Shortly after getting my 8 I got a spare tire for it. I tried placing it in the little depression at the bottom of the trunk but it didn't quite fit. So I ended up ordering the spare tire kit and mounting it. I didnt use the wheel that came in the kit so its a little more space (with a 16" spare instead of the 17"). I don't know if it makes a difference.
Does anyone here keep a spare in the trunk?

 

That's exactly how it's supposed to come from the dealership when you bought it new with the spare tire option. That well was never meant to be for the spare. Most people dont run a spare because it takes up too much trunk space and you cant use the pass through to the cabin for transporting skis or anything thin and long. For that reason alone I'll never use it.

 

I mounted a subwoofer there instead. I like to live dangerously.

 

The audio install looks clean. Since I’ve already taken the space with a spare I will consider adding an amp and small sub beside the spare. Hoping I can find/have built an enclosure that takes into account the angle between the rear seats and the trunk to maximize the space. I have the Bose system installed and I’m hearing it’s not a straightforward install but we will see.

 

Taking another look, I doubt both a spare and sub/amp can fit against the back seats.

 

I do anything to shed extra weight from the car.
I do have AAA though (roadside service) so worst case I get towed. wouldn’t change a tire on most roads out here anyways. Sketchy or bad drivers.
But since you’re up in Canada, I would imagine fewer people or assistance in between point a and b.

 

I got my kit a couple years ago but will install it this weekend

Trying to use all the cool stuff I buy but never get to use

So it is going into place in the trunk A spare is needed I have AAA but notwithstanding a flat is a flat and I had to buy a brand new tire on two occasions because I had no spare and I drove over to a tire shop On one occasion I was driving through a bad hood and no way I was going to stop in there

On another ocasión I was driving to work and I messed up the tire

With a spare I could call AAA and get my spare on.

W/o a spare a AAA tow truck can only take you home or to a shop , messing up your day

Weight ? That is nothing ! You will
save money and time with a spare tire on the vehicle

Trunk space ? My RX8 is a sports car, not a truck I have my Jeep for those times

To those that already installed it, is it a bolt and play deal ? Or is there any drilling involved ?

👍

 

There is a rubber spacer that should sit between the tire and the undersurface of the roof of the trunk(see my other post of the leftover bits). To install it with the rivets included in the kit you should drill two holes for said rivets into the roof of the trunk. My plan was to use a velcro strip instead to hold the spacer since i don't like the idea of drilling into a part of the car that is not replaceable . However I found i didn't have any play or rub between the metal part of the spare and the chassis when i tightened my spare in place. So I chose to go without the spacer.
Besides the spacer, the remainder of the install is just loosening and tightening a few bolts and putting a few lines into your trunk trim for the brackets to poke through.

 

Anyone use fix a flat?

 

Thanks Evo.

Good to know

I will follow your lead and install it as is

If needed will add a stick on pad Drilling can only invite rust With today’s Velcro and stick on pads no need to drill

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