woodgeek
Well-known member
I really wanted to carry a spare 24/7 in my new 2013 S+QC, before our driving season ramps up, and we start doing some 1-2 QC hop road trips. As a lease, I didn't want to do the tuck under thing, nor did I want to cut the rear mat, etc.
--I wanted the smallest spare possible, to minimize cargo loss and weight, and I wanted to match my 16" steel wheels (I have the S with stock ecopias).
I went with a Jeep Compact Spare, in 125/90/16, cheap on fleabay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261548371679?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which I think is cheaper/smaller/lighter than the Altima spare. I only plan to use it on the rear (will rotate tires if I get a front flat).
As warned on the forum, it does rub the rear caliper, so I got a thin spacer:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BW8VT4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which works fine (I mounted it and test drove the spare for a couple miles, testing acceleration and hard braking). If I had to do it over, I might try to find a non-'universal' spacer. FYI, I still have 5 full rotations on the lug nuts (ok for strength).
--for mounting, I bought a 6' nylon tie down strap (breaking strength 600 lbs) and cut it in half. I looped one half through the rim and under the tie-down anchor used for the stock L1 EVSE, pulled it tight and tied a knot in it. The tire can still slide around sideways an 1" or so, and lift slightly, but it is not going to decapitate anyone in an accident.
--the little backpack for the L1 EVSE always bugged me. I placed the spare 'bowl up', and used the extra space within to hold a 50' 16/3 conductor extension cord (rated 13A) and the L1 EVSE, and tied both to the wheel using the other 3' of nylon strapping. I consider the EVSE and new cord to be 'emergency only', and not for routine use.
--Then I put a 18" circle of corrugated cardboard on top for support, and put a 24" spare cover over the whole shooting match:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002F66I8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So, I now have a 5" thick, 24" diameter spare lying flat and tied down in the rear, with a nice black cover that matches the black cargo mat. And I lost the little backpack that was there (while still carrying the EVSE).
--I also bought a 1.5 ton jack from HarborFright. I fabb'ed a pouch for it from 1/8" packing foam sheet and lots of grey duct tape in 10 minutes, and stowed it in the left fender compartment.
What did I forget guys??
--I wanted the smallest spare possible, to minimize cargo loss and weight, and I wanted to match my 16" steel wheels (I have the S with stock ecopias).
I went with a Jeep Compact Spare, in 125/90/16, cheap on fleabay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261548371679?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which I think is cheaper/smaller/lighter than the Altima spare. I only plan to use it on the rear (will rotate tires if I get a front flat).
As warned on the forum, it does rub the rear caliper, so I got a thin spacer:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BW8VT4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
which works fine (I mounted it and test drove the spare for a couple miles, testing acceleration and hard braking). If I had to do it over, I might try to find a non-'universal' spacer. FYI, I still have 5 full rotations on the lug nuts (ok for strength).
--for mounting, I bought a 6' nylon tie down strap (breaking strength 600 lbs) and cut it in half. I looped one half through the rim and under the tie-down anchor used for the stock L1 EVSE, pulled it tight and tied a knot in it. The tire can still slide around sideways an 1" or so, and lift slightly, but it is not going to decapitate anyone in an accident.
--the little backpack for the L1 EVSE always bugged me. I placed the spare 'bowl up', and used the extra space within to hold a 50' 16/3 conductor extension cord (rated 13A) and the L1 EVSE, and tied both to the wheel using the other 3' of nylon strapping. I consider the EVSE and new cord to be 'emergency only', and not for routine use.
--Then I put a 18" circle of corrugated cardboard on top for support, and put a 24" spare cover over the whole shooting match:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002F66I8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So, I now have a 5" thick, 24" diameter spare lying flat and tied down in the rear, with a nice black cover that matches the black cargo mat. And I lost the little backpack that was there (while still carrying the EVSE).
--I also bought a 1.5 ton jack from HarborFright. I fabb'ed a pouch for it from 1/8" packing foam sheet and lots of grey duct tape in 10 minutes, and stowed it in the left fender compartment.
What did I forget guys??