Re: Spare tire on the roof?
Tire on the roof with ratchet straps works
Re: Spare tire on the roof?
If you're putting it straight on the roof, make sure you don't tighten it down so far that you dent the roof.
If you cut a couple 2x4s (or something similar) and use them as braces so that the tire sits on them and then the 2x4's sit on the roof rack rails(to spread the weight out), you could tighten down as much as possible.
Re: Spare tire on the roof?
For highway runs ... I normally add a third strap hooked to the sliders on the rails.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...psf925c321.jpg
Re: Spare tire on the roof?
I wouldn't make it a permanent thing. Two problems with it. Center of gravity shifts up, and gas mileage. However if you're not off axis much, and don't care about mileage, it shouldn't be an issue.
Re: Spare tire on the roof?
I ran with a 31" up there with three small straps for a couple years, Jay. No worries. Just check the straps after a while to make sure they didn't stretch, shift, or loosen.
Re: Spare tire on the roof?
OK, I tossed it up on the roof and it really does stick up there a ways and as was noted will likely kill mileage. I put it against the side window in the back and strapped it down and it seems to be fine there.
Thanks for the comments though!
..Jay