Mock flat tire drill - multiple fails

My 2012 Regular Cab came missing the jack and tire tools when I bought it 3 years ago. I bought a jack and universal tire tool, stuck them behind the seat and called it good.

I was doing an oil change last week, and decided to check pressure on all 5 tires. To check the spare I needed to winch it down. It wasn’t until I looked online to see how to winch it down that I found out you have to have the Toyota tire tools to actuate the winch. FAIL #1

Ordered a set from Amazon ($30), got my spare down. Checked the pressure at it was a Dean Wormer approved, “Zero point zero”. FAIL #2

Anyway…I’ve put 40 PSI in it. Think I’ll let it sit for a day and make sure it holds. I’m going to need tires before too much longer. I’ll have them mount the best old one as a new spare.

 

Never fails, it’s happened to me also never checked for the jack when I got the used truck until I got a flat! good thing is it will never bite you again….

 

Good on you. People should check their spare once a year. Nothing like being out on a deserted desert highway somewhere with a flat tire and a useless spare. Also check your tools. Knew a guy who had a wheel wrench that didnt fit his lugs.

 

Wait? There’s a tire under there?

 

Yes, but the tire is dry rotted and the steel rim is rusted through.

 

Yeah, that’s where you put the drugs.

 

I relocated my spare to the bed. Keep it strapped to a cargo hook. Also keep a piece of 2x6 to place under jack if on soft ground. Last thing I want to monkey around with is retrieving spare from under the truck if I'm on the side of the road.

Yes, check psi regularly. Mine leaks out in about 6 months.

 

Shhhh you're airing the Tijuana plant's secrets.

 

only in less populated area's.

in the city, they 'find' and sell them at the flea markets next to the guy selling 'used' tailgates.

 

You reminded me to check if my spare was still there.

 

hot tip-- unlike the gm or ford tire hoist designs that ultilize a cable, toyota has decided to use a chain. because they use a chain, and there's extra slack when the tire is in the stowed position, it's easy to add a weather-resistant padlock to the chain to prevent easy theft without a ton of extra work, or extra parts complicating things. just be sure to keep the key in a safe place.

 

Thanks for the reminder. Got a trip coming up next week so I'll add this to the to-do list.