Overthought spare tire mod.

I searched for something like this and couldn't find it, I combined some ideas from multiples users and thought I would share for other people trying to do what I did.

I wanted to fit a full size 285/70/17 spare tire, and have it be part of my 5 wheel rotation. Two problems i've seen personally from mine or my friend's trucks.

1.) The wheel getting scratched underneath the truck, either from debris, the spare tire holder or the crossmember in the bed frame.

2.) The tire getting indented from the crossmember pushing constantly.

First I stole Hodakguy's chain hoist relocation.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...to-new-adventures.528480/page-5#post-17311994

Painted and clear coated. That yellow you see is cosmoline.



Next I wrapped the hoist chuck with foam pads,

$11 MAGZO 10Pcs Adhesive Foam Padding 1/8 in Thick X 4 in X 4 in,Closed Cell Foam Sheets Neoprene Rubber Self Stick Pads Anti Vibration Pads,Black (4in x 4in x 1/8in, 10Pcs)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071R4DR1R?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

On second thought, this wasn't necessary because its along the backside of the wheel, I had the stuff laying around and figured it wouldn't hurt.




Lastly, I wanted to protect the top of the wheel from being indented by the crossmember. I purchased this from a tractory supply/cals ranch/ farm store

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...t-black-4-ft-x-3-ft-x--frac12-in?cm_vc=-10005


Cut it to the wheel and hoisted it up, it was WAAAY to big in diameter. So i cut it down signifcantly smaller.



Everything seems to be protected, most likely overkill, but my little brain likes it.

 

Very thorough and you really saw this one through to the end. I recently dropped my spare tire on my 2018 for the first time just to make sure I know how to do it. Lubed everything up while I was at it. Hopefully it will be another 4 years before that wheel touches ground again.

 

Thanks! Did your spare have any indents on the tire? Definately don't want to be trying to figure out how to use your chain hoist on the side of a freeway haha.

 

It didn’t have any indents that I noticed. I was surprised to learn my spare rim is a blacked out version of my Limited rim. I guess I thought it would either be a matching wheel or a black steelie.

 

The Limited rim is the same rim with a "skin".

 

To address concerns like those of the OP, I just carry the spare in the bed of the truck. Underneath the vehicle is probably the worst place to carry it, for a variety of reasons.

 

That would be my choice as well if I didn’t use my truck bed daily.

 

Don’t wait 4 years to drop it... check it annually for proper air pressure.

 

I just moved the hanger.

 

l use a few squares of sheet rubber on top of the tire, keeps it from getting any indents.

 

recently heard a clank and a non flat tire feeling on my 2nd gen. pulled over and had a flat tire on the front. On the side of the freeway I swapped my larger k02 for the spare which ive kept an eye on pressure over the years. No issues getting to a tire shop to get it fixed before a 4x4 camping trip. Keep it filled and it should be fine stock....

 

I too was concerned about permanent sidewall dents with the crossmember, but my solution was waaaaaay less neat than yours. I hacked circles out of the middle of some foam exercise tiles and just chucked 'em on top. Seems to be working a couple years later...

 

the hoist chain just sort of dangles under the spare -- any creative ideas for how to tidy that up?

 

Love it! Basically what I did, I’ll be removing mine from time to time for the 5th wheel rotation so i wanted something I could reset easily. Otherwise I probably would have done the exact same.

 

I was curious on this as well, but the problem fixed itself with the rubber circle. The slack part of the chain now rests on top of the rubber pad and below the cross member and rests there. Doesn’t touch the wheel, doesn’t dangle and make sound.

 

Another piece of the puzzle for the lifted truck. I put together two pieces of wood attached them together then put a bolt through to line up with the stock jack. Everything goes back under the seat as it should without any rattling.


Next up is wrapping the exhaust pipe near the spare tire.

 

I lucked out and found a never used spare with a new bfg tire on FB for 40 dolls that I put in the bed if I go scary places

 

Ziptie.

 

Ironically, I read this thread yesterday, pulled out of my garage to head to work and the left rear, driver side tire was completely flat. Thought the engine was shuttering...thank gosh it was just the tire. First time in ages I changed a flat. It was a nice refresher course. Probably a lot easier in my driveway than on the road somewhere. Nice thin flat piece of metal through the tire. Ordered a new stock OR tire for $220. Not sure if that's a good price or not.

 

Added the exhaust wrap, I have about a 1/2” between pipe and tire. I found out I suck at wrapping exhausts.