help increase the stability of the platform. Yes, if you have to use it, it will be a major pain to get to, one would just have to hope to have good luck.

I say this because I was stunned when at the difference having a RTT and wheeling made, I really didn't like having the extra poundage on the roof.

Just my 2 cents for consideration...

 

[itbrokeagain]

I had thought I would take the tire off the roof once at camp. I know it will be a pita but if possible I want to keep half the third down so a kid can sit there. The dog isn't big. 30 lbs maybe

 

[itbrokeagain]

I had thought I would take the tire off the roof once at camp. I know it will be a pita but if possible I want to keep half the third down so a kid can sit there. The dog isn't big. 30 lbs maybe

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Yes, you definitely don't want to wheel with a tire on the top. Too much can go wrong.

As far as strapping it down, you can use some ratchet straps. Just keep in mind if you get in a wreck, it IS going to go flying.

Sounds like that's your only option honestly. On our last outing from Florida to TN we had a couple guys with 35's on the roof for a bit... I couldn't imagine trying to get a 37 up there - it would be a bit of an effort.

 

[cartercd]

It is hard to see from your profile picture, but I don't see a roof rack. If you have the OEM roof rack, in the event of a crash your tire and the roof rack are going to be a projectile. You could run the straps through the windows to increase holding strength, but this creates its own problems.

If you aren't doing anything hard core, then the safest place is probably under the truck, deflating as needed to make it fit. Of course you would need an air compressor.

 

[bsmart82]

This is how I have mine. It's is only a 35, but you may be able to squeeze a 37. I was still able to pack 3 days of camping inside and some on the roof with plenty of space on the roof left.