View Full Version : Spare Tire on Gobi Roof Rack
Gobi Stealth Rack - full size:
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1st off I pulled the spare and bolted tire mount. Once the bolts are removed, they expose 4 holes and the machine drilling of these holes are not accurate, there is a gap between the body and door frame. So I took 4 rubber skid stops from an old computer case and spray panted the existing door bolds black to match my paint job as best as possible:
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Next I moved the mount and used 8x 2 inch steal washers and 4 bolts w/ nuts and secured the tire mount to the gobi rack heavy duty steal mesh:
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I decided to add a 3,000lb cargo strap to secure any vibration the tire may produce when driving:
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Also, I could not add the wind flare to the front of the rack because of my road lamps, but as you can see, there is plenty of room and for XM/Onstar:
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End product:
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ChiHummer3
12-12-2007, 07:59 PM
:clapping: Looking good!!! :clapping:
H3less
12-12-2007, 10:27 PM
Thought about doing this and making a new ladder and using the spare tire mount as the ladder mount! Nice job, now I know what it looks like!
I really don't like the bare back door exposing the cabin exhaust and mounting bolts. I think my next step is to find a mount for a jerry can and use the pre-existing bolts to mount it. They'll be able to handle the weight with no problem.
Example:
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H3less
12-13-2007, 04:17 PM
I like that solution a lot, looks better with the ladder like that. I need some new gas cans anyway, just have to buy an extra one for the 3! I see that quadratec is selling the new plastic version.
evldave
12-13-2007, 08:13 PM
Rather than add the extra 30# of weight to the roof, why not just get a long threaded hook and large (4") wingnut. Hook to hook through the mesh of the gobi, string it through one of the holes in the wheel and thread on the wingnut. I guarantee it will hold as tight as the stock mount, and you don't need to use a strap to prevent vibration because you are using the tension of the hook to hold the tire against the rack itself. Cuts down on the weight on the rack to keep COG lower.
I've been using this setup on my rack for years and have never had a failure (same hook, same wingnut for 3x vehicles and 10+ years). I think it looks much cleaner - you only see the tire and don't really see the hook unless you are really looking. It's also very stable because the tire is fully pressed against the rack instead of floating above on the tire mount.
I like your idea of Jerry Can mount on the back. I had previously had my bike mount, but it still left the vent showing, I'll probably put together a 2x jerry can, hi-lift, shovel/axe, bike mount. Should be about the same as a tire/bike mount and look really cool too!
The tire mount does not weigh that much, but I agree, loosing it would eliminate about 4" in height and having the wheel directly on the rack would allow me to drop the straps.
The hook idea is great, but I don't put a whole lot of trust in looping it through the mesh, I don't think it's enough to take a really hard impact and fear the tire would fly off. There is a bar going under the tire, but I don't think the placement is good enough for a hook. I did find this product though... only $20 so I'll give it a shot.
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-stm~6280.htm
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/rn/tire/6280.jpg
timgco
12-14-2007, 07:40 AM
GOBI also has a plate for the back door to cover up where the spare used to be. Also, there is a ladder without the bend in it that is normaly there for the spare tire.
for those that liek the stealth rack and want a spare tire mount, it can be ordered that way also.
...that's just what i heard though. ;)
This actually should work.
http://www.southsideautomotive.com/catalog_images/6442.jpg
timgco
12-15-2007, 03:47 AM
It's hard to tell the size of that part, but make sure it's pretty tough. OR you can go the next step and buy a Yakima tire mount and use that. I used one fo those on my first GOBI Rack and put a 37" tire up there for a week in Moab. It didn;t move.
3Hummer
12-15-2007, 05:12 AM
i think you wshould put another spare tire back there! I like the ladder a lot... trying to convince my parents to let me get it... how does it install?????
Urban Ops
01-01-2008, 08:27 PM
I really don't like the bare back door exposing the cabin exhaust and mounting bolts. I think my next step is to find a mount for a jerry can and use the pre-existing bolts to mount it. They'll be able to handle the weight with no problem.
Example:
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Don't you remember the "Pinto"?
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