Well, I'm wanting to finally get some electronics installed in my box. But I'm torn
about what to do with the spare tire and jack. It's VERY rare that I have a need for
a spare tire, and roadside assistance doesn't like when you don't have a spare and
a jack.

Can you guys help me spot and weigh the pro's and con's of pulling the spare and
jack for room?

My goals are to have the box look as stock as possible, mostly for being able to
haul guitar amps and the like around without worrying about smashing sub amps
and crossovers and fiberglass sub boxes. I want to be able to haul stuff without
that worry, and without loss of space.

I'd sorta like to be able to show whatever gear I have hidden in those cubbies, maybe
I'll cut a 3/4" acrylic top, and just a floor mat to protect it between show, but
uncover it for shows and let the gear shine.

Sure, I could put amps and such under my passenger seat, but I'd much rather
leave that space open for cameras and detailing spray and whatever.

So what do you guys think? In advance, thanks for your suggestions and thoughts!

 

If it's a daily driver, keep the spare. The one time you do get a flat you'll wish you had it. I'm going to build a false floor in front of the rear seats, you know, where the footwells are and put my amps there.

 

keep the spare and jack because as soon as you removed them you will need them
so keep them.don't take any chances.

 

agreed

 

Keep the spare or get some run-flats

 

I was going to ditch the spare and put my amp back there. Then I realized that like it or not, I'm going to get a flat tire where my cellphone has no service. Roadside assistance is only as good as the phone connection you call it from.

 

I've always wanted to ditch the spare for a full custom sub enclosure, but never had the ***** to do it. I feel like as soon as I take it out, I'll probably get a flat!

Although, in 8 years of driving I've NEVER had a flat... I might be due though! It's a tough call. I say keep it.

-THE DON

 

I agree with that. However if you do decide to remove it, just keep an eye on the road for FOD.

Well this is a kind of far out idea,..maybe... but it might be possible to find a way to mount the spare under the car to free up the space inside without losing the spare...

Just an idea that popped into my head while writing this reply.

 

Ditch it!!!!! makes for a more interesting system!!!!


Actually things can get pretty interesting with the spare still there......in my tC, I had 2 choices, 1) Lose the spare or 2) Lose the back seat..... so ya know....

 

the fuji has the same troubles.. however he is wise and will keep the spare.. loney raven son you should follow master fujiz steps and keep it as well..

 

Here was my thought, is there anywhere else to put the spare? I was trying to envision the spare on the back hatch, or on the roof. definately would be unique and would really open things up in the trunk area.
The Back hatch probably isn't doable because of there the door handle and liscence plate are. And you would definately need stronger struts for the door. It also may continue the misconception that xBs are SUVs. A roof mounted one could look interesting, give it an old land rover feel. And of course if you were going to do this, you would want a full size tire on there, so it wouldn't lookso tiny.
Untill then, we mush get creative and mount things in every nook and cranny

 

Also found this option for those of you with hitches:http://forums.vmag.com/suv4run0499/messages/3617.html

 

I say stick w/the spare.. its always needed when its never there. or get the hitch and mount it to a spare wheel bar, they have the kind that swings down or out... just like above link^

 

I would agree with everyone...Keep the spare. I was very close to removing my spare to do a similar setup as yours and the next night I got a flat. Luckily I have kept my spare and it has helped me 3 times already...So yeah..keep it..

 

There's not enough room to put it underneath. There's emission control devices in the way, plus how many of you would have the clearance to get it out from under there if you have a flat and are on the side of the road or something. The hatch would take a lot of reinforcement, although I've seen one done around here somewhere - it's a woody surf wagon. The top would probably require a roof rack or else a REALLY creative mount. Plus you'd be shifting a fair amount of weight way up high. If it was going to be a permanent solution, I'd look into a spacecase from Yakima or something like that.

My other idea which I think could look sweet is to leave the spare as is, make a fake fiberglas sparetire cover on the hatch and put a big honking sub in it...

 

My opinion: If it's a Daily Driver, keep the spare! I had a turbo charged Civic daily driver before my xB, and I removed the spare, jack, passenger seat, etc.
And I was ALWAYS nervous about driving over certain distances. Given I didn't have AAA or any Road Side Assistance, so I would have been own my own.

After driving like that for little over a year, LUCKILY with no flats..........I felt that the advantage weighted with the risk was a poor judgement on my part.

__________________

 

Become AAA Member

 

I put the jack a few assorted basic hand tools in my Scion backpack. I usually only carry my spare on road trips and take it out locally. There are some on this board that have their spare mounted underneath their car, ala autosound. I would mount mine there, but have my center exit in the way.

Another no spare option, are the Goodyear run flats good for 200 miles when they go flat.

 

Wow! I didn't expect so many responses on this guys.
I apprecaite it!

My box is a daily driver and I live in Chicagoland...so yeah,
getting rid of the spare makes me nervous. I'll look into
slinging the spare under the box, but I doubt there is room.
Has anyone does this? Have photos of it?

For now, I think I'm looking into moving the jack out from
under the drivers seat, and stashing that under the box or
something, in order to give me that space for amps and
power distribution. The under-passenger space I'll build a
small lock box so I can still stash my camrea, girlfriends
purse, whatever, and I'll leave my (portable) detailing kit
in the cubby next to the spare.

The sub I've already got plans to put a handle on it, and have
a quick release speaker connection so I can pull it out or
move it to the floor of the rear seat in a fix. My box is
14" X 14" X 24" and slams pretty hard for a single 10"!

 

I'd been thinking about the xB Cargo Van option, that is, removing the rear seats and spare tire platform, then fitting some sort of smooth platform over the bare floor, and finally bolting the spare either behind the driver or passenger seat, or against the side wall somewhere.

I haven't seen too much talk about the cargo van option around here.