can you open Bonnet with spare wheel on?

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Mr G Imp

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If I mount my spare wheel on the bonnet, will I have to take it off to open the bonnet? I have the farmer/military type tyres on which are quite narrow but weigh a lot ! at the moment the spare sits in the back (pick up) taking up space
 
Depends on how strong you are.
I had bonnet mounted spares for years and while it was not a problem for me there was no way that my wife could even consider lifting the bonnet.
If you go for it then you will need the correct stay (the folding type) as it is stronger than the prop.

Have you considered a swingaway carrier, keeps the wheel on the back but does not interfere with tub space?
 
The weight wont be too much of a problem unless it falls on my head ! Just wanted to know if it will clear the windscreen as I don't want to un bolt it each time. Not sure a swing away will work on a pick up?
 
You can get swing aways for pick ups and the windscreen view won't be affected as it sits in a wheel well on the bonnet. The wheel does add weight when lifting the bonnet which is why I believe the military moved to the side mounted wheel carriers.
 
No problem lifting it..

A tad worried working under the bonnet with a weighty tire sat above your head ;)

Just waiting for the bonnet to drop and give ya a headache!! ;)
 
Litch said:
Depends on how strong you are.
I had bonnet mounted spares for years and while it was not a problem for me there was no way that my wife could even consider lifting the bonnet.
If you go for it then you will need the correct stay (the folding type) as it is stronger than the prop.

Have you considered a swingaway carrier, keeps the wheel on the back but does not interfere with tub space?
Click to expand...

Other way round isn’t it? - the prop was fitted to military vehicles with the tyre in the bonnet as it’s stronger than the folding thing. I am sure I saw a LR service thing that showed all the hits to fit when fitting a tyre to the bonnet and it included swapping the folding flat bar stay to the solid rod prop. I thought it was sudden failure of the pivot in the middle of the folding prop was prone to failing with the weight on. Will see if I can find the service bulletin thingy
 
I can lift mine no problem and often do to check oil etc. 2 hands to push it up and hold up with one while setting up the stay.

I take it off if doing anything under the bonnet that’s more than a fluids check though
 
I did have a bonnet mount on my 2a of years ago, no problem lifting the 7 50 16 SAT. however I did once fail to set the folding prop correctly and it fell on me as I lent in. The bonnet catch struck me in the back just off to the side of the spine. There was no penetration but some severe bruising and it was painful for weeks after.
Still kept the wheel on the bonnet just made sure prop was properly set.

As an aside I remember someone did some aerodynamic tests on the very unaerodynamic Landy and found they were improved a fair bit with the wheel on the bonnet.
 
tottot said:
I did have a bonnet mount on my 2a of years ago, no problem lifting the 7 50 16 SAT. however I did once fail to set the folding prop correctly and it fell on me as I lent in. The bonnet catch struck me in the back just off to the side of the spine. There was no penetration but some severe bruising and it was painful for weeks after.
Still kept the wheel on the bonnet just made sure prop was properly set. As an aside I remember someone did some aerodynamic tests on the very unaerodynamic Landy and found they were improved a fair bit with the wheel on the bonnet.
Click to expand...

That sounds very painful. Interesting to hear of improved aero' with wheel on bonnet, would really like to see this info'

+ the detail where the fixed bonnet stay is stronger than the folding type. My wheel is on bonnet and have been thinking how best to add support to this as it's all quite flimsy when bonnet is up.

Note: logically, one would never work under engine bay with weight of wheel and tyre just waiting to land back down on to the head, back, arms, hands; ouch!
 
v8250 said:
That sounds very painful. Interesting to hear of improved aero' with wheel on bonnet, would really like to see this info'



The article was in 4X4 magazine over thirty years ago If I remember correctly.
Some have fitted a gas strut booster to help lift the bonnet.
Click to expand...
 
Have 2 spares, one at the back on a swingaway, the other on the bonnet. The latter is a bit of a push to lift but do-able as long as you position yourself properly. The solid rod prop is the one to use. I also removed the OEM bonnet catch as it's a bit like a spear head waiting to impale you; I fitted retaining pins and lock the bonnet release with a clothes peg before trying to open the lid. If you don't, the weight of the wheel stops the bonnet from "popping".
If you want to put aux lights etc along the front of the truck, this can make it awkward to get your hands, palms up (to push up) under the lip.
 
A 750x16 wheel is difficult to get on and off the bonnet and it is difficult to open the bonnet with the wheel on, definitely a two handed job. (That's one person, both hands.)
Also, I can confirm that the solid one piece bonnet stay is the one you need, there is also a bit of additional reinforcing bolted to the underside
I still don't like working in the engine bay with that bloody great wheel above my head.
 
Last edited:
There are heavy duty striker pin springs which overcome the weight of the spare wheel an allows the bonnet to pop-up when you pull the bonnet release cable. This makes it possible to open the bonnet with only one person. Handy.

MUC4803 upto chassis TA983377
ASR1229 after that but not TD5.
 
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Lief Zpring said:
There are heavy duty striker pin springs which overcome the weight of the spare wheel an allows the bonnet to pop-up when you pull the bonnet release cable. This makes it possible to open the bonnet with only one person. Handy.

MUC4803 upto chassis TA983377
ASR1229 after that but not TD5.
Click to expand...
Useful info, that. Ta.
In the absence of the beefier spring, I've found that pulling the bonnet release and then putting a clothes peg between the handle and the bracket works pretty well to keep everything unlocked while I go around the front and lift the bonnet.
 
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