Composite bed integrity question.

This is a question for structural integrity of the composite bed. I want to install my oversized spare tire in the bed in a specific way. The spare tire will be attached and supported by a raised spacer (same type of spacer people use to push the tires out). The spacer will be raised by 6 aluminum rods (1” dia.) so that the tire will be off the bed by 1”. Those 6 rods will be attached to a aluminum plate that will be screwed to the bed.

Here is the question:

- will the weight of the tire (suspended) rip the bed off at the holes due to stop/go/turn motion of the truck?

- should I use a rectangular aluminum plate? How big X/Y?

- should I use a circular aluminum plate? What diameter?

Have looked at all the available spare mounts and none are what I need plus very expensive. My setup will be $100 and the benefit of having an excuse not to haul stuff in the bed.

Opinions?

 

The weak part of your drawing are the fasteners. The fasteners need to be backed from under the bed as well. So I would sandwich two plates. The fasteners to the bed have to have solid blocking, they can't just fasten to the composite bed itself.

 

Given that it is reinforce plastic, I think you will run into problems, which is why I posted this in your last thread about it:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/spare-tire-bed-mount-idea-and-input.609470/#post-20609436

The D rings go into metal, esp the ones attaching the bed to the frame. So, no worries no matter how hard you wheel it.

 

The problem with the straps is a knife and tire is gone. Some times I leave the truck over night at work (1-3 days) and also stop/park in not the best areas. In AZ if is not bolted down and locked it walks...

 

In Gilbert?! No way, I have a shovel and fire extinguisher mounted in the bed with quick fists. No security. I feel like washboards would tear this up in short order.

 

Even with your bolted design, I'd have a monster chain lock on there. Those would work with the strap also.

 

there seems to be two issues: structural soundness & security.

I would encourage some type of lateral stability for the raised bolts to retard/ counter the torque of the tire flopping about, and then the security is the tire itself. maybe the studs supporting the tire could be made to accept a locking bolt like on our fancy=schmancy alloy wheels?

but if your budget is 100$, I kinda think you're boned.