Spare Tire Storage

[vt_maverick]

I think that a step to have better access to the cartop cargo rack is a good idea, however, I prefer the one etrailer has. It's a half-moon tube bumper with integrated pull-out step. It fits in either a 2" or 1-1/4" receiver hitch, available with or without led brake light. I think it'll look good on the VX. It's functional with the step, and also would act as a bumper to protect the cladding. I've got a brush gaurd for protection up front, why not add some protection to the rear?

The problem is that you'd have to lift/lower the spare tire OVER the antenna, which would require you to lift it an extra 3"-6" (depending on whether you have OEM or JDM-style). You could always remove the antenna first I guess, but you also run the risk of crushing your spoiler if you drop it.

The other problem is that Tone hitches don't respond well to significant tongue weight, so lifting a 50+ lb. tire while standing on a hitch step probably would be a BAD idea. Can't wait to find a solution to that problem.

[rowhard]

The other problem is that Tone hitches don't respond well to significant tongue weight, so lifting a 50+ lb. tire while standing on a hitch step probably would be a BAD idea. Can't wait to find a solution to that problem.

REALLY. Thought Tones hitch was more then capable. Sure hope so since I have one mounted!

[rowhard]

I think that could limp home on asphalt with the temp spare.

At least the VX spare tire storage makes for a great subwoofer box.

Don't know, maybe someone here knows the answer to how much of a differential you can have to satisfy TOD 's needs without it going crazy.

also makes a great storage place for many things.

[Riff Raff]

Don't know, maybe someone here knows the answer to how much of a differential you can have to satisfy TOD 's needs without it going crazy.

Here's my own personal opinion/stance regarding the DONUT spare.

Using the DONUT spare tire for limited travel even with over-sized tires like the "LTZ" in 285/60R18 (31.4" O.D.) is still safe to use IN MY OPINION even with slightly larger tires, just as Marlin has pointed out in previous postings. The DONUT is 29.5" O.D. just like the OEM tires were.

The "key" is to only use the DONUT spare on the FRONT axle (never the rear axle), as the rear axle doesn't like mis-matched tires with TOD. Just remember to disengage 4WL whenever using the DONUT, so the VX will be in normal AWD (high range). I would assume the TOD system only likes 4 matching tires in 4WL mode, since it is locked in 50/50 distribution of power. If you've encountered a flat on the trail and your only spare is the DONUT, then your off-road excursions have come to an end for that day and you should be gingerly limping the VX slowly downhill back to civilization in normal AWD.

Heck; I run 32" O.D. tires (275/65R18), and currently my only spare is the DONUT. I'm not gonna' lug around a f/s spare 24/7 and constantly burn up $MPG$ with a air-drag resistant f/s spare on a roof rack when the DONUT will suffice in an emergency. You could even carry Two(2) DONUT spares (in case the first DONUT became a flat), than to carry one f/s heavy/bulky spare.

I do agree 100% with VX'ers who ONLY use a f/s spare while in an off-road environment. That is very wise and smart. If a flat is gonna' happen, it will most likely happen on the trail (not on the street). If I ever became a more avid hard-core off-roader; then yes, I would carry a f/s spare ONLY during those times. Just my 2-cents.

[VX KAT]

It depends on what you consider an oversized tire, I run tread that's just an inch larger than stock. I think that could limp home on asphalt with the temp spare. Yet I'd hate to think about getting off a fierce trail with that spare on. VXKat, do you keep that full-size spare on all the time, or just for the trail? I ask her as I have the same size, make, & model of tires as she has.

Put the full size spare up there for Moab, just left it that way so far....hubby is supposed to be rigging a pulley system in the garage ceiling so we can lift the tire/wheel off and on the rack w/o killing ourselves......he keeps telling me he thinks it looks great that way and I should just run it full time that way.....think he's just trying to delay rigging the pulley???
I'd actually "like" to put my Thule 695 on for the remainder of the year.....and I'd have to put the donut back on board.....but don't want the TOD to go crazy, so I have the same question as rowhard on that .

[tom4bren]

The problem is that you'd have to lift/lower the spare tire OVER the antenna, which would require you to lift it an extra 3"-6" (depending on whether you have OEM or JDM-style). You could always remove the antenna first I guess, but you also run the risk of crushing your spoiler if you drop it.

The other problem is that Tone hitches don't respond well to significant tongue weight, so lifting a 50+ lb. tire while standing on a hitch step probably would be a BAD idea. Can't wait to find a solution to that problem.

