Bonnet mounted spare wheel

[200defenda]

Hey has anybody had or has mounted a spare wheel to tdi defender bonnet ? What are your thoughts on doing it, is it worth doing it? Or more hassle than its worth?

[Tins]

Makes checking the oil and water bloody difficult....

[travelrover]

Hey has anybody had or has mounted a spare wheel to tdi defender bonnet ? What are your thoughts on doing it, is it worth doing it? Or more hassle than its worth?

I have done it recently on my 300Tdi. Was a bit of an effort as the instructions are minimal. I got a genuine kit, STC7633 from memory.

But once you sat down with all the parts laid out it came together.

Is it worth it? Well that’s up to the individual I guess. It does flex a bit and I haven’t been on any bad corrugations so can’t comment on its performance on sustained impacts.

My only concern would be my 300 has 265/75 16’s which are a bit fatter than 235/85 16’s which limits your visibility and I will go for the narrow tyre when it is time to replace them.

When I bought the vehicle the spare was on the roof so I have lowered that weight. I love the look!

[JDNSW]

I would be very cautious about bonnet mounted spares on any Landrover that was not delivered in Australia that way. You are likely to have issues with being booked for restricted vision. I have heard of it happening even to people with Series vehicles that were delivered that way, although they should be able to talk their way out of it.

The issue of lifting the bonnet is not (in my experience driving Series Landrovers with bonnet mounted spares for the last 50+ years) as serious as some suggest, although it will depend on tyre size and is easier without a bull bar.

With my Series 2a I avoid it whenever possible.

[swaggi]

i had a 200tdi defender bonnet with spare wheel on my 300tdi 130 for many years.
between the bull bar and bonnet it got use as the roof access, (im a tradie always transporting timber) so it was stomped on a lot.

it survived just fine, well apart from footprints.
i loved the space it freed up elsewhere and the ease of access, if i was going to do a trials event or similar i would take it off.
even with a tyre on the bonnet the defender still has better 'over bonnet' vision than many other vehicles.
i did, however, choose to keep the original bonnet unmolested and safe by fitting another with the tyre mount already fitted


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

[Shoogs]

Yep they look cool but to be honest a PITA, if you are travelling and lifting the bonnet twice a day or more and as we know with older Defenders you will, you will soon tire of it, and or develop strong arms... when I need or think I need a second spare I throw it on the roof... and yes agree with others if the bonnet is not or has not had the strengthening you will need it. Agree it does not really impair visibility.
135930

[87County]

My son's 300tdi has mounts and i have installed a set from a S3 on my County.

Extra weight has not really been an issue in use. Neither has any vision restriction, but a short person may experience some minor problem - I do not know.

Using the bonnet does give a handy location for an extra or third spare on an extended trip and as swaggi has posted there is a degree of convenience with roof access. There is a different solid rod stay for open bonnet support.

You might expect some bonnet structural issues on a long trip over corrugated roads but so far thousands of kms of corrugations has not adversely affected the bonnet on either motor car.

I don't know if we can mention it now, but a spare wheel on the bonnet provides a very convenient rest at the correct height for long range bunny sniping :)

[200defenda]

Yea i think thats definitely the way to go, getting a second bonnet and leaving my original intact. Incase for what ever reason i would have to resort back to it. I was thinking of buying a frontrunner kit does anybody have any recommendations on brands or where to get a bonnet already with the mount on it ?

[JDNSW]

The issue is not whether it impedes your vision, but the letter of the law regarding extra equipment that is within the driver's field of view. And the willingness or otherwise of the constabulary to pursue the matter.

[uninformed]

wonder if they affect areo/fuel economy?

[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.

[Mick_Marsh]

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.

[200defenda]

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.

[weeds]

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.

[Tins]

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

Emu? You sure?


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/257453-ostrich-2.html#post2756628

[dero]

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 .

[Simeon]

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.

[incisor]

i have the mounts on mine but not the retaining ring

can you get them seperately?

[dero]

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

[travelrover]

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.

