I want to have a cool XJ build; however, I am on a pretty tight budget as a high schooler. Therefore, I am not in the market a roof rack. I want to put my 31" spare tire on my roof without a roof rack. I have read that I could put the cross-members close to the tire and use tie downs. I want to hear pros and cons from people that have done it themselves. Thanks in advance!

 

I have never done it although having the extra interior space sounds great...till I gotta get that thing down on the side of the highway lol

That is a major downside for me. Others may disagree.

It won't be good for aerodynamics either

 

You can fit a 31 inside with a tiny mod https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...7-01-a-210836/

 

X2.

I don't like the idea of the spare on the roof. The only pro I really see is the extra space.

 

The spare on the roof is heavy and a nightmare to get up and down unless your strong.It will change your aerodynamics probably killing a few mpg.And the weight up there will change your center of gravity and balance,So handling will be different also.

 

Thank you for explaining your reasons and giving examples of what would happen.

 

if it's a stock size spare, maybe 30 or 31, yeah, you could get away with sliding the cross bars close and strapping it to that. but, those factory roof racks have been known to pull through and off the roof.

and as said, it can be a pain to get up and/or down, and it will kill the mpg thing, and does put extra weight up high, so you will notice some body roll.

i did this with a 36 inch bias ply on steel beadlock rim, almost blew a nut getting it up there. then getting it off, i slid it out of the roof basket, then only to chase it down the road about a half mile. lol.

i since built a tire carrier.

 

I feel your pain i had 37s on steel beadlocks on my bronco and kept the spare in the back.2nd time i had to put the spare in it i used the high lift jack and pushed it off it.