Thread: Bonnet mounted spare wheel

Originally Posted by Chops

I'm not sure where to find it now, but Rijidig does an aftermarket version which I've seen. Looks awesome, but I can't remember if it actually sits "on" the bonnet at all.

The legalities, no idea.

It's for a Puma and it sits over the bulge, not on the bonnet.

Originally Posted by uninformed

wonder if they affect areo/fuel economy?

Apparently a couple studies actually proved , having the spare on the bonnet of a defender improves fuel efficiency. Something to do with better air dynamics, directing air flow over the bonnet away from the square window, sort of like a bonnet scoop.

Had one on my tdi, it come with it......previous owner did a lap of aid with plenty of off road work than my trips added on.

At 400000km it was still doing its job.

I rarely pop the bonnet, even when touring, once every few days when I remembered.

It was good for standing on to access the front of the rod rack and or climb onto the roof rack. Also a handy spot for the rubbish bag to sit when driving up the beach to the bins.

The Transport inspector pinged me for a fishing rod holders on the front bar but didn’t mention anything about the spare.

You need to strengthen the bonnet stay....I upgraded my to the scissor type that fitted to the perentie

I wouldn’t go any bigger than 235/85/16’s

Vision didn’t bother me but my bride hated the spare up front.

Originally Posted by swaggi

sorry, don't know why the emu trying to eat my camera got there. should be a pic of my landie

Emu? You sure?


It WAS an Ostrich

Mine has been on the bonnet for 700,000 country miles , no problems .
You get used to the weight when lifting the bonnet , does not bother me .

Both my 2A and my 110 2.5 NA diesel had bonnet mounts. They are useful for saving space in the back when you are loaded and found the technique to use when opening the bonnet was like a weightlifting ‘snatch’ which you tried to do cleanly in one go. That was with 7.50x16 tyres though.

i have the mounts on mine but not the retaining ring

can you get them seperately?

I made my retainer from a piece of flat bar , the bonnet is orig LR