N-Fab Universal Bed Mounted Rapid Strap For Spare.

(Please do this at your own risk. I'm not responsible for any damages made to your vehicle)

Hey guys,

Just sharing some completed photos on the "N-Fab Universal Bed Mount Rapid Strap" I got on eBay. 99 bucks, no tax, free shipping. I thought about mounting my new spare and tire underneath the car, seems like there's enough space, but it feels a lot heavier than my stock spare so it might snap and break. The other alternative was either new bumper with a spare system, or a tow hitch spare carrier, but the truck would no longer fit in my garage. I think this method doesn't take too much space, nor do I haul during my everyday. I did order my All-Pro bed rack a week or two ago along with the gear rack, so it should tuck away nicely underneath that.


Again, this is a universal setup. So things might not go to planned, just like it did not with me. I did not use any of the provided brackets that you mount underneath the truck bed (Photo shown above). There is not enough space underneath and you'll see why in the photos below. Even if I were to use them, seems like whoever fabricated the brackets was in a rush. Some of the weld was inside the lock nut.

So I used the two existing holes on the very inside of the bed. All you need is a T55 socket to loosen. You will need to bore/drill out two of the matching mounts provided in order to insert the OEM bed bolts. I used a 1/2 inch drill bit to open it up. After thats all done, I threw 2 fat washers to raise up the mounts so it levels with the higher parts of the bed, easy peezy. Now for the 3rd strap. I did drill two holes an inch or two away from the tire and I used the provided bolts and placed washers on both ends. Enough washers come with the kit, but you need to purchase two 9/16 nuts at your local hardware store. Before you drill through the bed, measure! Look underneath the bed to see whats in the way and stuff you want to avoid. I was about 1/8-1/4 off from where I wanted, but I made it work. It's much easier to do this without your OEM spare in the way. Luckily for me, I sold mine last week, so it was already out. Normally you would use the brackets it comes with, but the construction under the bed does not allow you without doing some major cutting, but it might affect it structurally. After all the mounts are placed, just strap up, ratchet the tire tight and you're good to go. If you look hard enough, I did add a bike chain just incase someone wants to pull a quick one. I may get something thicker soon, but for now this will do.

Enjoy my friends.

 

Nice.... Those tires are Nitto Ridge Grapplers in 285/70/17 and.... wait for it.... do they rub? Nice wheels too!!

I'm liking that rack you're getting too!

How are the Ridge Grapplers?? Are they noisy on the highway?? Did you get the C rated version and what lift are you running?

These will be my next tire, I'm currently running Terra Grappler G2s 265/70/17 115T

 

They are great! I wanted the performance of a Terra but the bite of a Trail. So I got the in between. Not noisy on the highway, took them wheeling a few times and they do more than good. They don't rub. Temporarily I'm on a spacer lift, waiting for my Icon stage 4 kit to arrive in the next week or two. I did get the C load, as the E load would be a bit overkill for what I need them for. I definitely recommend them!

 

Digging up an old thread here...how flat does the mount in the center of your bed lay? Curious how usable the bed is if I take the tire out to carry something?

 

its still useable, but the tabs will stick up as they're angled upwards.

 

it held up fine at the time. Im not longer using that setup as I've purchased a rear bumper w/ carrier since then. But it was perfect when I had it!

 

Nice write up and the setup looks really good. I'm not near needing to change my spare location yet, but good to know this is a solid option.

 

Mobtown Offroad

 

I would like to see a spare tire carrier that mounts on top of the factory tacoma tonneau cover. it would need to be lock able to keep thieves away. For me that would be something affordable and perfect because I can keep all my camping stuff in the bed and only mount the tire on top when I need it for trips

 

Thanks for sharing! Helps a bunch with my future plans.