Spare Tire Mounting Location

[donsiye]

I've recently put 305/70/16 Wrangler Durtrac tires on my FJ and the spare tire mount on the rear door needs an adapter to fit the bigger tire, but I'm worried that the extra weight will eventually affect the hinges and the (thin) sheet-metal door.
Has anyone tried to mount the spare tire on OEM roof rack? The rack doesn't look like it could hold that much weight.

[cerutti]

adapter my ass...just flip the mount and maybe add a spacer, you'll be fine. spare tire on the roof rack is a huge pain in the ass.

[Blueheed]

I haven't come to this myself but it's something I'm considering in the near future when I upgrade my tires.

I've hear that you need an aftermarket rack or a basket attachement on the OEM for good support up top, but it's going to really create drag and mess with your mpg. Then you also have to think about how high you need to be lifting that wheel and tire to get it up there and down from there.

Most people opt for an aftermarket bumper with a swingout tire carrier. Though there is still question on most of the available swingouts being able to support the weight of heavy tires without extra support.

I personally am hoping a good solution comes out of the rear swingouts, because I know I don't want that kind of weight up top, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on anything out there just yet due to the reliability of the bumpers.

[BrettV]

I just checked the weight of the 285 and the 305 BFGs per their website and they are the same weight +/- a pound, 58 to 59 pounds. The 265 BFG was 48 pounds.

I have had the 285/305 hanging on the back for 2 years and open the door daily. The only issue I notice is the increased momentum of the door opening. I just don't let the door spring open freely until it snaps the gas strut.

[tsy87]

I had a local shop make a bracket that lifts the tire up a bit higher to clear my metal tech bumper. Ultimately, I want to get a swing out, but I'm waiting for metal tech to release theirs so I can finally decide what to go with... expedition one is currently at the top of my list, but ive always liked metal techs work.

If you have a 2009 and up model with the rear view camera, you cant just flip the mount without figuring out what to do with the rear camera.

Weight is definitely a concern of mine... which is why I can't wrap my mind around getting bike racks or gas cans that mount to the spare tire, seems like asking for problems, especially considering that the further out the weight is, the more force there is on the sheet metal and hinge.

As for mounting on the roof rack.... Its already a struggle (okay not THAT bad) lifting a 305 tire onto the spare tire holder as is... now imagine lifting it above your head, and also getting it down.

[donsiye]

Lifting the tire up that high would be a real pain in the ass, even if its only once, the swing out makes more sense. I've worked on some old K-5's and Broncos and seen stress cracks on the rear doors because of the weight.

[tsy87]

^^ yeah, thats why my ultimate goal is to get a swing out... but it seems like most people have had larger than OEM spares on their rear doors for years without too many problems.

I wish the FJ came factory with a swing out tire and a lift rear hatch

[BrettV]

I put a swing out on my Tacoma and the latching and unlatching became a pita. I just have not seen a strong, robust quick release latch.

I won't do it again. My 2 cents.

[cerutti]

BrettV previously said:

I put a swing out on my Tacoma and the latching and unlatching became a pita. I just have not seen a strong, robust quick release latch.

I won't do it again. My 2 cents.

that what makes the expedition one swing out so great, no latch

[C.O. Cruiser]

I put a 305 MT/R on my door....zero problems, and it's probably a lot heavier than those Duratracs, so I don't know why you would need an adapter...as everyone else has stated.