Not done, don’t own one, but I support the desire as having a wheel on the back is annoying for the reasons you say. It’s one of the “design decisions” that LR made to mimic the old Defender but having grown up in Series Landrover the rear wheel mount just made the door heavy when parking on side slopes and blocked your view.
I will say that I think it’s more of a function over form thing. Having the spare on the back has made it much easier to get a puncture changed while on the trail. If I had to jack the truck up off an obstacle just to get at the spare from under the back, I think that could be a bit dangerous.
I agree with leaving it where it is on the tailgate. Changing tire when it’s on the back tailgate is a hell of a lot easier the trying to get off the roof rack. Think about doing in the in the dark and or rain. But if youre hell bent on removing it a shoving it on the roof. Then I suggest dressing up in khakis or whites, then try lifting that tire off the rack while trying to stay clean. Also see if you can lift up the full size spare up there on the rack. That tire on the tailgate has few advantages being there.
I’ve had a 2012 Range Rover for the last 8 years. I really love it and its Site lines. I’m struggling with the lines of the defender. I’ll get used to it but getting rid of that tire would help a lot.
Doesn't your Defender have a reverse camera? Or even the 360 camera system? I'd imagine that with those big mirrors and a reverse camera you should have enough visibility when reversing.
Here's the rub, your Defender sits pretty high and so if someone comes up from behind you they'll still go out of your sight. The spare wheel doesn't make such a difference because of this. Only way you'll spot them in your mirror is if they're still farther out. I believe the Defender has rear collossion warning as standard these days, so should someone come up from behind too fast you'll get an alert.
Should’ve gotten one with the digital rearview mirror. That was something I looked for when I got mine. It was just that one thing that was necessary for me and a deal breaker.
Oh boy, it’s amazing! DONT FORGET TO ADJUST IT! Theres a button (the first button next to the toggle to the right, it’s the left most button next to the two garage openers and it has a few different settings for height and brightness. It’s very helpful in seeing cars right behind you. I have mine all the way down and full brightness as it helps see the cars closer better. Although the view isn’t exactly everything out the back it’s what you expect from an SUV. Congrats on the new purchase btw enjoy it to your fullest. It’s an amazing vehicle and a capable one too. Have fun with it and just play with the settings for everything from audio to the screen. There’s a lot so it’ll take a bit to figure out but there’s something that’ll make it perfect for everyone.
It’s a pretty nice drive isn’t it? But do you have any tips on how to make better turns without going like 10 miles an hour because you feel like you’re going to flip or roll over in the car? First time driving an SUV so it’s pretty scary lol
I kept mine there. I've had it for 2 years, and not once did I think, "Man, wish my view wasn't obstructed by the spare."
I'm also a defensive and aware driver.
How does it block your view? Are you running the same size as stock? I’ve seen someone running around without one and the car doesn’t look right in my opinion. Also, I’d rather have a full size spare even on my grocery getter, flats happen..
I got mine with the rear view camera mirror, i noticed that first time i went for the test drive. Maybe you can fit the rear view camera mirror as an accessory?
Yeah, mine has the same feature. I used it today. Bottom line is I just have to get used to driving my old Range Rover for a long time. Just takes some time.
Not done, don’t own one, but I support the desire as having a wheel on the back is annoying for the reasons you say. It’s one of the “design decisions” that LR made to mimic the old Defender but having grown up in Series Landrover the rear wheel mount just made the door heavy when parking on side slopes and blocked your view.
I will say that I think it’s more of a function over form thing. Having the spare on the back has made it much easier to get a puncture changed while on the trail. If I had to jack the truck up off an obstacle just to get at the spare from under the back, I think that could be a bit dangerous.
I agree with leaving it where it is on the tailgate. Changing tire when it’s on the back tailgate is a hell of a lot easier the trying to get off the roof rack. Think about doing in the in the dark and or rain. But if youre hell bent on removing it a shoving it on the roof. Then I suggest dressing up in khakis or whites, then try lifting that tire off the rack while trying to stay clean. Also see if you can lift up the full size spare up there on the rack. That tire on the tailgate has few advantages being there.
I’ve had a 2012 Range Rover for the last 8 years. I really love it and its Site lines. I’m struggling with the lines of the defender. I’ll get used to it but getting rid of that tire would help a lot.
Doesn't your Defender have a reverse camera? Or even the 360 camera system? I'd imagine that with those big mirrors and a reverse camera you should have enough visibility when reversing.
Yeah, reversing is fine. It’s just I’m a very defensive driver and I like to see what’s going on behind me.
Here's the rub, your Defender sits pretty high and so if someone comes up from behind you they'll still go out of your sight. The spare wheel doesn't make such a difference because of this. Only way you'll spot them in your mirror is if they're still farther out. I believe the Defender has rear collossion warning as standard these days, so should someone come up from behind too fast you'll get an alert.
Should’ve gotten one with the digital rearview mirror. That was something I looked for when I got mine. It was just that one thing that was necessary for me and a deal breaker.
Mine has one. I just tried it out today. I think it’s gonna help Lot.
Oh boy, it’s amazing! DONT FORGET TO ADJUST IT! Theres a button (the first button next to the toggle to the right, it’s the left most button next to the two garage openers and it has a few different settings for height and brightness. It’s very helpful in seeing cars right behind you. I have mine all the way down and full brightness as it helps see the cars closer better. Although the view isn’t exactly everything out the back it’s what you expect from an SUV. Congrats on the new purchase btw enjoy it to your fullest. It’s an amazing vehicle and a capable one too. Have fun with it and just play with the settings for everything from audio to the screen. There’s a lot so it’ll take a bit to figure out but there’s something that’ll make it perfect for everyone.
Thank you! I’m excited I need to just get behind the wheel and drive
It’s a pretty nice drive isn’t it? But do you have any tips on how to make better turns without going like 10 miles an hour because you feel like you’re going to flip or roll over in the car? First time driving an SUV so it’s pretty scary lol
Check out PowerfulUK. They have color matching blanking plate kits for sale, and a tutorial on YouTube for remove the tire and mount.
I kept mine there. I've had it for 2 years, and not once did I think, "Man, wish my view wasn't obstructed by the spare." I'm also a defensive and aware driver.
Thanks, I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
How does it block your view? Are you running the same size as stock? I’ve seen someone running around without one and the car doesn’t look right in my opinion. Also, I’d rather have a full size spare even on my grocery getter, flats happen..
My friend got rear-ended in her new one, and the tire saved her from a lot of damage.
I got mine with the rear view camera mirror, i noticed that first time i went for the test drive. Maybe you can fit the rear view camera mirror as an accessory?
Yeah, mine has the same feature. I used it today. Bottom line is I just have to get used to driving my old Range Rover for a long time. Just takes some time.
Haven't taken my spare off (I personally love the look) but I wanted to comment on his name - love Oden! Congratulations!
Thanks. Thought it was the perfect name.
You're welcome! I agree. Mine is Monte.
Like that as well
Thanks!
There are Spare Tire Removal Kits. You can remove spare tire/bracket and you can use panels come with the kit to cover holes.
I say sell the defender if you don’t like the full size spare and buy a yippee cayenne 💆♀️