ok, have recently moved my spare to the roof since bodylift left me no wanting to put a hole in the rear bumper...and ok i like the look...there i said it.
problem is it is factory spare..so not part of the regular rotation. after moving it up there i came to the realization that i will introduce the tire to sun all day and most likely cause it to rot.

so my question is has anyone figured out a way to deal with this short of buying some sort of cover similar to if it was mounted on rear swing out rack.

 

My spare has been in the sun for a couple of years now. The spare before that even longer. Oh, and the tires on the road are in the sun every day.

I think you are worrying too much about this. If it worries you too much, just flip your spare over every few months and bake it evenly on both sides.

 

well if i am gonna flip it i may as well spray some baking grease on it

probably am worrying to much, but no experience in this area. so i ask.
just some input to put the mind at ease.

thanks

 

I think you'll be fine too. Sure, maybe you're exposing it to the elements a little more than you would be if you were using it, technically, but I doubt it's going to make a difference.

 

If you're worried, I'd look into buying a spare tire cover similar to the ones they put on rear-mounted spares....

 

not really worried so much as wondering if i should be.
i have checked them out 20 bucks...but will see.

 

You are correct to worry. The sun WILL damage the tire. On the truck, the angle the sun hits it is different (although it still is damaging), on top, it is in direct sunlight all the time. The rubber has oils in it that bake out which cause the tire to break down. Just throw a cover on it, they are cheap enough. On my travel trailer, I have 5 expensive tires on it that I cover anytime they are not rolling to preserve them. My old trailer had tires on it that I bought it with that looked great, loads of tread, but they were weather damaged from sitting outside. The treads started ripping off of them while tooling down the highways, and there were no signs of damage (ie;cracks).
My Blazer rear tire carrier has been removed & the mount holes shaved. Now my spare rides in the back, with a safety strap holding it in place. If you are gonna carry it outside, I would recommend a cover that protects it from UV rays.

 

I'm going to try and park in the shade whenever I can, and it is probably isnt a bad idea to get a new spare tire ever so many years. I know I need to get a new one to match my 31's...

 

Not to thread jack, but how are you holding it down on the roof? Ratchet straps? I'm thinking about doing the same.

 

whatever you do to secure it, make sure it is strong.
If you should get into an accident, it will be come a 50 pound round rocket!