Hey again guys, i'm new to jeeps and this forum.

I've seen pictures of Cherokees with roof racks holding a full size spare. My Cherokee has a full size spare and I was wondering if any of you have experience with roof mounted spares. I know it gives more room inside, but would be harder to get down if needed. Also, I am moving to Dallas Tx after I sell my house so it seems the roof mounting may not be good for the rubber.

Do any of of you prefer roof mounting spares and what benefits did you get from it? I have a lab who will ride in the back and he would like the extra room, but it isn't critical for that.

What about mounting it on the rear hatch? Have any of you done this? I imagine the Jeep hatch would need beefier telescoping arms to hold it open if it is possible.

I'd love to carry two full size spares. Anybody mount a second spare tire carrier on the other side of the cargo area?

Thanks for your help!

 

I have one on my roof and live in Tx. Had to get it down just once and yes it was a PITA but doable.
No the hatch will not support your spare w/o much internal bracing.
Never seen dual spares inside but seems that it would be doable by having a left side spare hold down fabbed to fit the right side.

 

Hey BlueXJ!

What kind of rack do you have for that? Do you use a tire cover, or is the heat not an issue?

 

I have a surco rack and no cover. Heat does NOT seem to be a factor.

 

There are wranglers with tires on the hatch and exposed to sun everyday. It should be fine. You could spend alot of $$ on a new bumper with a swing away tire carrier which swings open and then the hatch opens. Those are pretty $$ though.

 

My spare has been on my roof in a Surco basket for almost 3 years and no issues. Not in Texas but Indiana so I get snow and salt. If your worried about the heat, Warrior products makes a spare tire cover for up to 35" tires.

http://www.rjroffroad.com/spare-tire...oad-c-574.html

 

I don't think we can get a tire cover on ours with the holddown bolt running through it but even if we could a black one from Warrior would not help the heat problem.

 

Black proabaly wouldnt be the best choice but I made my own mount and the center bolt wouldnt be an issue

 

Thanks guys! I'll check out Surco

Found a place in my area that sells Surco racks and some other things I planned on getting.