Spare Tire Storage

[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]

Did I mention we installed a hoist in the garage ceiling after this?

One would have to have a garage that could actually fit a vehicle for that approach to work. Maybe I could just add a hoist to that tree branch over my driveway.

[Marlin]

Thonly two dents on my truck came from the roof rack. One getting the spare down, the other from when a cargo strap failed. No more heavy stuff on the roof for me. Spare on rear door all the way

[VX KAT]

One would have to have a garage that could actually fit a vehicle for that approach to work. Maybe I could just add a hoist to that tree branch over my driveway.

Is that tree branch where Boy swings from and plays with Cheeta?

[tom4bren]

Is that tree branch where Boy swings from and plays with Cheeta?

Yup ... & it's purple.

You can see it in this pic (above the spare).

[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...