On tire storage or No?

[CarlosMOtoCO]

I was thinking of adding a little more storage utilizing the spare tire on my JLU XR (it has the tailgate reinforcement). I have read the majority of my overlanding adventures, I will probably not need extra fuel but I am considering (1) 2.5 gallon Rotopax. Has anyone done anything creative/DIY with the other mounting plate that comes with the Rock-Slide Engineering EZ Tire Rack? I was thinking maybe some type of small lightweight tote mounted directly to the Rock-Slide plate that could sit on top while the Rotopax was mounted to the other plate on the side. I am getting by now with storing everything inside but I plan on taking some longer than 3 night adventures and maybe a little more storage would be good. Trying to avoid the expense of a full roof rack and a hitch rack is kind of a PITA.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

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[JEEP4U]

Take a look at American Adventure Labs -

M.A.S.S. Spare Tire Platform (STP) w/ Rotopax

 

[Jeepeto]

I ran the rock slide engineering on Jeepeto II, with 2 two gallon packs not tailgate reinforcement and 35s without issue, and I run the AAL STP on my XR with the reinforced tailgate without issues. You could surely use the other side for a 5 LB propane tank like I’ve got on Jeepeto III if you’re over landing.

 

[GATORB8]

I'd identify what you're going to store and start there. A small Pelican/Apache would work, I'd put a back plate inside the case and through bolt. In the limited space, I'd stay away from a roto-molded setup.

 

[Blue Bear]

You might also consider a small Milwaukee "Red Box" for the other side of your EZ Rack. It wont carry much, but it could be all the small stuff you never really find a home for.

 

[GATORB8]

If you use propane applicances already (or plan to), I think @Jeepeto 's 5 lb tank recommendation is a great one. If you don't, just be careful will locking yourself into the fuel source.

Propane appliances tend to be bigger, but give you some cool options. We run a 10 lb tank for cooking, our shower water heater, and an ammo can fire pit when we can't burn wood.

 

[dpike]

There's almost limitless possibilities with the rock slide tire strap thing. Every time I look at it my brain lights up. Adapting motorcycle panniers to the plates would be simple to do. Mosko moto makes a nice set of soft bags and mounting plates that would fit great. I had a propane tank and rotopax fuel can on mine.

Jesus... Now thinking about it I have to get another set of Mosko mounting plates for my bags, they would fit perfectly.

 

[CarlosMOtoCO]

I ran the rock slide engineering on Jeepeto II, with 2 two gallon packs not tailgate reinforcement and 35s without issue, and I run the AAL STP on my XR with the reinforced tailgate without issues. You could surely use the other side for a 5 LB propane tank like I’ve got on Jeepeto III if you’re over landing.

I do like the concept of the AAL STP but the painted version is $460 + the cost of any additional mounts, Rotopax, etc. Probably just a CYA for them but they list this language on their website: ......However, this is highly dependent on the mounting method for your spare tire. To achieve maximum weight capability, it is important that your tire be mounted to a sturdy swing out tire carrier (not directly to the tailgate).
Thanks for the info and the pics, both great looking Jeeps. I had a 2dr before this XR and there are times that I miss it. I'm getting jazzed about expanding my adventures a little more this summer. I have a backpacking background so for now, I am keeping a fairly minimalist approach to my build. Sleeping in back, small chairs, green propane bottles, etc. for now.
One more question: what system did you use for your side window mount for gas and water? Happy with it?
Thanks

 

[CarlosMOtoCO]

There's almost limitless possibilities with the rock slide tire strap thing. Every time I look at it my brain lights up. Adapting motorcycle panniers to the plates would be simple to do. Mosko moto makes a nice set of soft bags and mounting plates that would fit great. I had a propane tank and rotopax fuel can on mine.

Jesus... Now thinking about it I have to get another set of Mosko mounting plates for my bags, they would fit perfectly.

LOl, it does make the mind wander about what's next.......

 

[CarlosMOtoCO]

You might also consider a small Milwaukee "Red Box" for the other side of your EZ Rack. It wont carry much, but it could be all the small stuff you never really find a home for.

I'll look into those "red boxes". Right now I am using some Rigid boxes inside for my kitchen and misc. camp items. I've been happy with them so far; depending on the site, I have left them outside and they have held up nicely.

 

[CarlosMOtoCO]

I'd identify what you're going to store and start there. A small Pelican/Apache would work, I'd put a back plate inside the case and through bolt. In the limited space, I'd stay away from a roto-molded setup.

Good point on the identifying what I want to store there. Right now I don't really "need" any additional storage but if I start extending my trips it makes me think about the "what-ifs". Obviously if I decide I need more fuel it will have to be stored outside and if I venture out of Colorado and more SW, my needs for water will be greater.
Thanks for the response

 

[Kleiss1]

How much more weight will the stock spare tire carrier handle?
When closed it should be good for a few extra pounds.

 

[Schahn]

My setup

 

[Blue Bear]

I'll look into those "red boxes". Right now I am using some Rigid boxes inside for my kitchen and misc. camp items. I've been happy with them so far; depending on the site, I have left them outside and they have held up nicely.

The only real difference between the Red Box and the Rigid boxes will be the price and the fact that the Red Box can be attached to other Red Boxes. I have the large toolbox strapped to a flat slider and a smaller box attached to the top of it. That means both are secure in the back of the Jeep. It's a pretty cool system. American Adventure Lab makes a mounting plate you can mount to almost any flat surface - you just gotta drill the holes in the surface and screw them down. I bet you could mount one to your cargo shelf.

 

[Jeepeto]

I do like the concept of the AAL STP but the painted version is $460 + the cost of any additional mounts, Rotopax, etc. Probably just a CYA for them but they list this language on their website: ......However, this is highly dependent on the mounting method for your spare tire. To achieve maximum weight capability, it is important that your tire be mounted to a sturdy swing out tire carrier (not directly to the tailgate).

For sure the AAL stuff is a bit pricy, for us we had already filled up the cargo area and it was worth it to have the extra room outside. There’s better solutions if you have the room (see trail Rax below ?) As for weight, it definitely depends on your carrier, I would be concerned running it on my sport with no extra reinforcement. However, allow me to be your canary in the coal mine ? I’ve got heavy beadlocks and 37” MTs with the system and the same XR tailgate reinforcement without issue.

I had a 2dr before this XR and there are times that I miss it. I'm getting jazzed about expanding my adventures a little more this summer. I have a backpacking background so for now, I am keeping a fairly minimalist approach to my build. Sleeping in back, small chairs, green propane bottles, etc. for now.

? similar path here, backpacking > ADV motorcycles > 2 door jeep > 4 door jeep. If you’re like me you’ll quickly fill up your 4 door and wonder how you ever made it work in a 2 door

One more question: what system did you use for your side window mount for gas and water? Happy with it?
Thanks

Trail Rax Pack Rax, I’ve had them for a little over two years and they are a vital part of our packout. We usually have rotopax on the driver side, up to 4 of the two gallons on one side, and then we run either a waterport for our shower or a diesel heater in the winter if it’s too cold for a shower. If you do pick up a set grab some 3M paint protection tape to save your top from damage at the touch points ?

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