Full Size Spare Mounting Options

Hey guys,

I'm looking at a full size spare and would like to know what everyone is doing to mount them... I have the OEM roof rack, so if it's possible to mount a spare up there that would be cool... Otherwise, I'm not looking to buy a bed rack or a rear swingout... But I'm not fully opposed to bed bars or bed rail mounting...

Thanks in advance for the input

 

Why in Gods name would you want to mount a full sized spare on top of the cab.

Heavy and awkward to get up or down.
Wind breaker, Massive MPG hit.
More Dangerous if it comes loose.

I would not trust the OEM Rack to hold that much weight. What is wrong with the Normal Placement under the bed? I see that you are running 32" tires. Get a bed mount or swing out. Much better.

 

A full size on top of your cab will also raise your CG. I know tiregate makes something like your asking. Not sure if they make one for the Tacoma though. http://www.tiregate.com/atr-series/

Im actually thinking about going this route. They sell cross bed rail bars from relentless fabrication. Think this is a better option. Or a swing out.

(not my picture)

 

You should be able to mount a full size in the normal spot with no issues. You can do a little bit of bending/cutting and mount a much bigger tire in the normal spot. A friend of mine runs a 255/85/r16 in the underbody spot as normal.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods-6.html#post47335

Here you go.

 

I really want to move the spare from the stock location for a number of reasons, not the least of which is my perhaps irrational fear that it'll get a puncture when wheeling and be useless

 

Has anyone done anything like this?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-warning-about-bed-rail-tire-carriers.285889/

 

This style from the H1 is amazing... Locks in a complete vertical position and also horizontal... Would use it in the horizontal position until I need the bed space

 

/\ idk why but I really like that. I'm jumping to 285s soon and have been pondering what to do with the spare. I have a cbi bushmaster 2.0 with out the tire swing out. I have a long bed I don't need an extra foot in length. Kicking around putting a bar straight across the side rails and mounting it vertical against the front of the bed. Kinda sandwich it between the bed and the rail I have a few more things to work out but it's a start.

 

Yes they did and it caused metal fatigue in the bed quarter panel.

Don't do it. IMO.

 

I'm going to talk to a buddy of mine about that H1 mount and see about getting one fabbed at a reasonable cost

 

That H1 mount is slick. I'd personally mount it center as close to the cab as possible. I am not a fan of the tailgate mounts because it now acts like a giant moment arm putting unnecessary stress on the rear suspension.

I've also looked at mounting my 33s in the stock sore location. Cutting the old brackets is easy, but then the exhaust is really close to the tire. Without the brackets I worry the wheel will move around on the rougher roads.

 

That would be the way to go IMO, mounting it to the bed rails seems really silly and is asking for trouble

 

I have been researching this as well (fitting 33x12.5r20's) up under the truck in the stock spare location. Its been done without cutting the tabs off but rather bending them, and also the tire will not sit flush but will be at a slight angle (sitting higher or lower on the drivers side) i cant remember

 

Hammer those tabs down where the stock spare fits. You can stick a full size 33

 

Hammer the tabs flat cut your exhaust off right past the muffler (turn down ) and pull the tire towards the back as you're cranking. You can fit a 35 in there with a aftermarket bumper and hitch. Not sure about factory hitch.

 

http://www.fourwheeler.com/project-vehicles/1405-2006-ford-f-150-project-fast-part-2/

The mount on this truck swings the way the H1's does but may be easier/to build.

 

Move the engine to the bed.

Install spare in engine bay.

Conversation over.

 

I mounted mine on the cab for a while. About 3500 miles across country on the Trans America Trail. No noticeable MPG difference. You're right about getting it up or down but its not terrible. Throw some Maxtraxx in front of it and there's your windbreaker. As for being dangerous coming loose..well yea...but so is the RTT, bedrack, rotopax, camping gear... Its a much cheaper option than a swingout. I would really really like a swingout but theyre too damn expensive lol