Expedition Rig...trail spares

[LEB Ben]

Still plotting out my plans for the Bronco...and the more I plan, the tighter space becomes. As I've mentioned before, I plan on going no bigger than 38's. However, if I'm going to be out days at a time with this rig, I don't want to be without an extra tire(s). So now my question is, with the limited space, what's your vote on the number of trail spares I should have on board...1 or two? I plan on still using the factory tire arm, which would take care of one spare...the other would then have to go inside, or perhaps I'd be willing to nab a roof rack for only the use of housing an 80lb spare, because I'm not a fan of the fiberglass topper bearing much weight.


All that said, The rear is already getting pretty full with a tool box, spare fluids and spare parts. And if a roll cage goes in, that'll take up space as well (I suppose tapering it would free up some wall space). Keep in mind, I'd like to keep the rig DD capable/functional, so the rear seat is staying (doesn't mean it couldn't be folded down though) but I hope relegate it primarily to trail duty.



so what says you...1 spare or two...location/mounting ideas??? Here again, I'm just thinking out loud trying to sort things out, but I think I'm leaning towards two right now, perhaps make rear carrier that can carry two tires and fold down with some sort of assist?????? I dunno just spit ballin.

 

[taxreliever]

Tough call Ben....I've talked to friends who've gone deep into the woods out here in Maine and they have repair kits if they ever needed a second spare and tried to repair the second flat or the original flat....have a small air compressor they can plug in the cigarette lighter, etc. They've all said, it would be rare and space was of concern when pillaging around the willywacks! Even a roof rack and the extra tire would just add a ton of weight and throw it off balance.

 

[flareside_thunder]

I voted for bacon......













But, If you were to go with a second spare I think a front mounted one would be alright and probably wouldn't affect your approach angle much.

 

[nobodyspecial]

Its simple. One spare for the truck, and one spare for the trailer that uses the same tire/wheel as your Bronco.

 

[Austin]

Front mount or... call me crazy... adding support onto the swing arm and extending it out to allow 2 spares.

 

[5.0Flareside]

bacon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nobodyspecial]

Front mount or... call me crazy... adding support onto the swing arm and extending it out to allow 2 spares.

Even with support, I wouldn't do that. The factory arm is known for shearing off with not much larger tires than stock and mild wheeling.

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^Yeah...I definitely wouldn't double up on the rear arm...I do have confidence it can handle one full size spare though.

 

[Austin]

^^^Yeah...I definitely wouldn't double up on the rear arm...I do have confidence it can handle one full size spare though.

Even with support, I wouldn't do that. The factory arm is known for shearing off with not much larger tires than stock and mild wheeling.

Okay, I wasn't sure of the limitations.

so, mount a front hitch reciever (always useful!) and fab up a hitch mount for it.

 

[Dirky]

Take your chances. One spare will be fine. Bring a bottle of that temporary tire repair goo along and some ether and a lighter if you just blow a bead.

 

[SuperCab]

i voted for bacon... but where are you taking the thing that you think youll need 2 extra 38 tires

I wouldnt worry about a second one...

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^Where ever I point it. I always wanted to do a coast to coast trip on as much dirt as possible. In all honesty...that's kind of the ultimate goal, to be able to do that.

 

[taxreliever]

^^^Where ever I point it. I always wanted to do a coast to coast trip on as much dirt as possible. In all honesty...that's kind of the ultimate goal, to be able to do that.

Man, Ben, that sounds like a lot of fun!!!

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^I had a trip like that semi-plotted out upon college graduation...but the funding just wasn't there. But to my surprise, the OL (of 6.5 yrs) re-opened that can of worms not to long ago as a potential honeymoon, then and when the west coast is reached, hitch a cruise ship to Alaska.

 

[flareside_thunder]

That is a damn creative honeymoon....kudos to her!

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^That's why I keep her around...She loves riding shotgun and spotting. She's not keen on driving my rigs, but when she has her own rig she tears it up.