A Few Random Questions

1st- where are some good spots to mount a spare? i know that the side mount can cause issues, so are there better places? i've been pondering a swing away rear mount, but want to know other options. a

2nd- WHY?? the rear hatch on my top (Kelly) has to mesh (the best way i could put it) with the tailgate to close, instead of just closing on top of it. why?? it's really difficult, because both the tailgate and hatch are warped. i don't like it.

 

My spare is currently on a swing out rear carrier. I only have two seats in my Jeep and really just use it for cruising around town. Was considering either a) removing the spare entirely or b) mounting flat inside the tailgate.

 

There is no good spot to mount a spare on a Cj5.

 

Straighten out the tailgate and hatch and see if it works better. I'm sure it wasn't designed to work poorly. I've placed tailgates on top of a couple 2x4s placed at the outer edges, left and right, then stepped on the unsupported middle area, gently and as required, to straighten them out. Doesn't get them perfect but I've made them much better this way. Not sure about the hatch but I'm sure it can be helped.

 

First question: Sell it and get a CJ6. Problem solved.

 

so that's where my alabama built pipe roll bar went
scrap man must have sold it

 

yup.

i'd like to, but this one has some history with the family.

 

Yep, it's heavy duty. Not to mention the 10 to 15 rolls of electrical tape wrapped around it.

 

You could mount the spare between the two front frame horns like the WWII guys did.

 

Put a receiver on your Drawbar and make a Spare carrier to fit in the receiver, when you want to carry your spare just just plug it into receiver. I carry a tire plugging tool and an air compressor and jack in my tool box all the time. When I go where I want a spare I lay one flat in the box. Good Luck.

 

no need to get air to the radiator, right?

 

I really like my swing down spare tire carrier. It's simple and lightweight compared to a sideways swing design. The drawback is it's in the way if you use the tailgate...I have a rear seat so I never use the tailgate.

 

I like my swing away, as it also holds a gas can.

 

A spare is nice but 8plys with 2ply tubes will get pretty far.
I've only had one flat (middle of ohio towing the old cargo trailer) but that was due to a valve stem being between the tube and tire. A quick patch and I was on my way.

 

yup. maybe even two, if you're willing to make it a bit sketchy

i do use the tailgate, so that's not really good for me.

 

mount the spare on the roof? hood? on my noggin?

 

I'm old school. Side mount.

 

yeah, but if you're driving in a narrow place, it can catch and rip a hole in the body. it does look neat on the side, just not the best for longevity.

 

Personally I think your second-best choice in terms of simplicity and utility is the swing-down carrier. Swing away is nice, but a lot more effort to build. Search old posts - it's been covered many times.

 

i like the m170 tire location, it's really nice.