Spare wheel question

Anyone know if the spare tire can be mounted to the back of the tail gate in the 2003 Tacoma? I upgraded one wheel size from the original and the spare I need to buy likely won’t fit below. FYI I have a camper shell, so the spare couldn’t mess with that.

 

Not without MAJOR alterations. I believe there are spare tire mounts made for the receiver hitch which might be a more cost effective and easier solution?

 

Not advisable. You should go with the hitch mount that's already been brought up or consider a rear bumper replacement with a swing-out tire carrier.

 

Ah, those are both good ideas.

 

Do a search. I read a thread a week or so ago where a guy was able to mount a larger-than-standard spare tire in the normal position under the bed.

 

Yeah. You may be able to convince something larger into the spot with only some mild massaging of the tire carrier.

 

I’m going to go the hitch route. Any advice oh license plate relocation kits? Most that I have seen seem to be keep specific.

I’m concerned that the square would be up against the exhaust if I try to put it under.

 

You can get a 33” under the bed. How big a tire are you running?

 

Really ? I saw a video online that had a smaller tire than that pushed up against the exhaust. I’ve just got 20 inchers.
Maybe I should try that first!

 

Mine fits. I just had to pull it into position before tightening. No contact with the exhaust shield.