Spare Tire Storage

[RallyDude]

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.

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

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?

[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]

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]

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...