Spare tire upside down

I just take mine to the Discount Tire drive through tire check. Nice kid there lowers the spare, checks pressure, adjusts as necessary and cranks it back up. 2-3 x year with the change in seasons. They have their own tool so I don't need to dig mine out.

 

A GPSCN 12 volt pump stores easily behind the rear seat. I'm never without it, and I use it all the time for changing tire pressures according to terrain. So I store mine valve up because I dig common sense and physics...

 

My spare tire winch is siezed, so it's stored in there in whatever position it was last

 

I face mine down with the stem towards the differential to help protect it more. But whichever way you face it, be sure to lock it in. I’ve seen many trucks driving around with empty carrier chains dangling underneath them without a spare attached.

 

You're supposed to drop the spare with every oil change. Both air and the chain winch get checked.

Do I actually do that? Sheeeit no. But I'm supposed to.

 

I lowered the steel spare to check the air in it and spray the areas above with Fluid Film when I got it in 2021. I put it back with the stem facing down by mistake without realizing it, and only discovered the "error" when I lowered it again n the spring to exercise the mechanism. I left it that way and it has been ever since. It made more sense to me, and was more logical to have the stem facing down for easy access to check the air.

I still lower and raise the tire twice a year in spring and fall mainly to practice with the sloppy extension wand and socket, and to keep it moving freely and working. It seems to work a little easier after. The factory jack is like something from the 1950's. I don't think it has ever been removed from the cubby under the seat..

I'm glad I have never had to use it since I'm sure it would just give up and tip over after a few cranks, and drop the truck on the rotor or brake drum.

 

It’s been 4 years and I have not “engaged” the usage of the spare.

If I remember correctly, the valve stem is facing up because the inside of the tire is facing down.

Does that make sense?

I'm gonna have to look at my truck to see if that’s true.

Friggin’ Rock Lobster! @Rock Lobster

Your comments always have me crackin’ up!

 

Here’s a pic from my intro thread:

That’s the inside I was talking about…which is not valve stem side!

 

I have a matching wheel/tire for a spare, stem up, set to ~10psi...and do a 5 tire rotation every oil change.

 

Also, if you set it valve down, it creates a great space to stash stuff you need in case of a flat like folding triangle reflectors, gloves, a expandable lug wrench (

$18 EPAuto Telescoping Lug Wrench, Wheel Wrench with CR-V Sockets (17/19, 21/22mm)

see Amazon link here), all wrapped up in a waterproof tarp (that you also use to lay on if needed).

 

I do but not every oil change but do on the 3rd or once a year.