Remove spare tire altogether?

Is this common? Just get it off the truck. Most common tire malfunctions can be fixed with a decent plug kit and air compressor.

 

Most trail damage is sidewall related, you cant fix that. I wouldnt remove the spare , but relocating is very common, even if its just putting it in the bed.

At at that point you remove the hitch as well for clearance, you're more likely to hit the hitch than the spare.

 

You don't need the spare...until you do.

I go to the middle of nowhere way too often to not have a spare. If you're in the city 100% of the time and never plan to ever go outside of cell service, then sure, you can remove it and be fine.