speedyp

Hey Guys, I am new to this forum. Just bought a 97 ZJ limited. This is now my second jeep. I had a 94 XJ before this one. I love my new ZJ !

My question is how to mount the spare on the roof. I just put some 245/75/16 on and the spare is taking too much space in the back. So how can I securely mount it on the roof ! any help appreciated

Thanks !

here is a pic
[IMG][/IMG]

zodiac

Without a rack I'd place the tire on the roof centered above the rear seats and move the cross rails snug ap to it, then ratchet strap it all nice and tight.

Bustedback

I would not mount it up there without an aftermarket roof rack, the roofs are pretty flimsy and will cave in quite a bit with a 90lbs tire up there.

aleet25

Not to mention it will absolutely kill your gas mileage. I'm not too familiar with where the spare is stored on the ZJ, but I do know that a 245/75/16 will fit in the OE spare area on a WJ.

speedyp

i would really hurt mileage in a noticeable way ?

Bustedback

Maybe a mile or two per gallon.

zodiac

I can see how a tire that large could possibly damage the roof, but how would centering it on the roof as opposed to keeping it in the back affect gas mileage?

I could see it affecting MPG's if we were talking tire vs no spare, but location?

Bustedback

Aerodynamics, you're already pushing a brick through the air, add more surface area to go through the air and it will hurt the gas mileage.

aleet25

My *****. I had a 32" tire on top of my rack and my mpg's dropped by 6-8 mpg.

Bustedback

I stand corrected, but did you compensate for the larger tire size when you calculated your fuel mileage?

NorCalJeep

As long as it looks cool; who cares about gas mileage

JoseyW

I added a Yakima LoadWarrior and secured it in that. A 245/75/17 takes up most of the basket though. Works good, I know there are several threads around here that have different basket ideas.

TheCK4x4

I have mine up there and my mpg is no different from before , 33s and stock 3.55 gears lifted 4.5 getting about 16.5 mpg I found a custom bar on craigslist for 25$

Only pics I have close to it. I'll get more in the morning

Bar mounts to gutters and has a huge bolt type thing that goes through one lug to secure it and keep it in place but I added the ratchet straps too