Thread: Bonnet mounted spare wheel

Yea i could imagine the bonnet stay would be annoying trying to locate. Im definitely going to go with the bonnet mount. Im thinking the frontrunner kit will be the go. Haha i check everything under the bonnet at least once a week, so i might be getting a bit of a work out. Ill have to upload a picture once ive fitted it might be in a little while though

Also Thanks for all the tips and advice guys

My experience with it has been short, but I really like it. I installed it myself on my own bonnet, I think I have the bearmach kit. Super easy, everything matches up with the bracing that's under the bonnet, just need a big drill bit for the thicker rods.
No issues with lifting and vision is obviously slightly impaired but still good enough for cresting the dunes in the Simpson. Flow through the vents is reduced which is a bummer but I have airco so not fussed. And the washer jets get blown off course at high speed but mine are useless anyway. Noise gets cut down a little too which is nice.

Most importantly it looks awesome!

Originally Posted by Plutei

My experience with it has been short, but I really like it. I installed it myself on my own bonnet, I think I have the bearmach kit. Super easy, everything matches up with the bracing that's under the bonnet, just need a big drill bit for the thicker rods.
No issues with lifting and vision is obviously slightly impaired but still good enough for cresting the dunes in the Simpson. Flow through the vents is reduced which is a bummer but I have airco so not fussed. And the washer jets get blown off course at high speed but mine are useless anyway. Noise gets cut down a little too which is nice.

Most importantly it looks awesome!

High speed? You sure yours is a Defender? ;-)

Has anyone tried a pair of gas struts to help with opening the bonnet.
I am getting past climbing onto the bull bar to lift it.

Keith

Originally Posted by 123rover50

Has anyone tried a pair of gas struts to help with opening the bonnet.
I am getting past climbing onto the bull bar to lift it.

Keith

Discowhite did it many years ago

Gas strut for bonnet

Gas Struts

I previously had a 200tdi with a spare wheel on the bonnet - corrugated roads eventually cracked the reinforcing beams under the bonnet, which was OK, but the bonnet did oscillate a bit!

My current 200tdi had the standard bonnet, I ordered an adaptor kit from the UK but then found an old bonnet with the mount, so fitted that. I've had the original reinforcing beams stripped out and replaced with steel channel which will hopefully stand the test of time. (I still have the kit...)

With regards to the weight of the bonnet - lifting it is all in the technique - on a trip through Africa I checked under the bonnet at least twice each day every day for 12 months and I didn't get noticeably stronger!

Why? I prefer to have the second spare on the bonnet rather than the roof rack, it's handier, a a useful temporary storage spot for snatch strap etc. It does slightly restrict vision, only really noticeable when you're on the lip of a big drop, no worse than a 4wd with a long nose (e.g. a Land Cruiser) and certainly doesn't make a difference to everyday driving. I rarely see 'aerodynamics' and 'Defender' in the same sentence, and prefer to keep it that way.

Originally Posted by Ranga

The position of the taller locking pin is different to mine, which is right in the middle between the 2 fastening pins

His is the earlier - or middle if you count short-bonnet Series - setup. I had it complete on my 110 Hardtop (obviously the wheel is supposed to be the other way around but this shows how it fits better).

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