Placing tire on roof rack, where preferred?

xj_mike · Nov 9, 2007

I am going to build a custom roof rack and will be mounting my spare up there. The rack will be low mounted, maybe an 1" off the roof. I have read all the debates of on the roof or on a rear carrier and my decision is going to be on the roof.

My question is, where is it better to mount the spare, near the front or near the rear? I was thinking of building something similar to the Gobi rack ( http://www.gobiracks.com/Jeep/ ) but then I was thinking what would be better, back or front mounted?

Ideas? I have been searching NAXJA

, a few other forums and Google trying to find something I like and then doing a modified copy of something. I have a few cool ideas that I will use.

Thanks and I will post pics of whatever I end up building.

mecompco · Nov 9, 2007

My Surco tire mount is towards the back, where I think you'd want it (less weight toward the back). I like the Gobi design as there is no back to the tire mount, which looks like it would be much easier to get the tire on/off the rack when necessary.

WildernessJeep · Nov 9, 2007

Whatever you do, build a windspoiler. My mileage went from 10.5 to 12+ with the addition of the little plastic thingy.

Ba-Riedo · Nov 9, 2007

as far back as possible.

make sure its not above anybody in your jeep if you roll, unless you have a cage the tire is just gonna pin those people in

Shogun · Nov 9, 2007

Forward = better weight distribution
rearward = better aerodynamics

Hudson Bend · Nov 9, 2007

Since you are building it yourself, perhaps you could come up with a bracket that pivots on the back rail and allows you to swing the tire down for easier access. My biggest gripe on my roof mount is getting the tire unhooked and down. I finally built a narrow step ledge mounted in my rear hitch that gives me something to stand on for easy access.

fizassist · Nov 9, 2007

Shogun said:
Forward = better weight distribution
rearward = better aerodynamics

I don't think I understand the first statement.

tjmwr7 · Nov 9, 2007

Shogun said:
Forward = better weight distribution
rearward = better aerodynamics

YA IM:huh:TOO???? Hasta

Phil · Nov 9, 2007

fizassist said:
I don't think I understand the first statement.

You know, get the weight up front...towards the...engine...hmm.

Maybe towards the back would be good for weight distribution.

98XJSport · Nov 9, 2007

Near the rear is best. Pick your spare up and put it up there, your not going to want it any further forward than you have to. The further forward, the harder to reach and heavier it makes it, due to lack of leverage.

xj_mike · Nov 9, 2007

Okay, sounds like at the rear seems to be preferred. I'll build it that way. BTW, I am going to build a hatch mounted ladder, like the Gobi unit. Should make getting up there to pull it down easier.

Thanks for the comments.

WildernessJeep · Nov 10, 2007

Why do you guys keep talking about these "hatch mounted ladders"????? They seem downright foolish to me. I always just stand on the rear tire, and can reach everything on the roof just fine. If I need something at the front, just stand on the drivers side running board (with the door open). It's built in, and if you are missing the rear tires or running boards, your problems go way beyond getting something off the roof.

Just my opinion.

Plays For Jeeps · Nov 11, 2007

WildernessJeep said:
Whatever you do, build a windspoiler. My mileage went from 10.5 to 12+ with the addition of the little plastic thingy.

Any problems with your trail light brightness after that plexi shield? I love how you pulled a U-turn off the Highway for a river crossing yards from a bridge lol. Nice.

xj_mike · Nov 11, 2007

WildernessJeep said:
Why do you guys keep talking about these "hatch mounted ladders"????? They seem downright foolish to me. I always just stand on the rear tire, and can reach everything on the roof just fine. If I need something at the front, just stand on the drivers side running board (with the door open). It's built in, and if you are missing the rear tires or running boards, your problems go way beyond getting something off the roof.

Just my opinion.

In my opinion, it makes it easier to get the spare off and on and they make very good vantage points. Sure you don't want to jump up and down from the roof but carefully moving around works. My .02 worth.

tjmwr7 · Nov 17, 2007

Hey guys maybe its just meeee buutt is are xjz really that tall.
I mean if your a hobit its one thing..... wait iv always wanted to install a climbing rope on my jeep that sounds like an easy way to get my spare???

98XJSport · Nov 18, 2007

tjmwr7 said:
Hey guys maybe its just meeee buutt is are xjz really that tall.
I mean if your a hobit its one thing.....

It depends on the XJ :rof:

tjmwr7 · Nov 18, 2007

OK OK if you have 52" cat tires on ill give you a break.....BUT
If you have those on ur xj your really really sick in the head
and it sounds like you need my swinging rope design:twak:

Placing tire on roof rack, where preferred?

xj_mike

NAXJA Forum User

mecompco

NAXJA Forum User

WildernessJeep

NAXJA Forum User

Ba-Riedo

has frame envy

Shogun

NAXJA Forum User

Hudson Bend

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fizassist

NAXJA Member #1052

tjmwr7

NAXJA Forum User

Phil

NAXJA Member

98XJSport

Destiny is the rising sun

xj_mike

NAXJA Forum User

WildernessJeep

NAXJA Forum User

Plays For Jeeps

NAXJA Forum User

xj_mike

NAXJA Forum User

tjmwr7

NAXJA Forum User

98XJSport

Destiny is the rising sun

tjmwr7

NAXJA Forum User

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