Yesterday, I tried something new. I removed my roof rack completely, and put my full size spare into.... the Durango parked at the camp site. Tempting fate, eh?

My WJ was so much more sure footed, and offcamber stuff did not scare me nearly as much.

The tyre is too big for the cargo area.

I don't want it on a custom tyre carrier on the rear, since the WJ + ARB bullbar is too long as it is (would the 10 point turns in the woods become 20 point turns?).

And the roof-rack thing just feels too tippy for me.

How many people have offroad trailers? We used to use these in Africa, to hold the tent, supplies, tools, etc.

Have you tried turning the spare sideways up against the window in the cargo area and ratchet strapping it to a tie-down point? That is how I have mine in the ZJ, but thw WJ might be different. I might have to experiment in my mom's WJ. But I have a 33" SSR back there turned sideways, which is a true 33". Im sure you could fit it, even if you had to air it down some. But I do agree, a 33" on the roof is definately noticeable! Good luck with finding a solution. If you did decide to put it in the rear, I am sure a good upholestry shop could make a nice leather cover. Just a thought, but it wouldn't hurt to experiment.

hmmmmm, well, even though you said you don't like the idea, I would still go(and AM going with) a swing tire carrier off the tail gate. I mean, the new bumper offers better protection, the tire is easily accessable and those 10 point turns might as well become 12 point turns if you know what I mean. If done properly, it will not hurt the departure angle, but rather improve it. Once you see the BD&F rear, I think you are gonna sing a different tune. ;) I should have pics in a week or so I would think...
Sean

A trailer just for the spare??? That'll make your ten point turns into ten hour turns ... j/k

Have you considered a 'skinny' spare? Say you have 33x12.50 tires, then get a 33x9.50 spare. It is acceptable practice, and cuts the bulk by 25% or better.
And carry the spare inside, aired down, squished down. A rope around the circumference pulls it down and still holds the beads seated. And a can of compressed gas to inflate it. Like a life raft.
If you go with the skinny spare, mount it on a narrow, lightweight wheel. Cuts the weight even further so it won't feel as tippy if you have to mount it on the roof.
Other than generalities, I can't help much. No WJ in my driveway ...

Hmmm....I like the idea of a 33x9.50 spare, but it does pose a problem with how to transport the spare to a ride as my trailer is setup for four and the interior is usually packed. I don't think my back could take swapping it on the roof each time.

But a quick check of the GY and BFG sites tells me they don't list actual tire weights. Anyone know what a basic 33x9.50 weights?

Well, embarrassing though it is :oops: :v8: I had not thought of a skinny 33.... Good idea!

Hmmmm, I'll think about it. The problem is that I think I notice a little more lean even when I just have the roofrack up there, which is made of aluminium.

Anyway, I need the roof for the kayaks.

About the trailer... if I have to turn around on a tight trail, I could always disconnect it during the procedure. I only turn around if I absolutely have to, but it has happened before. I just cannot bear the thought of adding even more length to my bus.

Also, I often transport the mountain bikes in a hitch carrier.

So the skinny 33 idea is the best solution, I think. Thanks! :D

Good luck finding one. (: I'm not sure you can get a 33x9.50 in a 16" rim. I think the closest you can get is a 255/85/16. Which is actually a 33.3x10 according to tirerack.com.

-= Jay =-

I have a tire cage in the cargo space that is set up to carry 2 tires. I carry 33x9.50s (BFG discontinued these) as spares. There's a picture of the cage in my webshots link. I need to add the rest of the pictures.

Just find a fellow Jeeper that you run trails with that thinks a tire on the roof is a good idea. Let him carry it for you ;)

OR, you could get some of those solid aluminum inserts they run inside of Humvee wheels and strap thos babys to the inside of your Terons, screw the tires to the rims, and just keep driving when you tear a sidewall. Heck, couldn't be any worse on the tires than the 6-8psi I used to run.

You should put it in the garage. When you go to the trail, just fold down the rear seats and lay it in there. I don't think you're ever gonna get a flat anywhere except for the trail with the MTRs. It's risk that I'm willing to take... subs for the street, spare for the trails.

Mike

Why not strap it to the hood?? :eek:

I'd see if BVOR can enlarge the spare well... I don't have a WJ to look at either, but it might be doable... that or the skinny, mounted ZJ style might not be so bad....
Tim

I have a tire cage in the cargo space that is set up to carry 2 tires. I carry 33x9.50s (BFG discontinued these) as spares. There's a picture of the cage in my webshots link. I need to add the rest of the pictures.

Linda, real curious what a 33x9.50 on a 15x7 Aluminum wheel weights. I know what a 33x12.50 on a steel wheel weights. If I had the weight of the 9.50 on an aluminum it would tell me if it is worth going over to the 'skinny side'.

Any chance you can grab one of your spares and jump on the bathroom scale? :smile:

I'm in the same boat as you right now...dunno where to put the spare 33.

Spoke to Kevin yestersday about his new cargo rack (see link below)...he said that it's release is going to be delayed 3-4 weeks as he's 'too' busy making sliders :(

http://www.kevinsjeepparts.com/zj_cargo_rack.html

Can't wait till it's finsihed...it's sounds perfect...for a ZJ that is.

SO....that doesn't help you any...as you have a WJ :crazy

How about.....making a fake floor out of plywood for the trunk area and lay the spare flat in the gap (my plan B)...sound good ?