Yes you are correct Simeon, there is a technique which makes it quite an effortless process. I rest my left forearm along the front of the bonnet, pull the locking lever and push up with arm at the same time. Easy

[B.S.F.]

If you've got trouble opening a bonnet with a tyre on it, you'd probably have more trouble getting the tyre onto the bonnet in the first place..W.

[Don 130]

i have the mounts on mine but not the retaining ring

can you get them seperately?

This is it Dave (https://www.ebay.com.au/i/263224761781?chn=ps).

It would be easy to make one.
Don.

[Don 130]

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.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/technical-chatter/49305d1343050138-wheel-bonnet-aerodynamic-improvement-final-report-version-3b.pdf

Don.

[200defenda]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/technical-chatter/49305d1343050138-wheel-bonnet-aerodynamic-improvement-final-report-version-3b.pdf

Don.

Very interesting read thank you Don 130

[rijidij]

All pre Td5 Defender bonnets that I’ve seen have the pre-punched holes through the steel ribs on the underside, where the bolts go to fit a spare wheel clamp. If you can buy a genuine Land Rover clamp as an accessory then I don’t see a problem with fitting one as the fixing points are factory supplied, but it might depend on the interpretation of the ADRs when it comes to the legality details.

[swaggi]

Emu? You sur

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/257453-ostrich-2.html#post2756628

looks like an Emu here.....

[swaggi]

there we go, some back on topic landie pics.

you still get a great view of the long road ahead

[swaggi]

Yea i think thats definitely the way to go, getting a second bonnet and leaving my original intact. Incase for what ever reason i would have to resort back to it. I was thinking of buying a frontrunner kit does anybody have any recommendations on brands or where to get a bonnet already with the mount on it ?

i have (what could be termed) a spare 'hanging up' in the shed......
but its keeping the unicycle company[bigsmile1][bigsmile1][bigsmile1]

[Shoogs]

there we go, some back on topic landie pics.

you still get a great view of the long road ahead

Yep, you do get some great views over the spare...

135997

[Dervish]

It should be noted that both of these over the bonnet shots are with 7.50r16s, which are about 205s in metric terms. Wider tyres are worse. I've driven Series vehicles with spares on the bonnet and for whatever reason - seating position, height of bonnet, who knows - it didn't bother me as much as on a coil sprung. I really don't like it on a coil sprung vehicle.

It looks fantastic though, particularly on a Camel.

[Shoogs]

It should be noted that both of these over the bonnet shots are with 7.50r16s, which are about 205s in metric terms. Wider tyres are worse. I've driven Series vehicles with spares on the bonnet and for whatever reason - seating position, height of bonnet, who knows - it didn't bother me as much as on a coil sprung. I really don't like it on a coil sprung vehicle.

It looks fantastic though, particularly on a Camel.

235/85 are not to bad... (crossing the Mupamadzi in South Luanga Zambia, some say my wife was walking to town for oil but she was checking the depth...that's what I say anyway... ) now have 255/85 and yes far to big and hit the roll cage so can't lift the bonnet far enough...

136007136008

[Ranga]

I'm not a big fella, but I don't have much problem lifting the bonnet and the spare. I rarely put the spare on the bonnet, but get used to it pretty quickly.

[200defenda]

i have (what could be termed) a spare 'hanging up' in the shed......
but its keeping the unicycle company[bigsmile1][bigsmile1][bigsmile1]

Haha thats awesome is the rest of the landie on the other side of the wall?

Is everybody’s tyre mounts genuine/original land rover gear or has any body installed a mount kit themselves?

[DiscoMick]

My wife is short so she wouldn't see much except sky over a bonnet mounted spare.

[travelrover]

The disturbed airflow buggers up the windscreen washer jets direction....

[Ranga]

The disturbed airflow buggers up the windscreen washer jets direction....My washer jets are almost useless anyway, even without the spare mounted.

I'll be fitting one of these when time permits PEUGEOT Windscreen Wiper Washer Jet Kit (Bonnet/Scuttle to Wiper arms) | eBay (https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/PEUGEOT-Windscreen-Wiper-Washer-Jet-Kit-Bonnet-Scuttle-to-Wiper-arms/322821890672?fits=Make%3APeugeot&hash=item4b29af2270:g:IVwAAOSw3xJXoLNe)

[travelrover]

My washer jets are almost useless anyway, even without the spare mounted.

