Spare Tire Storage

[rowhard]

Well, we that have over sized tires have all had to fight the spare tire storage problem. Now, I think the VX is a beautiful vehicle and I do not want to distract from this beauty.

I think most have opted for the roof rack option. Ugly and hard to remove without damaging your VX or back. Some have chosen to do what Marlin has done. Very functional, could double stack I suppose for a real off road adventure, but OMG, what a horrible thing to do to a VX, Sorry Chris.

My approach:

Since having the oversize spare, have done it this way. What a waste of storage space. Can't carry anything in the back properly. NOTE: Rear seat was removed along time ago.


Here is my idea to deal with the spare tire storage use the vertical.


Perfect

Now containment. I purchased a 11 inch trailer fender and a 4 inch x .125" flat stock. (think I will increase the width of flat stock). Also some 1 inch angle for front bracing along with a 3300 lbs cargo strap.



I then cut fender in half.



With Sandy's lovely hands holding it in place, You get the idea where I am going with this. Will weld it, brace the fender in the front with the 1 inch angle iron, then secure flat stock to the two tie downs already in place. Tire will be strapped fore and aft. Might have to come up with something to secure it laterally. Since rear seat belts are removed, there is one anchor point that can be used if needed.


Now look at the usable space I have gained. easy roll in/out of wheel when needed.



Have a pet barrier that will be placed against the sub woofer to help keep things in the back if I should ever have a shunt. Sub woofer is well anchored and will help keep it in place.

It is a design in progress and of course some mods might have to take place. I do have the other half of the fender if anyone wants to try this. Shipping and 20 bucks and it is yours.

[Ldub]

NICE WORK.....

I then cut fender in half.

BTW...That's the strangest lookin 1/2 strat I've ever seen......

[rowhard]

BTW...That's the strangest lookin 1/2 strat I've ever seen......

you on the chocolate monkee's again?

I don't know what you mean

[Triathlete]

Fender=guitar=stratocaster=strat

[rowhard]

got it,...... DUH

[VX KAT]

Wow, that's a great idea and looks really good John! Could you put it on driver's side, so no visibility is reduced from our one "decent" window?

And once perfected, will you be selling a kit?

[Ldub]

Fender=guitar=stratocaster=strat

Scares the $4!+ outta me sometimes...it's like we share some of the same brane cellz...

Prolly scares Billy more worser.

[VX KAT]

Prolly scares Billy more worser.

Fo Sho!

[rowhard]

Could you put it on driver's side, so no visibility is reduced from our one "decent" window?

And once perfected, will you be selling a kit?

Sure you could, but you would have to shift it towards the center to clear the door as you put the tire in or out.

No kits planned, but if anyone whats to do it, would be happy to help

[Marlin]

Looks good, not an option for me, I have to be able to put the kids in the back seats. That only leaves roof or door. I prefer door Roof is dangerous, plus like you said, it hurts to get it up there and back down. Seems if you keep it on the roof always, shouldn't you tire shine it everyone in awhile? It sits in the sun, all day, never gets used, can't be good for it.

[Triathlete]

Scares the $4!+ outta me sometimes...it's like we share some of the same brane cellz...

Prolly scares Billy more worser.

Great mindz think alike! Some just a little clearer than others!

[Marlin]

Great mindz think alike! Some just a little clearer than others!

They keep all those people together, I think its called an asylum? Or maybe prison, I can't remember which.

[VX KAT]

Seems if you keep it on the roof always, shouldn't you tire shine it everyone in awhile? It sits in the sun, all day, never gets used, can't be good for it.

That's why I put "Aerospace Protectant 303" on my spare on the roof, has SPF 40. and I applied it generously. It's not greasy/oily or anything, no residue at all.

[rowhard]

Looks good, not an option for me, I have to be able to put the kids in the back seats. That only leaves roof or door. I prefer door Roof is dangerous, plus like you said, it hurts to get it up there and back down. Seems if you keep it on the roof always, shouldn't you tire shine it everyone in awhile? It sits in the sun, all day, never gets used, can't be good for it.

Totally agree, can't be good sitting in the sun. At least Sue is taking car of her spare on her rack, I mean in her basket, so many don't. Like I said, the way your dealing with it is totally functional, just, well, you know.

[Triathlete]

Or maybe prison,.

Been there done that...20 years...retired!