Thanks for the insights everyone. The last point here is very compelling. Will have to rethink this trip without any children.I had some old wheels and tires to take to the local tire shop … I was having the tires removed and scrapped. With the middle and third seats flipped down I easily fit eight wheel/tire combos in the back. The wheels were 16” (235/70-16) and 18” (245/45-18). I suppose it might’ve been possible to put a couple wheels in the front passenger seat if I needed to keep one of the second-row seats upright. That said, it would’ve been a major headache to protect the upholstery and dash.
I used cardboard and moving blankets to protect the interior. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, they sell these cheap blue moving blankets that are great for this sort of thing. I also folded up a fair amount of cardboard it and put it between the tires to keep them from sliding around.
Bottom line? I would be very hesitant to try this with a kid (and child seat) in the car. There’s just too much opportunity for one of those tires to slide around and cause serious injury. I suppose it might be possible to use some tie downs or ratchet straps to keep the tires firmly secured — but failing sone way to keep them absolutely fastened into position, I don’t think I would take the chance.
Thanks for the insights everyone. The last point here is very compelling. Will have to rethink this trip without any children.
So all child seats removed and both rear rows folded down, shouldn’t be a problem right?