Do I really need a spare tire?

[JPye]

I am a bicyclist and need a bike rack. The problem is, the spare tire blocks the typical bike rack. The fix is to insert a 6" spacer between the receiver and the bike rack mount. This results in a reduced capacity for the rack due to the moment arm. I was told by the rack installers that a 6" extension spacer reduced the load capacity by 10 lbs. So, I was thinking today as a Jeep Wrangler drove past me without a spare attached to the back that I could remove the spare and fit the rack without a spacer.

Do you think it would be a really bad idea to remove the spare? I would not go into back country without a spare, but for riding around town and between Calgary and Canmore, I think I could get away without a spare. I could always keep a battery powered compressor and some tire plugs in the back.

Thoughts? Keep in mind, it is more important for me to be able to transport my bikes than the way my Bronco looks. Shameful, Yes! I know, but I really don't like using spacer between the rack and receiver.

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[andrusoid]

I am a bicyclist and need a bike rack. The problem is, the spare tire blocks the typical bike rack. The fix is to insert a 6" spacer between the receiver and the bike rack mount. This results in a reduced capacity for the rack due to the moment arm. I was told by the rack installers that a 6" extension spacer reduced the load capacity by 10 lbs. So, I was thinking today as a Jeep Wrangler drove past me without a spare attached to the back that I could remove the spare and fit the rack without a spacer.

Do you think it would be a really bad idea to remove the spare? I would not go into back country without a spare, but for riding around town and between Calgary and Canmore, I think I could get away without a spare. I could always keep a battery powered compressor and some tire plugs in the back.

Thoughts? Keep in mind, it is more important for me to be able to transport my bikes than the way my Bronco looks. Shameful, Yes! I know, but I really don't like using spacer between the rack and receiver.

Yes. You really do.

 

[Headsong]

What's your worst case scenario and can you live with it?

 

[JPye]

What's your worst case scenario and can you live with it?

Exactly! AMA is always a phone call away.

 

[VelocityBrew]

You're worried about losing 10lbs of tongue weight capacity?

 

[Wanted33]

Jim, I use this one on my Jeep, and it does the job. I know it say it's for a Jeep, but it will fit a Bronco. It just hangs from the tire, and is secured by two straps that hook under the bottom of the rear door. Simple to install.

The pic shows it secured under the bumper, but it works just fine hooked to the door.

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports...locphy=9009899&hvtargid=pla-568889512259&th=1

 

[JPye]

Jim, I use this one on my Jeep, and it does the job. I know it say it's for a Jeep, but it will fit a Bronco. It just hangs from the tire, and is secured by two straps that hook under the bottom of the rear door. Simple to install.

The pic shows it secured under the bumper, but it works just fine hooked to the door.

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports...locphy=9009899&hvtargid=pla-568889512259&th=1

Looks like the rack I used to hang on the back of my 1970 VW Beetle. It will not work for my eMTB's ... they weigh over 50 lbs. 100 lbs with two bikes exceeds the 70 lb rating. The link is appreciated all the same.

This is the rack I want to use since it swings away to permit opining the rear door.

https://rockymounts.com/backstage/

 

[SpeedTwin]

For your use case I'd say you would be okay. A lot of modern cars don't even come with donut spares.

 

[zombie]

For your use case I'd say you would be okay. A lot of modern cars don't even come with donut spares.

Good luck filling a bronco tire with a can of "fix a flat" that the modern cars you refer to come with.

 

[Hey19]

My ‘19 Mustang GT came with an air compressor, no spare. You’ll be fine and you always have a bike as a backup.

 

[contented]

I used to have a 2017 Mini Cooper convertible w/o runflat tires. No spare. No room. Carried a can of green slime which has its own issues if used. Had several slow leaks but never a no drive blowout. Currently drive a BMW M2 Competition that has non runflat high performance tires. Car came w/ a little compressor and a can of sealant. Haven't had to use it. Perhaps you could take the spare off in bike riding season. Put it back on for the colder months.

For me flat tires run in spurts. May go ten years w/o one then have three or four in two years. It's all a matter of how much risk you want to carry. If you have some kind of road service you're good to go.

 

[JPye]

Good luck filling a bronco tire with a can of "fix a flat" that the modern cars you refer to come with.

I would never consider using a can of Fix-It-Flat. A fit for purpose portable air compressor and a tire repair kit will work fine, IMHO. Even a poorly positioned puncture will get me on the road for a trip to a tire shop. I haven't had a spare tire for years, so I really don't feel the need unless I am off-road where support services are unavailable.

https://www.amazon.com/Tooluxe-5000...s=flat+tire+repair&qid=1641688745&sr=8-4&th=1

 

[JPye]

My ‘19 Mustang GT came with an air compressor, no spare. You’ll be fine and you always have a bike as a backup.

Only when the bike is on the back, Point taken all the same. My first BMW didn't have a spare either and it didn't even have run flat tires. It had a can of sealant and a small DC/cig liger adapter air compressor. The last 2 BMW's have had run flat tires. The last time I had a flat tire was when I was driving off-road in a Yukon. A plug tool and air compressor worked fine. SO, I am now seriously considering storing the spare tire.

 

[colbert]

It's called a "Spare."

 

[King Luis]

Get a tire plug kit with a mini compressor. Otherwise have your phone on you. You’ll be fine. If you do go with out a spare, make sure you buy quality tires. Cheapo brands will disintegrate with a puncture vs just grabbing the nail or having a slow leak.

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