Topic: Spare Tire

[callenst]

Has anyone removed their spare tire carrier and put their spare in the rear cargo area?   I have and oversized spare and it is stressing the rear hinges so for the cheap quick fix I put it inside.   I removed the entire bracket off of the rear.   I believe federal laws say you can't remove safety devices (third brake light) but I see it done all the time.   If I ever got into and accident would I be setting myself up for a lawsuit?   Other than the legality, the other problem is theft, and my cargo space is taken up.  I was thinking of suspending the tire somehow so I could have my storage space under it back.   Any ideas or pictures of custom work?

[chrisfranklin]

Yeah, not a real wise idea, removing safety device/third brake light, at least in litigious California.  Arizona probably no much better.  

Of course, doubt anybody would catch it, Police etc.  A lot of cars on the road without such devices and you have to really know your cars/trucks to pinpoint make/model/year and whether or not a third brake light or certain safety device came with a vehicle and was illegally removed.  

But, yeah, "removal" could potentially put you on defense in a Civil Suit.  If they worked at it, they could make a case for negligence on your part.    :|

[Jeffy]

I've removed my spare and put it in the back before.  If you want to storage spave below you'll want to make a metal rack for it.  I would not trust wood since the tire is heavy and if you rolled over, it would break loose.

I just strapped my spare to the floor though.  I have only lap belts in the rear so I used those belts to sreap my tire down.  Worked out great actually.  The only limitation to the spare on the floor is the tire has to be smaller then 37".  35's about the limit without deflating it.

As for the 3rd brake light, I don't have one nor did the Jeep ever come with one.  Honestly it was tacked on in '93 as an after thought.  Does it really need to be there?  Well, if you're the DOT then yes.  But no one is going to challange if the light should be there or not.  Honestly, I doubt it would ever come up.  If someone rear ends you, it's still going to be there fault unless your other two lights are out also.  I highly doubt it would ever come up.

[jackhammer]

get that thing tied down..if you get in an accident it could fly and break your neck

[SMC4WD]

It sounds like the real answer here is to buy a new heavyduty rear bumper/tire carrier.  Eventually, it just comes to that.  Depending on the brand, you will still maintain that 'legal' third light.

I'm running a 35" tire on that stock mount   :oops:   I had to re-weld, reinforce the bracket, but the door (surprisingly enough) is holding up.

Brands that come to mind are:
Garvin/Wilderness racks
Currie Enterprises
4WP may have one in their 'Geninue Steel' line

Eventually, ARB will release their version too.

On another note:  I have seen many people mount their rear tire on the floor of the body tub.  Strap it down, then build a shelf above it for gear and whatnot.

[Islander]

Rock Hard 4x4 - Those Nebraska boys know what's up.

[Jeffy]

I'd do some research on how those tire carriers secure the swing out when closed.  They shouldn't be freestanding.  A friend of mine who builds bumpers and cages posted this a whie back.

From the morning traffic report:

"A vehicle that rolled over and is now upright is blocking the No. 1 lane of southbound Interstate 15 just south of Auto Park Way/West 9th Avenue. Traffic is starting to slow down at El Norte Parkway, three exits north of the crash, and the crash is likely to worsen the normal weekday morning slowing on that stretch."

This accident was caused by a friend of mine that had his spare tire break off of his Jeep - he was being followed by a commuter van that rolled over trying to avoid the tire. The problem is that the swing-away part of the tire carrier is breaking off at the 1" diameter trailer spindle that many of the bumper/tire carrier builders use. This is not an issue when the tire carrier is supported with a rubber snubber between the carrier and the tailgate that alleviates any movement. Bottom line is if the tire is wobbling while going down the road, the spindle assembly is going to break. Even though the assembly that broke this morning was not one of mine, I've have had 3 failures in the spindles in ones that I have built.
This is the spindle that I and many others are using: http://rockstomper.com/catalog/pieces/hinge.htm
Please make sure you are not risking the safety of yourself and others! Check out the spindle if you have this unit and make sure that you have a snubber installed between the "mast" & tailgate to not allow the tire to move.