Spare tire help...

Ok so long story short I was wheeling last weekend and got a nasty bulge and split the sidewall on one of my GY Ultraterrains (265/75r16 SL load).

My spare has been untouched, but the tire carrier underneath has worn 4 spots on the side wall of the spare! I had it as tight as could be, but aggressive offroading caused enough vibes to ruin it. Has this happened to anyone else?

Anyways, this blows since I have just spent a kings ransom putting armor on my truck after doing the stereo for xmas... I bought these 5 tires last year and have about 25k on the remaining 3, and the spare is new minus the damaged sidewall...

So I did the sensible thing and ordered up 5 yoko geo MTs in a larger size to help make me feel better about my misfortune.

I have a Tonneau cover and not really excited about hauling the new spare in the bed, any suggestions from you guys who offroad? Maybe a thin sheet of plywood or aluminum above the spare tire to protect the sidewall in the stock spare cradle? Or is the bed the only solution?

Thanks

 

Sidewall creases are a known issue from the spare tire mount. Toyota doesn't see it as a "problem." A spare piece of rubber mat between the tire cage and the sidewall might help or leave it in the bed.

 

The entire top layer of rubber has been worn off and I can see the sidewall fabric material. A rubber mat might work, but honestly after this experience I don't wanna gamble with a 300 dollar tire. Guess it's time to start looking at bed mounting options.

 

FYI 33" tires fit in the spare spot.

Remove your spare, get under there and zip tie some random plastic or rubber floor mat pieces on the wear points.

While you're down there, spray some grease or fluid film in the spare whore/winch area.

Air up the new spare to near max and put it where it belongs

 

Mine is snug, but not over tightened.

 

Glad to hear this. I'm about to try to stuff a 33 in there.

 

Do you think my issue was from over tightening? I'll look into some kind of rubber for protection, I'd rather have the spare underneath if possible.

 

It'll fit

You make it fit!!!

Stuff it in there