I'll be fitting one of these when time permits PEUGEOT Windscreen Wiper Washer Jet Kit (Bonnet/Scuttle to Wiper arms) | eBay (https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/PEUGEOT-Windscreen-Wiper-Washer-Jet-Kit-Bonnet-Scuttle-to-Wiper-arms/322821890672?fits=Make%3APeugeot&hash=item4b29af2270:g:IVwAAOSw3xJXoLNe)

Mine too. Am looking at getting the megasquirt system which I think is similar to the Pug

[oldie4wder]

A landrover nut friend of mine points out that installing the spare on the bonnet could easily increase axle loading at the front beyond its official capacity.
And I agree that it adds a lot of weight to be lifted when opening the bonnet (especially when you get old a frail like myself :>)

[Boston]

Works OK, need to protect the engine shroud on TD5....not a lot of clearance.....Handy place to store recovery gear when in the bush..

[andrew53]

Hey has anybody had or has mounted a spare wheel to tdi defender bonnet ? What are your thoughts on doing it, is it worth doing it? Or more hassle than its worth?



Put it on the roof on your rack or on a wheel carrier. Your bonnet is not made for the weight and it will block important view that you need when off road.

[B.S.F.]

A landrover nut friend of mine points out that installing the spare on the bonnet could easily increase axle loading at the front beyond its official capacity.
And I agree that it adds a lot of weight to be lifted when opening the bonnet (especially when you get old a frail like myself :>)
Could you ask your friend if a bumper bar and mudguards full of wet sticky mud would overload the front axle too ? That would be about the same weight, wouldn't it ?
.W.

[Mick_Marsh]

A landrover nut friend of mine points out that installing the spare on the bonnet could easily increase axle loading at the front beyond its official capacity.
And I agree that it adds a lot of weight to be lifted when opening the bonnet (especially when you get old a frail like myself :>)
I'd like to see the numbers on that.

[Mick_Marsh]

Put it on the roof on your rack or on a wheel carrier. Your bonnet is not made for the weight and it will block important view that you need when off road.
If you read previous posts, you'll find your statement is far from proven.
Wouldn't putting the spare wheel on the roof just make the vehicle top heavy and more prone to tipping over?

[Ranga]

If you read previous posts, you'll find your statement is far from proven.
Wouldn't putting the spare wheel on the roof just make the vehicle top heavy and more prone to tipping over?Not to mention the risk to injury in lifting it that high...

[weeds]

I'd like to see the numbers on that.

Pretty sure I have posted numbers of mine going over a weigh bridge with spare on bonnet.......I was over weight on the front axle in touring mode and from memory that was with a trailer connect which in theory would take a small amount of weight off the front axle.

[weeds]

Here is one thread where I mention 40kg over on the front.....buggered if I can find thread with all weights

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/189874-110-axle-load-limits.html

[87County]

Wow, this thread makes a lot of reading of lots of opinions doesn't it ?

I, for one, in several hundreds of thousands of kms travelled both in the country and in the big smoke with spare wheels on 110 and earlier model bonnets, have never had any practical issue with any of the following;

1. increased weight on the front axle (!)
2. getting spoken to or charged by any police or transport authority
3. windscreen washer flow (!)
4. reduced visibility
5. difficulty in opening the bonnet.

Reading all of the posts it seems that those who use them or have used them like them,
and,
those who don't use them are inclined to be a bit antsy for any of a range of suggested reasons for which no empirical evidence has been posted.

I trust that the OP, 200defenda , can sum it up for himself :) He sure got a range of responses :)

All good stuff fellas :)

[Mick_Marsh]

Reading all of the posts it seems that those who use them or have used them like them,
and,
those who don't use them are inclined to be a bit antsy for any of a range of suggested reasons for which no empirical evidence haas been posted.
Rather typical for any thread on social media.

