Removing spare tire to increase cargo room

[MSBruno]

Not sure if anyone has noticed or done so, but if you remove the spare tire/jack, you can almost double the cargo room. The area is one large square box, so has anyone removed their spare tire to increase the cargo capacity of their Q7? Looking to purchase a Q7 and the increase in cargo room interests us tremendously as there aren't many luxury 7 passenger SUV's with ample cargo room. Not sure about you, but with 3 and maybe 4 kids we always need more cargo room.

On the flip side, we'd be willing to wait for the new Q7, but we are unsure if the spare tire location/layout will allow us to do the same. To further the problem, we won't be able to know if the new, Gen2, will allow us to do so before the last time to order a Gen1. Apparently, the last time to order a Gen1 is in April and we won't be able to see a new Gen2 after that date. We went to the autoshow and they wouldn't let us touch the closed vehicle.

The X5 would interest us, but the battery is located under the cargo carpet and won't allow us to utilize the area underneath the floor. The GL is just too $$$.

I hope everyone can appreciate our dilemma.

[MSBruno]

[B-Time]

Seems foolish to not have a spare when you are toting 3 or 4 kids around. Get a roof box.

[iconoclast]

where do you put the amp? it would just slide around and eventually rip the harness apart.

i assume you're referring to the new f15 x5 because on the e70 the floor lifted up and had additional storage space.

[MSBruno]

where do you put the amp? it would just slide around and eventually rip the harness apart.

i assume you're referring to the new f15 x5 because on the e70 the floor lifted up and had additional storage space.

That is only the x5 5 seater setup. Once they add the 3rd row, that storage is eliminated.

[MSBruno]

Seems foolish to not have a spare when you are toting 3 or 4 kids around. Get a roof box.

What seems foolish is to change a tire on the side of the road and not call roadside assiatane. Many more deaths occur every year due to the stupidity of people sitting cars on the side of the road. I've been driving for 20 years, never had to change a flat. Rarely happens and I may just run run-flats.

[B-Time]

What seems foolish is to change a tire on the side of the road and not call roadside assiatane. Many more deaths occur every year due to the stupidity of people sitting cars on the side of the road. I've been driving for 20 years, never had to change a flat. Rarely happens and I may just run run-flats.

Absolutely foolish to change a flat in a dangerous spot. Agreed. Different conversation.

I've had more than a handful of flats. Never on a highway or place where I couldn't change it safely. The point is to have a plan B when others depend on you. With a spare you can swap it yourself and be on your way in 10 minutes, or wait for the tow truck to show up and do it for you. Without you are stuck. The added risk, with 3 or 4 children in the mix, is what seems foolish.

[Oligarchy]

But a spare wheel can come in hand...

[Oligarchy]

Absolutely foolish to change a flat in a dangerous spot. Agreed. Different conversation.

I've had more than a handful of flats. Never on a highway or place where I couldn't change it safely. The point is to have a plan B when others depend on you. With a spare you can swap it yourself and be on your way in 10 minutes, or wait for the tow truck to show up and do it for you. Without you are stuck. The added risk, with 3 or 4 children in the mix, is what seems foolish.

Anytime I've called a tow it's taken a good hour or more to arrive

[MSBruno]

Can this not be a discussion about the value of a spare tire? I, obviously, have made MY decision to omit the spare.

[iconoclast]

That is only the x5 5 seater setup. Once they add the 3rd row, that storage is eliminated.

correct. i owned both 48i M-Sport and X5M. 7 seat was not an option on X5M but spare tire was.

Can this not be a discussion about the value of a spare tire? I, obviously, have made MY decision to omit the spare.

so then why make the thread? you already made the decision.

[MSBruno]

so then why make the thread? you already made the decision.

To see if anyone has any info on the Gen2 spare tire/trunk setup

[jable145]

I went with this.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Maste...h-All+Products

and this

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products


Worked great for when we were going on longer trips and needed the extra room.

[iconoclast]

To see if anyone has any info on the Gen2 spare tire/trunk setup

no one on here has it yet... dealers haven't even received any info yet. i was told that i shouldn't expect one in the showroom until late spring.