Carrying spare tire in bed of truck

I decided as soon as I got my Tacoma that I didn't want to carry the spare underneath the truck, having had bad experience with this system in my previous vehicle. So, I'm carrying it flat in the bed (which has a camper shell). The spare tire is heavy enough that it doesn't move around without any special bracket or tie down. This is working well.

However, sometime later this spring I plan to build a sleeping platform in the back. Putting the platform at the top of the wheel wells would give only 8" of clearance underneath for the spare tire. Since the 245/75R16 Toyota spare has a sectional width (thickness) of almost 10", that clearly won't work. A hypothetical 195/95R16 tire would be ideal, with a sectional width of less than 8", but such a tire is not available. Or, I could go without a spare altogether, relying on a puncture repair kit and an air compressor.

Now I'm thinking of another solution. "Antique" 700R16 tires are available. These are designed for classic trucks of the 1950's, and are radial tires that look like the old bias-ply tires. This should work for a spare. (I would have to get a narrower wheel, as well.) (BTW, my 1954 military jeep uses 700-16 tires, with inner tubes.)

Has anybody done something like this?

 

They make skinny ass spares. Google it

 

You can always put a tire cover on the spare tire..

 

Might be able to build a platform around your spare. Thought about the same idea now that I have a Softopper because my wheel takes up a a lot of space in the bed. Only solutions I found were a DAC extension or hitch mounted spare tire swingout.

 

I did. Mostly what they're talking about are compact, or "donut" spare tires, inflated to high (60 psi) pressure. That I want is a tire with the same diameter and pressure as a regular tire, but with a 25% narrower tread. It seems that this would handle much better than a donut.

 

Have you considered making the sleeping platform for half the bed only? seems enough space for one person. There’s a Wilco tire mount bracket under the cover along with a 265/70r16 tire.

 

Make the front (head) of platform ~2" higher than rear (foot) and this is usually a better sleeping position ?

 

If you’re considering going without a spare anyway, why not just leave it underneath where it belongs, carry compressor and tire sealant, and that way you have options if you ever do get a flat? Worst-case the tire is there and somebody else can change it for you. All these ideas about mounting a spare in the bed and accommodating a sleeping platform just seem like a waste of your available bed space and the creation of a day to day inconvenience.

 

Gotta Love an XJ!

 

I've stored my boat, and utility trailer spare tires in my bed so i know there always there when i use these trailers.