I am in the planning stages from a stock XJ to an expedition style ride. I am interested in comments suggestions etc on placing the spare tire on back verses the top. Obviously I would have less storage if i put the tire on top.. but other than that... what type things regarding the spare tire to do i need to consider..
thanks

 

Having the spare tire on your roof really makes your MPG worse, and it's harder to get to when it's up there. I say go with a rear swing away tire carrier.

 

^X2^

 

I have my 33x12.5 in the back. If I had it on my roof or on the back I would have rolled my jeep once.. just to keep center of gravity in mind..

 

and those were my thoughts... part was a storage issue but the other is ...if i have the back loaded with gear & a spare tire what does that do to my weight.. but if i have a large bumper with winch on front (looking at smittybuilt stuff) would that counter the load in the rear...

good points on both sides of the fence...
thanks

 

Do you mean like this.





With a Rack like this.

 

exactly... just trying to figure out the pros and cons to spare / jack etc location... Nice ride and yep.... you pretty much nailed it... thanks

 

The spare tire location is all pros, same for the jack and antenna mount.

 

I'm doing my 98 as an Overland/Expedition style build. If you're considering a swing-away for the back, JCR has their new Vanguard/Adventure combo unit, and it is one sexy beast. I'm saving up money for mine. Great looking design and Rotopax storage built in. And it's pretty well understood that JCR has high quality stuff.

Bumper and carrier sold separately. Here's the carrier:

http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJ/XJAC.html

 

You might want to take a look at several expedition builds on this forum. There are some really good ones.

I personally picked the Detours rear bumper and tire carrier and cannot be happier...

My rack is a Kargo Master. Excelent for what I need..

 

Sorry to thread jack, but is that the Rusty's PreRunner front bumper??

 

Also depends on your budget. I got my rack for $200 total. Pretty cheap solution. Discountramps.com. Rack $150
Bought clamps at proline (Google gutter mounts proline) $50
Made bars from some rectangle stock

 

Hand crafted for about $200 custom built for my ladders and work stuff but carried the spare and camp stuff with no problems

 

Have had at least 250lbs. up there no issues, made from bits and pieces, weighs about 20 - 25lbs. empty

 

Built it about 15 yrs. ago has been on 3 of my XJ's so far