Keeper96 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 So all this talk of doors falling off because of the weight of the spare wheel has got me paranoid about wrecking my new tow. Where Is the best place to put the spare without having to spend to much or self engineer to many things? Between me and my dad we can build most things but ATM we don't have a welder anymore Any suggestions? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve King Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I think you have three choices: 1) Swingaway spare wheel carrier at the rear (good ones are not cheap and cheap ones tend to rust away or fail) 2) Bonnet mount - disadvantage is that you need to be strong to lift the bonnet with the spare wheel in place. 3) If you have a hardtop you can mount it inside on the bulkhead behind the seats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeper96 Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 I quite like the found of bonnet mount, can you just remove the fixing point from the rear door and reattach it to the bonnet? I would use the bulkhead but I no longer have a bulkhead lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve King Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I quite like the found of bonnet mount, can you just remove the fixing point from the rear door and reattach it to the bonnet? I would use the bulkhead but I no longer have a bulkhead lol It's not a straight fit, but you may be able to fabricate something. more info: http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=71885 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Smith Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Defender bonnets designed to take the spare have a recess in them so it fits level and a little lower. Also the one I had on the old 110 was internally reinforced. Even with the recess after fitting 235 tyres you could easily lose a small car, bicycle child etc in front of you, so I wouldn't recommend it. A proper wheel carrier on the back is the way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Plus it makes the bonnet chuffing heavy to open, and you know you will be doing that a lot... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I always thought this was a good idea, if a little pricey! http://www.difflock.com/magazine/4x4_Gear/TD5_spare_wheel_mount.shtml but looking on their website, i'm not sure it went into production: http://boutique.rrconcept.com/achat/index.php?catid=11 Actually, i carried on looking at that site and everything is 'tres cher'!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeper96 Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 Hmm, I might just chick it in the back haha and luck at proper solution in the long run. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I thought it was only the Series bonnets that had a recess in for the spare wheel? I've never seen a defender bonnet with a recess for a spare wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve King Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Hmm, I might just chick it in the back haha and luck at proper solution in the long run. Cheers Best not leave it to slide around - it could be dangerous in an accident. Strap it to the bulkhead removal bar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I have mine strapped flat on the floor... fine for me and I just take it out if I've got something I need to fit in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Smith Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Mine wasn't so much a recess, But the raised bit either side were pressed to allow the wheel to sit lower. But it wasn't original to my 110 it was off a very early 110 2.25 petrol which also had lift handle doors with wind up windows but with dummy galvanised cappings. It also left the factory with a 109 style rear tub with the toolbox holes in the inner wings, but defender style arches. Maybe they only made a few bonnets like it early on, but I certainly wouldn't want the spare any higher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeper96 Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 I have mine strapped flat on the floor... fine for me and I just take it out if I've got something I need to fit in.Good idea, think I'll do this and may even stick with it long term. How did you strap it in?Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluehaze Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Get a decent swingaway carrier - some on fleabay second hand for less than a ton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Plus it makes the bonnet chuffing heavy to open, and you know you will be doing that a lot... No it doesn't. LOL Well I lift mine easily. Also I find it much easier to take the wheel off and put it back onto the bonnet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Can you not jut make sure your rear door is in good repair ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Good idea, think I'll do this and may even stick with it long term. How did you strap it in?Cheers Mine's been like it 3 years. Just got some lashing eyes bolted to the floor, and its strapped in with a ratchet strap between two of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Two-Jacks Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 My bonnet doesnt have a recess for the wheel as such and that has a factory fitted bonnet mount . I did find the bonnet heavy to lift (wimp) but fitted burger van counter / motor home awning hydrualic strutts and now you just pop the bonnet and give a little lift and they do the rest. You can buy bonnet reinforcements from the Bay of E http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Defender-O-S-Spare-Wheel-Bonnet-Ring-Reinforcement-MUC6418-/150671593691 When factory fitted they are spot welded in place but you can use rivets and bolts. I wouldnt try to mount the wheel on the bonnet without reinforcing it, it would probably sag like a damp pizza . Cheers J2J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverik Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 In the 90 I carry the spare on top of the rear passenger side wheel arch and just ratchet strap it there, it was meant to be a temporary measure, until I sort out a rear rack or a bonnet mount, not quite got around to it yet, but it works pretty well and I can get most things in the back with room to spare. The 110 has a rear door mounted one which seems perfectly happy and has been happy since 1990 and that's had a fair amount of abuse.... its also got a spare on the bonnet, I like it there as it looks cool, but is a bit of a pain opening the bonnet, you'll definitely need some bonnet stiffeners, as mine has sagged (probably with the amount of folk that have stood on it, so now the top of the turbo heat shield rubs on the inside of the bonnet and the edge now rubs on the top of the passanger side wing, I also noticed that as the bonnet front rests on the top of the slap panel, its actually caused the radiator to collapse slightly on one side, if its not strapped down well, it does vibrate on the catch... bonnet mount also put a fair bit of stress on the bonnet hinge mounts too... after this experience I'm not sure I'd do it on the 90 as I think it would trash the bonnet. When I have time I'll fit a self supporting rear carrier, just about the most practical. Mav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weasel_110 Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 Used a Series wheel well (think it was £46 at the time, galvanised too!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.