How would you mount a spare- My two options

I know there are a few threads on this but im stuck between two options and would like you guys to help me with my final choice since I've been going back and forth with this for some time now. So the the challenge is finding a solution to mount the spare in the bed in a way that doesn't take too much space but also provides some security. I never cary large loads, but do use my bed from time to time.

Option 1 would be a softopper:
-it allows me to mount the spare tire vertically on the passenger side and opens up the bed with ample space

Downside:
-it obviously isn't the most secure thing out there
-Im not exactly a huge fan of how it looks, sometimes I love it and other times it looks strange.
-It also seems to create some drag..?

Option 2:
Build a custom tire rack that goes over the bed but allows a roll-up tonneau cover.
so this would be similar to avid off roads tire rack but id have to make a custom one to allow a rollup tonneau.

Downside:
-loose vertical space If I ever need to mount tall things
-would have to be custom made (could be a positive/negative)
-would probably cost more money in the end?



Heres a picture of the avid rack on a members truck, just for reference.
I won't post a pic of a softopper since we all know what they look like.

 

damn that bed is short. remember in the olden days when a pickup truck would carry a 4'x8' sheet of plywood with the tailboard closed?

anyway, I like option #1 for the old school flair.

 

what size spare are you running ?
why not a rear bumper with tire carrier ?
I'm running 285/75/16 in the factory location .

 

I’ll be going up to 35s so it won’t fit underneath.

 

ah ok I'm looking at the rear bumper with single swing out for mine . stupid plastic bumper has to go before a rock rips it off .

 

I thought about a swing out but I want to keep the weight as centered as possible, especially with the weight of a 35+steel bumper.

 

how about this style rack not right where they have the tire but up on top

 

Problem is I wanted to cover the bed and I don’t think this will allow any sort of tonneau cover. Otherwise I’d just mount it vertically on the passenger side rail and call it a day lol.

 

Well that’s option 1, is i would do that and buy a softopper to cover the bed. I’m just not sure how I feel about the topper

 

The weight centered over the rear axle is proper planning! Build a custom one!

 

Wow I like that quite a bit. Who makes that? How would you secure that wheel from being stolen? Cable lock?

 

Agreed!

 

I like the Wilco, Rig'd, etc. hitch receivers.

 

I think I might go that route. I just needed to cover the bed somehow so I’ll go the softopper route. I think softopper+mounting the tire like that will give me the most practical space.

 

Being able to see out the rear window > Bed space

 

The guy who made mine is @DrWeld. It goes over the top of the bed so there is less stress on the bed rail. Awesome design and very well made.

 

I wonder if i can put some sort of spacer to allow the softopper to roll down

 

I never thought about locking the spare... Do they get stolen a lot?

 

Not where I live but when I travel I’d rather be safe than sorry.