REALLY. Thought Tones hitch was more then capable. Sure hope so since I have one mounted!

I don't think it would be a problem with the Tone hitch.

[Marlin]

I don't think it would be a problem with the Tone hitch.

Yes, but your offset distributes the weight on the hitch over a larger surface area of the earth, therefore allowing it to handle significantly larger loads. Those of us with a modest offset might be able to handle an adult, but OEM offset, perhaps a toddler.

Or you could just get the Curt hitch and it makes a PERFECT rear skid plate.

[VX KAT]

when Dave and I had to get the spare down from the Yakima basket the first time....we...er, um, HE got it upright (dang near had a hernia in the process) and rolled it/walked it down the side of the truck, with me at the base controlling it's "decent". Did I mention we installed a hoist in the garage ceiling after this?

[tom4bren]

Yes, but your offset distributes the weight on the hitch over a larger surface area of the earth, therefore allowing it to handle significantly larger loads. Those of us with a modest offset might be able to handle an adult, but OEM offset, perhaps a toddler.

There's some logic in there somewhere ... maybe ... NAAAAH!!

Or you could just get the Curt hitch and it makes a PERFECT rear skid plate.

Fugly is as fugly does...

[RallyDude]

The pulley system sounds like a good Idea. Always wanted to do something like that for a cargo box, otherwise, you're right, it ends up staying up there all the time. I once thought that the amount of extra gas that I end up spending, far exceeded the cost of the cargo box. My problem is before building a pulley system, I need to build the garage to attach it to.

You could easily rig up some pulleys for the spare tire, but another option would be to look for a bike lift. A lot of them are absurdly expensive, but I've seen good quality cheap options at or on Costco's website, I think for just over $10 (or maybe like $15 for two of them?) including all the attachment hardware, which is possibly less than even a DIY project. I think it was rated at 100 pounds, so it could easily be modified to accept a spare tire.

I believe I have Tone's hitch (installed by the PO) and never put any tongue weight on it, but what's the problem? I know I won't break a hitch by stepping on it , but does it bend or break the cladding or the fiberglass skid plate? I'm glad this came up, because I was ready to order the step hitch from e-trailer.

So Kat, are you planning on rotating in that spare, or is it purely a dedicated spare? I'm thinking it would be better to rotate it in. Not only would it be cost effective, as you should get 25% more miles out of them, but it would be a better spare if it maintains the same circumference as the rest of the set. Once your LTZ's are well worn, a fresh one put in the mix as a spare could mess with the TOD, especially on the rear axle. Do you notice a lot of extra noise on the highway with that up there? It does look great with the spare up there, but it looks great without it too. One last question, do you still keep the stock temp tire in the back?

[vt_maverick]

The pulley system sounds like a good Idea. Always wanted to do something like that for a cargo box, otherwise, you're right, it ends up staying up there all the time. I once thought that the amount of extra gas that I end up spending, far exceeded the cost of the cargo box. My problem is before building a pulley system, I need to build the garage to attach it to.

+1 - I have a garage but the door opening is too short to allow a roof mounted spare to pass under.

I believe I have Tone's hitch (installed by the PO) and never put any tongue weight on it, but what's the problem? I know I won't break a hitch by stepping on it , but does it bend or break the cladding or the fiberglass skid plate? I'm glad this came up, because I was ready to order the step hitch from e-trailer.

The issue is bending not breaking, and it doesn't affect the cladding or skid plate. The problem with Tone's hitch is that it's attached to the last cross member (or bumper bar I can't remember) and not to the frame rails. Therefore excess weight causes the cross member to twist, as opposed to a normal tow bar which would push down on the frame rails to which it's attached.

[VX KAT]

The pulley system sounds like a good Idea. Always wanted to do something like that for a cargo box, otherwise, you're right, it ends up staying up there all the time. I once thought that the amount of extra gas that I end up spending, far exceeded the cost of the cargo box. My problem is before building a pulley system, I need to build the garage to attach it to.

You could easily rig up some pulleys for the spare tire, but another option would be to look for a bike lift. A lot of them are absurdly expensive, but I've seen good quality cheap options at or on Costco's website, I think for just over $10 (or maybe like $15 for two of them?) including all the attachment hardware, which is possibly less than even a DIY project. I think it was rated at 100 pounds, so it could easily be modified to accept a spare tire.

