Roof Moutned Spare Tire Help

[Pwnin O'Brien]

I finally mounted my spare tire in my cargo basket today. I was just wondering if anybody has any tips or suggestions on using ratchet straps to tie down the tire. I decided to go with ratchet tie downs since the tire mount for my Yakima basket is $80, and I don't have $80.

I posted a couple of pics below for your viewing pleasure. The vertical strap in the picture is actually twisted a little due to the direction of the bars it's hooked to. I know this isn't good for the webbing, but I didn't really have any other choice. I am also unsure about how much I should ratchet the straps and how much I should tighten them. They're pretty tight right now but I didn't want to tighten them anymore because the ratchets start pushing into the tires and I didn't want to create any fatigue points on the tires. I also don't like the location of the ratchets with respect to the tire, they're both kinda hinged on the tire edge/corner and it's not ideal.

If anybody has any tips or suggestion, please let me know before my tire flies off my car!





Thanks!

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Also, what should I do with the excess webbing? It's currently just laying in the wheel and I'm worried that at highway speeds it might come out and start flapping in the wind. Should I cut it? Rubber band it? Zip Tie it? Is there any recommended method for tying it back?

[Empty V]

This probably isn't the answer you're looking for but I suggest getting the tire mount for the rack. Mine has a plate with several chain links and a stud that fits in a lug hole in the rim and goes over a piece of all thread. A massive wingnut compresses the plate and an eye loop one one of the wings allows you to padlock it to the chain. I'm not sure how theft goes with roof mounted wheels but it would be pretty easy to cut the webbing and lift the wheel.

Billy

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Well I'm not too concerned with theft of the spare tire. I live in a gated community and the area I live in is pretty safe. My main concern is safety. I'm worried I may be doing something wrong or the straps may be incorrectly placed or something.

[miamiheat3332]

as long as the straps are tight, your fine dude, your tire isnt going to fly off, i transported like 550 pounds of pressure treated wood for a kids playset on my roof rack and strapped it down and it didnt budge, a 30 lbs tire wont fly off lol.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Ok, so I just changed from the '+' configuration to an 'x' configuration. This setup is bit more pleasing to the eye and more symmetrical. The two ratchets are at the rear of the vehicle forming a criss-cros over the tire. This seems like it would provide more support at the front and rear of the tire for quick acceleration and quick stops.

[Chuck Tribolet]

A twist is not all bad. It keeps the strap from vibrating in the wind. I knowfolks who routinely put a half twist in their boat tie down straps.

As far as the loose ends go, I'd cut them off with my hot knife, fold the ends over, and sew them down on my sewing machine.