[weeds]

Wow, this thread makes a lot of reading of lots of opinions doesn't it ?

I, for one, in several hundreds of thousands of kms travelled both in the country and in the big smoke with spare wheels on 110 and earlier bonnets, have never had any practical issue with any of the following;
1. increased weight on the front axle (!)
2. getting spoken to or charged by any police or transport authority
3. windscreen washer flow (!)
4. reduced visibility
5. difficulty in opening the bonnet.

Reading all of the posts it seems that those who use them or have used them like them,
and,
those who don't use them are inclined to be a bit antsy for any of a range of suggested reasons for which no empirical evidence haas been posted.

I trust that the OP, 200defenda , can sum it up for himself :) He sure got a range of responses :)

All good stuff fellas :)

And your opinion is welcome to the discussion

[87County]

And your opinion is welcome to the discussion

thank you Mr. Weeds - please also see post#7 :)

[67hardtop]

This is the bonnet on my 109 stage 1 diesel 3.9....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/02/245.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/02/246.jpg

Im pretty sure this is for a spare wheel. I have the bolts that go into the 2 pins as well. So not an impossible task to fit or open the bonnet unless you have to reach over a bullbar that protrudes a long way forward, like on my s3.

Cheers Rod.

By the way my s3 was the ONLY land rover at 2016 S Aust. all British Day that had a spare on the bonnet...[emoji53]

[Ranga]

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

[Ranga]

Yep they look cool...
135930I must say, I do love that body colour!

Land Rover Camel Trophy Yellow LRC361 (https://paintman.co.uk/shop/land-rover-camel-trophy-yellow-lrc361/)

Wonder if I can convince the wife :)

[DiscoMick]

I must say, I do love that body colour!

Land Rover Camel Trophy Yellow LRC361 (https://paintman.co.uk/shop/land-rover-camel-trophy-yellow-lrc361/)

Wonder if I can convince the wife :)I know it can be done, but I wouldn't do it.

[incisor]

Wonder if I can convince the wife :)

just beg for forgiveness, it's easier [thumbsupbig][biggrin][bigwhistle]

[Ranga]

I know it can be done, but I wouldn't do it.What, convince her, or paint it? [emoji16]

[BreakingBad]

Makes checking the oil and water bloody difficult....

My bonnet has been reinforced and has scissor lifts on both sides which makes lifting with tyre easy.

[uninformed]

My bonnet has been reinforced and has scissor lifts on both sides which makes lifting with tyre easy.

how does adding these things make it easy or easier to lift?

[rick130]

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.A Defender and aero should be prohibited from being used in the same sentence! [emoji23][emoji23]

It's a bloody oxymoron!

I tried to include Serg's comment too, but I can't seem to multiquote in tapatalk.

I too have read that the tyre there has been found to improve fuel economy, but lifting it up there, particularly with 130HD rims would be a real PITA, let alone the stress on the hinges and bonnet itself.

[DiscoMick]

Having a tyre on the bonnet would have to interfere with the airflow over the bonnet to the high pressure area at the base of the windscreen. I would if the presence of the tyre would affect the ability of hot air to exit from the engine bay?

[BreakingBad]

how does adding these things make it easy or easier to lift?

i used to have a single solid rod bonnet stay. that was a pain because i had to hold the bonnet and tyre up with one arm while fumbling around undoing the rod and seating it with the other arm before letting go.

whilst a single scissor stay is easier than the solid rod there is the extra weight on the side without the scissor.

i haven't lifted the bonnet/tyre for quite some time but i recall it being much easier since having two scissor arms

[200defenda]

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

[200defenda]

Also Thanks for all the tips and advice guys

[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!

[travelrover]

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? ;-)

[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

[weeds]

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

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/86419-gas-strut-bonnet.html

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/226970-gas-struts.html

[Westie]

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.

[Dervish]

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).

136405

[67hardtop]

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).

136405
Oooh i havent got that bracket thingy for mine just the bolts. Might have to make one...
Cheers Rod

[200defenda]

155217


Finally got my spare wheel mounted on the bonnet. Im happy with it, i found a genuine kit. Making the install super easy.