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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
How essential is a rear wheel carrier?!
Hi All

I have my rear wheel off currently waiting to buy a rear wheel carrier... They are an expensive option and I was wondering how many of you have the wheel mounted straight to the rear door with no issues? I know the risk is strain through the components but how much of a risk is it- will the door definitely crack over time?!

I have a boost alloy with 265/75 Cooper Stt Pro tyres

Thanks! Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853199 30th Aug 2020 8:07pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7866

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
No wheel carrier here on 2012 110, no issues so far. I had a wheel carrier on my list but the here issues of rattles and thought maybe it will be easier/more economical to just replace the hinges. James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
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Post #853209 30th Aug 2020 8:20pm
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Rashers



Member Since: 21 Jun 2015
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3326

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
I was always going to fit one. I never got round to it. I was then going to fit one after I got the rear cross member resprayed but someone who is very well respected on here recommended not to fit one. The rear cross member is not bad and I still haven't done that either.

I am still thinking of fitting one but my 2014 Defender still looks fine at present (that was a stupid comment, the door will probably fall to bits tomorrow Rolling with laughter )

Most Defenders I see driving around my neck of the woods don't seem to have wheel carriers. So I then started wondering whether they were really necessary?

I should add, my Truck is often in a field, but doesn't see a lot of rough off road use.

I have never heard whether they rattle? Maybe that was why I was warned against fitting one? Be interesting to see other reactions and comments
Post #853216 30th Aug 2020 8:41pm
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stew 46



Member Since: 26 Jan 2012
Location: Wadebridge ,cornwall .
Posts: 561

England 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Bonatti Grey
I’m even thinking of leaving my spare wheel in my garage , it’s a pain when hitching my trailer on , modems cars don’t carry a spare Confused
Post #853224 30th Aug 2020 8:50pm
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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
JOW240725 wrote:
No wheel carrier here on 2012 110, no issues so far. I had a wheel carrier on my list but the here issues of rattles and thought maybe it will be easier/more economical to just replace the hinges.


Good to hear- think I may juts chance it and see how I get on- I too have read about the issues they cause rather than the problems they solve! Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853230 30th Aug 2020 8:58pm
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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
Rashers wrote:
I was always going to fit one. I never got round to it. I was then going to fit one after I got the rear cross member resprayed but someone who is very well respected on here recommended not to fit one. The rear cross member is not bad and I still haven't done that either.

I am still thinking of fitting one but my 2014 Defender still looks fine at present (that was a stupid comment, the door will probably fall to bits tomorrow Rolling with laughter )

Most Defenders I see driving around my neck of the woods don't seem to have wheel carriers. So I then started wondering whether they were really necessary?

I should add, my Truck is often in a field, but doesn't see a lot of rough off road use.

I have never heard whether they rattle? Maybe that was why I was warned against fitting one? Be interesting to see other reactions and comments


Interesting to read, thanks for this. Think I may just take the risk- I don't do much off roading really either. Laughing Hope the 2014 door lives a long life! Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853231 30th Aug 2020 9:00pm
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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
stew 46 wrote:
I’m even thinking of leaving my spare wheel in my garage , it’s a pain when hitching my trailer on , modems cars don’t carry a spare Confused


True- however I can't help but feel as though it looks incomplete at the back without it on! Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853232 30th Aug 2020 9:01pm
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1758

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
My spare is on the roof, because the rear door cracked in multiple places on the frame, presumably caused by the wheel weight. It will be going back onto a carrier once I've assigned some spare money to buy one! I'll probably go for the masai4x4, rather than one of the more expensive variants.
Post #853234 30th Aug 2020 9:03pm
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jaygti



Member Since: 04 Nov 2012
Location: essex
Posts: 375

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Epsom Green
I’ve had mine for 8 years, and I’ve had no problems with it fitted to the door.

I keep meaning to get a carrier , but there’s always something more important / interesting To spend my money on. 2002 td5 90 county hardtop
Post #853235 30th Aug 2020 9:03pm
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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
miker wrote:
My spare is on the roof, because the rear door cracked in multiple places on the frame, presumably caused by the wheel weight. It will be going back onto a carrier once I've assigned some spare money to buy one! I'll probably go for the masai4x4, rather than one of the more expensive variants.


Not what I wanted to hear!! But thanks - what condition were your hinges and door in when it cracked and do you drive off road a lot with it? Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853237 30th Aug 2020 9:07pm
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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
jaygti wrote:
I’ve had mine for 8 years, and I’ve had no problems with it fitted to the door.

I keep meaning to get a carrier , but there’s always something more important / interesting To spend my money on.


That's my issue- they are all pretty much >£200 and so much more interesting stuff to look at in that price point Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853239 30th Aug 2020 9:08pm
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1758

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
MarcusM wrote:
miker wrote:
My spare is on the roof, because the rear door cracked in multiple places on the frame, presumably caused by the wheel weight. It will be going back onto a carrier once I've assigned some spare money to buy one! I'll probably go for the masai4x4, rather than one of the more expensive variants.


Not what I wanted to hear!! But thanks - what condition were your hinges and door in when it cracked and do you drive off road a lot with it?


Very little off roading, hinges are loose but not bad overall. door needed a full rebuild both down to the cracks and general corrosion.
Post #853242 30th Aug 2020 9:17pm
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trailbear



Member Since: 14 Sep 2016
Location: Scotland
Posts: 401

United Kingdom 
When you think about it, there’s a fair old weight on the back door hinges with the wheel on the door, have you ever
Tried to lift your spare wheel up to and fit it onto the back door. That’s what I have an AA membership for!

I have had a Mantec carrier fitted to my vehicle for well over 10yrs and another make for 5 years previous to that and the rear crossmember does not seem to have suffered any ill effects.

I don’t think I would be leaving home without a spare, that seems like tempting fate, what would you do if you did have a puncture....Recovery Truck!
Post #853244 30th Aug 2020 9:27pm
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LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11240

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey
MarcusM wrote:
miker wrote:
My spare is on the roof, because the rear door cracked in multiple places on the frame, presumably caused by the wheel weight. It will be going back onto a carrier once I've assigned some spare money to buy one! I'll probably go for the masai4x4, rather than one of the more expensive variants.


Not what I wanted to hear!! But thanks - what condition were your hinges and door in when it cracked and do you drive off road a lot with it?

It's worth bearing in mind that miker's rear door on his 1999 model is a completely different construction to that fitted to all models from 2005 onwards. The earlier door is an ali skin over a steel box section frame whilst the later one is an all steel pressing and much stronger for it. That being said, I've still fitted a wheel carrier Rolling Eyes Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Post #853255 30th Aug 2020 9:49pm
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MarcusM



Member Since: 29 Jan 2020
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 101

2007 Defender 90 Td5 HT Keswick Green
Thanks for that Darren- interesting to know- for now think I will mount it but next upgrade may be a carrier! Keswick green 2007 Defender 90 TD5
Post #853271 31st Aug 2020 6:32am
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