I believe I have Tone's hitch (installed by the PO) and never put any tongue weight on it, but what's the problem? I know I won't break a hitch by stepping on it , but does it bend or break the cladding or the fiberglass skid plate? I'm glad this came up, because I was ready to order the step hitch from e-trailer.

So Kat, are you planning on rotating in that spare, or is it purely a dedicated spare? I'm thinking it would be better to rotate it in. Not only would it be cost effective, as you should get 25% more miles out of them, but it would be a better spare if it maintains the same circumference as the rest of the set. Once your LTZ's are well worn, a fresh one put in the mix as a spare could mess with the TOD, especially on the rear axle. Do you notice a lot of extra noise on the highway with that up there? It does look great with the spare up there, but it looks great without it too. One last question, do you still keep the stock temp tire in the back?

I made sure I started rotating it in by 3,000 miles on the other 4, so it's already rotated in and actually on my driver's side rear. I took out the donut once I put the f/s spare on. If I remove f/s spare, I'll put donut back in,..... I'm hoping to hear some input (like rowhard asked) about using the donut with the 285/60-18s....it would only be for an emergency, so it may be "ok". Marlin says he's had no problems with the TOD with different tires sizes/circumference, but many have reported otherwise.

I've got to check out the bike lifts you mentioned, that might be a great idea.
I did find a storage platform thing that went up & down on a pulley system...(can't find the bookmark right now)...we were interested in it because we could actually store the tire/wheel on it, as well as it's a lifting pulley, and the 78 lb tire/wheel was within it's load capacity...but we wanted to check it out closer to make sure we could "easily" get the tire on and off the platform, other wise, it wouldn't be worth it. Just haven't gotten to it yet....

I can honestly say, I didn't really perceive any increase in wind noise when the tire is up there....I DID notice some when I put the Yakima basket on, however, even with the fairing. I've followed my MPG at "fuelly.com" since I put the skids on in December (already had basket on), and I pretty much average between 15-16 MPG with the tire & basket up there, plus the 150 lb skids.
http://www.fuelly.com/driver/vxkat/vehicross
Forum member "Knigh7s" also uses fuelly to track his MPG.
http://www.fuelly.com/driver/knigh7s/vehicross

Another forum member was asking me some detailed MPG questions last week, and I wrote up this summary: Kinda interesting, I think.

~My MPG with NO roof rack basket and STOCK tires was around 16, full highway could get close to 20-21.

~I got my Yakima roof cargo basket and the larger tires at the same time...average MPG went to about 15. Didn't do any full highway driving at that time, so no idea.

~In 12/09 I added 150 pounds of steel skid plates....no real change in MPG.

~Then I put my full size spare tire in the basket, drove 8 hrs to Utah......got 17 - 18.8 MPG!!! I thought this was amazing since I was like a brick shape going down the highway at 75!

~ EXTRA WEIGHT: I figured my MPG would tank once I put all this stuff on:
150 lbs skid plates
60 lbs 4 larger tires -(total lbs over stock tires -Cooper 285/60-18)
23 lbs cargo basket
29 lbs wheel
49 lbs tire
20 lbs recovery kit stuff (tow ropes, shackles)
20 lbs front bull bar/lights
351 LBS TOTAL
-65 lbs Remove back seat
-30 lbs Remove donut spare (estimate)
~255 lbs TOTAL extra weight my VX is carrying all the time now (about the same as a real good size passenger full time)

~When I was off-roading in Moab, going about 5 mph for hours and hours over the trails, I dropped to 8.7 MPG.

~Then drove 8 hrs highway to get home, with spare on roof in basket, average speed about 75+....got about 15.8 MPG. (Don't know why MPG was higher going to UT vs. coming home???)

~It kinda seems my VX may get a tad better MPG than many others I've heard about...with the tires, basket, spare, bull bar and skids, I would think I'd get much lower. I seem to stay in the 15 -16 MPG with all the extra stuff. I also have more highway driving on average around here.....less stop/go than most, so that may be the main difference.

[circmand]

~ EXTRA WEIGHT:
60 lbs 4 larger tires -(total lbs over stock tires -Cooper 285/60-18)

29 lbs wheel
49 lbs tire
.

What you carrying 2 sets of tires for?

[VX KAT]

What you carrying 2 sets of tires for?

um, .... what?

[circmand]

um, .... what?

you have 60 # for 4 tires

then 29 # for wheels

then 49 # for tires