spare tire on rear bumper
ok so im sure this is the wrong place but bear with me.
i wanna move my spare out of the back but im torn either on a roof rack.
or on the bumper swinging out, which do you guys like more.
or some ideas and pictures as always thanks in advance
i wanna move my spare out of the back but im torn either on a roof rack.
or on the bumper swinging out, which do you guys like more.
or some ideas and pictures as always thanks in advance
Cherokee Forum Vendor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: Lynden, WA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
A spare mounted on a roof rack tends to make the rig pretty top heavy. Hanging it off the back can lead to a bad departure angle if not up high enough as well as bad visibility. Choose the lesser evil for your situation.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: sacramento
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 ho
I have my heavy a@# 33 in spare on the roof with a 6 in lift an cant tell its up there as of top heavy i dont tell a difference but it is a pain in the butt to take off and put back up if needed. Wat size tires are you running
Trending Topics
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I like the roof mounted spare tire. When my roof rack and is done, my spare is going up there. One tire isn't going to make much difference at all as far as top heaviness. I don't like the majority of rear tire carriers I've seen on cherokees. It makes you look like a wrangler-wanna-be. Just my .02.
CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 0
From: Chickamauga Ga.
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I like the roof mounted spare tire. When my roof rack and is done, my spare is going up there. One tire isn't going to make much difference at all as far as top heaviness. I don't like the majority of rear tire carriers I've seen on cherokees. It makes you look like a wrangler-wanna-be. Just my .02.
Cherokee Forum Vendor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 2
From: Lynden, WA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I could feel a difference with 75-100 pound tire on the roof. forgot to mention added wind resistance. Guys on here have reported up to 2mpg lost after putting a tire on the roof. Factor that in as well.
CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 0
From: Chickamauga Ga.
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I haven't noticed an mpg change, but I do feel line I'm blown around more in high winds.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
I had my spare on the roof for one trip. It immediately came down. To me, if made a huge difference in tippyness.
I'm not a fan of a spare on the roof.
Mine rides laying flat in the cargo area or stays on the trailer.
I'm not a fan of a spare on the roof.
Mine rides laying flat in the cargo area or stays on the trailer.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
I just recently took my spare off my roof...and my Yakima roof rack off. I couldn't stand getting blown all over the highway when it was windy and if you have a head wind forget about it.. might as well be driving a suburban pulling a boat. The gas mileage drops like a rock. I took my 31 off and shoved it in the back and took the roof rack off.. I was averaging 13mpgs now I'm averaging 17mpgs and I do a lot of highway. Plus the truck looks cleaner without it.







I like it a lot even tho it makes it a pain to get in the back