Spare Tire Mounting Options

[Dzimm]

Anyone have a good way to mount an oversized spare without taking up much bed space?

 

Currently my spare just lays in the bed. I will be getting 33s soon so under the bed isn't an option. I'm thinking of putting it up against the back of the cab behind the drivers seat. Anyone mount theirs here? How'd you do it?

 

Let's see those pictures!

[GrizzzzBear]

When I got mine, in 2005, they PO had mounted a bar to secure the Spare in the bed, Driver Side.

Was one of the first things to go.

I squeezed a 33 under the bed. 

[Dzimm]

When I got mine, in 2005, they PO had mounted a bar to secure the Spare in the bed, Driver Side.

Was one of the first things to go.

I squeezed a 33 under the bed.

How in the world did you manage that? I don't really want mine under there but I'm curious.

[dasbulliwagen]

http://comancheclub.com/topic/53556-xj-roof-rack-rails-on-an-mj/

 

Here a thread where theyre installing an XJ roof rack to mount a roof basket to hold a spare.

[Dzimm]

http://comancheclub.com/topic/53556-xj-roof-rack-rails-on-an-mj/

 

Here a thread where theyre installing an XJ roof rack to mount a roof basket to hold a spare.

I like the idea of a roof rack but with a Lund visor idk how well that would work. Any idea what gas mileage comes to with a lifted MJ and a huge spare tire and rack on the roof?

[Goose_XJ88]

Once I get my factory roll bar mounted in my truck, I plan on mounting a spare like I've seen on CJ8s.

[ParadiseMJ]

I'd say as far as OPTIONS you have 4:

 

• In the bed - a 33" will take up around 9 square feet of a small bed.  SWB = 24 sq. ft.  LWB 28 sq. ft.would be reduced to 15 sq. ft or 18 sq ft. respectively.
• On the roof - a 33" will hang 2" over front and rear of the top of your cab AND the drag will seriously effect your on-road mileage. So you'd need a short (about 36" basket) which will hang over front and rear of your cab by 3.5" - you'd need a gutter mount basket for the weight.  That will effect your on-road mileage even more.
• On a roll bar - either 4runner style or upright on the side.  On the side, the bed height is 16" so you'll have 17" sticking up out of your bed. But hey, everyone will be able to see most of your big tire.  On the diagonal facing forward on a bracket between the roll bar struts it'll take up even more room in your bed. Not to mention your rear view would be blocked completely.
• Under the bed - even though you don't want it there, it can be squeezed in, though it'll hang down considering it's appx. 12" wide, BUT, it won't take up any room in your bed, won't cause any drag, and it won't look weird.  Anything else would look dorky IMHO.  My 31"x10.5" is under the bed,  You can barely see it and it fit in there with no problem.  A little persuasion would get that 33" up in there...maybe a little deflating even,  NOTE: if you do put it under the bed, secure it with ratchet straps for safety's sake.  You might also be able to find a thinner 33" tire just to use as a spare to get you back to town to aid in fitting without hanging down. 

 

Disclaimer:  I'm just offering the options as I see them...the commentary is purely my own opinion and should not be taken personally...good luck finding your solution.

[Dzimm]

I'd say as far as OPTIONS you have 4:

 

• In the bed - a 33" will take up around 9 square feet of a small bed. SWB = 24 sq. ft. LWB 28 sq. ft.would be reduced to 15 sq. ft or 18 sq ft. respectively.
• On the roof - a 33" will hang 2" over front and rear of the top of your cab AND the drag will seriously effect your on-road mileage. So you'd need a short (about 36" basket) which will hang over front and rear of your cab by 3.5" - you'd need a gutter mount basket for the weight. That will effect your on-road mileage even more.
• On a roll bar - either 4runner style or upright on the side. On the side, the bed height is 16" so you'll have 17" sticking up out of your bed. But hey, everyone will be able to see most of your big tire. On the diagonal facing forward on a bracket between the roll bar struts it'll take up even more room in your bed. Not to mention your rear view would be blocked completely.
• Under the bed - even though you don't want it there, it can be squeezed in, though it'll hang down considering it's appx. 12" wide, BUT, it won't take up any room in your bed, won't cause any drag, and it won't look weird. Anything else would look dorky IMHO. My 31"x10.5" is under the bed, You can barely see it and it fit in there with no problem. A little persuasion would get that 33" up in there...maybe a little deflating even, NOTE: if you do put it under the bed, secure it with ratchet straps for safety's sake. You might also be able to find a thinner 33" tire just to use as a spare to get you back to town to aid in fitting without hanging down.

Disclaimer: I'm just offering the options as I see them...the commentary is purely my own opinion and should not be taken personally...good luck finding your solution.

Thanks this really helps narrow it down.

- The roof mount is out of the question since it's too big and mpg is bad enough as it is.

- I was looking at roll bars today and may eventually build one, but for now that isn't really in the cards. It is an option I really like tho.

- I really don't want it under the bed and quite frankly I think my factory spare may have fused with the bracket at this point (this is really where all the rust is on this truck).

- In my mind, the only option I see in the current situation is to mount it to the back of the bed right behind the drivers seat. The down side is that it will block some of my view and take some bed space.

 

I think my best bet is to get the tire and then figure out where to put it. For now my spare just lays in the bed so worst case, that's how the big tire will sit for a little while.