Tire Racks

The undermount of the spare definitely makes the spare an "out of sight out of mind" thing and the last time I needed it the thing was basically flat, which made the drive to an air pump interesting to say the least. SO I've been looking for tire racks and looking to see what people prefer. I'm not sure I want to lose bed space (but wouldn't be opposed to a side mount in the bed) and everything I've seen for tailgate seems to block the camera. What have people used that they like or a tailgate mount that doesn't block the camera?

I know there is a simpler solution of just keeping an air pump in the truck but I've been wanting to move the spare anyway. BUT if you happen to have a smaller air pump you like that you can keep behind the back seats please don't hesitate to post that too. Preferably one you can plug in obviously.

TIA all!

 

If you go swingout, most have an option to relocate the camera to the swingout arm. The cable is long enough to reach, and it's easy to remove from the tailgate.

How old is your spare? Is it the original? It might just be time to replace it. My OEM spare came with practically no air in it, but Toyota noticed it the first time I went in for an oil change and aired it up. Since then, I've never had my spare lose air. Only replaced it a couple years ago.

As for a small compressor, there's lots of options. You just want one that comes with alligator clips that clip onto your battery directly. Don't get the ones with a cigarette lighter plug. Those often burn up on first use, melt something, or blow your fuse. I mounted an ARB under the hood, but it doesn't sound like you are looking for real on board air. It is nice though, It's out of the way and always available when needed. All I keep in the cab is the air hose and chuck.

 

I've been using a small compressor that plugs into my cigarette lighter plugs for over 20 years. I've lost count of how many times I've used them, mostly to help other stranded drivers. Have one in every vehicle, gave one to my kids and grandkids. I also keep tire plugs and the tools to use them.

Its a LOT easier, faster, safer, and cleaner to just air up a flat tire with one of these than it is to put the spare on while parked on the side of the road. Often it's just a low tire, and even if the repair is temporary, you can usually get to a tire store for a proper repair without having to resort to using the spare.

Some guys flip the spare over so it's easier to check the air and air up the spare. I don't know why they come from the factory with the valve in the up position making it harder to air up the spare. But every manufacturer does it that way. I've not flipped mine, I suppose there is a good reason for it. It does make it a little harder to air up the spare but it's just one of those things I do. I wouldn't want to move the spare into the bed.

 

I'm happy hear you've had good luck with them. I've only had semi-direct experience via 2 friends. One the motor died as the tire reached pressure the one time they used it (it did work once, which got them home). One melted the cigarette lighter part where it went into the port in the dash. The fuse thing, I just see commonly noted online. Similar to folk trying to use those inverters that plug into a cigarette port. Those often end up the same way (melted) if you actually run them near their rated spec.

As for the stem being up, I think it's so they don't get damaged/cut/broken from road debris or whatever. I've definitely hit my tire on stuff offroading (even before the high clearance). I'm sure it'd be a 1 in a million thing to rip a stem off, but I bet it's happened.