I like my spare in the back where it stays clean and no worry about somone stealing it for the tire and wheel. Also, I like the looks of the back without the carrier, as I could never get it completely clean when I washed it. I have run rear bumpers with carriers on my past JK's, but honestly never found one that did not rattle, no matter how much I paid. It's just a matter of individual likes and dislikes.

 

I run without the spare, and even when I did have the spare tire on, I never once swapped it with a flat tire-wheel.

My hole-plug kit, soapy water bottle and air compressor was way quicker and safer (IMO).

But as mentioned already, take it with you on the trail or long trips.

 

I ran with my spare in the back because I didn't want to hang a 35 on the tailgate, but it is out there now. I like the look of the spare on the back. One more chance to show off the big ass tires.

 

I like the look of it better. Also, I have a loan on the Jeep. With a loan you have to have full coverage. With full coverage comes road side assistance. If i get a blow out, they'll tow me to get it fixed. Then ill throw a spare in the back when i go off road.

 

Can we see some pics of how your tailgate looks without out the spare?

 

I'd say you've just jinxed yourself my friend

 

Guess it depends on what you do. Last trip I cracked a rim and it was leaking, on top of a mountain miles from road. Two weeks before that 5" slash in my sidewall half way through about a mile of mud hole, again no where near anywhere I could get a trailer to.

I have probably used my spare 10 times in 2 years on the trail, never on the road.

 

I slashed the sidewall one of my Coopers not long after having them installed. We were wheeling in the snow and I must have found some barbwire or something. I had my spare so was able to continue wheeling for the rest of the day.

Keep in mind if you have Autolockers likes Detroits or Aussies then you better have an identical spare with you since you cannot mount dislike diameter tires with lockers so borrowing a spare won't be an option.

Wonder if anybody makes a spare tire carrier that can be mounted to the rear seat points in a 2-door for easy swapping.

 

tire on or tire off??