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Quick question - I'm delivering a 2000 Laredo to Cabo for a friend of mine. We are driving down and don't anticipate much off road use at all. It's got larger tires and a lift on it and the spare does not fit in the tire well. We have a few items to take down so space is at a premium inside. Is there anything wrong with putting the tire on the roof and besides my though of ratchet straps what would be the best way to tie it down?
Thanks!
..Jay
Tire on the roof with ratchet straps works
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.
For highway runs ... I normally add a third strap hooked to the sliders on the rails.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/...psf925c321.jpg
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.
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.
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