Underslung vs swing out spare wheel?

[joecuba]

Ok, here is another either / or question!

What are the pros and cons of the spare wheel mounting position? Personally, I think the underslung is neater, less hastle getting into the boot, and lowers the centre of gravity. Also means using the tow bar for bike racks works. Any cons?

[Scorpion]

Yeah, try getting underneath when it's muddy or peeing down with rain!

You can always get a bike rack to fit the swing out rear wheel!

[MudSurfer]

I think, similar to your other question, it's mostly down to personal preference and what you want to do with it.....the COG won't be affected too much by sticking the spare underneath, the line of the truck will......

So - if you don't mind swinging the spare out whenever you want stuff out the boot, and have it there and easy to get to if you need it - and a funky wheel cover that you can put stickers all over, then go the rear mounted route (you can buy bike carriers that attach to the rear wheel) - but if you like a cleaner line to the back, prefer not to have anything in the way when you go to open the boot, but don't mind a bit of muck and hassle if you need to change the wheel, get the underslung one - it's entirely down to you and what you like mate.....

[KERRSURF]

swing out. nuff said.

[MudSurfer]

swing out sister...... nuff said.

Hmmm - 80's wheel carrier advice, nice!

[KERRSURF]

Hmmm - 80's wheel carrier advice, nice!

gawd is it that long ago!!!!

[mousey]

sounds stupid but make a couple of brackets up and sling it the the boot, ###### big enough, all problems solved xD

or even better dont get a puncture... xD

[joecuba]

or even better dont get a puncture... xD

That is certainly plan A :-)

So how hard is the underslung wheel to get out? Is it the usual tray drop thing?

And what happens on swing out versions to the underslung space? Can it still be used (2 spare wheels?) or is it empty or what?

And does the underslung wheel lower the ground clearence?

Too many questions, not enough seeing these damn thing in real life :-( Don't suppose there are any Surf meets in the Edinburgh area soon?

[nero279]

having had both, there's advantages and disadvantages to both.

In many senses i preferred the underslung, and still do, but if you're offroading it's all too easy to knock the exhaust off it's rear hanger and promptly melt through your spare tyre with it, trust me, been there done it.

And as has already been said it ain't nice trying to take it out from underneath anyway especially when it's ####ing hard with rain even on the road, never mind some muddy offroad site, or flint riddled lane.

It depends on your use, if it ain't gonna do much offroading and gonna stay on the street and lug loads or tow trailers about i'd go underslung. Offroad i'd prefer a swingaway, but wouldn't let it be the decision making factor, unless i was overlanding when i'd go for rear mounted and retro fit an underslung carrier so as to be able to carrty two spares. It's far easier to retro fit the underslung hanger than it is to retro fit the swingaway one.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Stick the spare or two on a roofrack and bin the ARBs, loads of fun!

[Predictable Bob]

Stick the spare or two on a roofrack and bin the ARBs, loads of fun!

Nooooooo !

Your truck will fall over if you put all that weight up high

[sounddezign]

The only problem I've had with the rear wheel on mine is towing or actually attaching whatever it is I'm towing. The spare wheel is kind of in the way when it comes to hitching a trailer. When I have my boat trailer on the back the jockey wheel can get in the way and prevent me from swinging the spare wheel to open the boot.

I actually had to extend the boat trailer by about a metre, because the jockey wheel was so close to the spare wheel that I wouldn't have been able to turn corners while towing. I don't think I'd have had this problem with the underslung wheel.

As for bikes the rear spare is excellent - I've got a cycle carrier that hooks over the spare wheel, works really well!

[TobyJug]

Just throw one on the back seat and ur sorted....


Nah I think one of each be better....

[Sancho]

Stick the spare or two on a roofrack and bin the ARBs, loads of fun!

Stop that.....

To answer the question on how you get the underslung one out, you poke a massive stick through a tiny hole and twiddle it for ages until the wheel gets lowered. I sound like Swiss Tony.

I think rear-mounted looks better and leaves space underneath for something else (extra fuel tank???). The only problem for me would be that it would be even more of a pain in the arse opening the boot.

[rambling angler]

I've never liked underslung spares, they've always been a pain in the rear & besides swingers have more fun so I've been told.