Phil: I think una is refering to the possibility of the rear tire causing additional damage to the rear hatch/window if hit, whereas, without the rear tire, you might only have damage to the bumper. My dealer won't install them for fear of liability should the tire come thru the rear window/hatch and cause injuries to a rear seat passenger.
Jambo, As far as having a rear tire carrier, I think too much of the rear view is lost, not unlike the original factory spare tire location.
Una: Gobi racks are the greatest, and the "Stealth" version would be perfect, but a bit much for me to afford for occassional off-roading.
Back to my earlier question...is there any problem setting the tire directly on the roof, or at least a rubber pad, rather than on top of the roof rack rails? On top of the rails makes the tire stick up too high in my opinion, especially for highway travel. Have any of you see the new 04 accessories which has a roof rack handle set-up?
Ric
OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net