Decided spare tire under the truck is useless, what useful stuff have U used that space for?

Hornblasters train horn and a 5 gall tank.

Spare in the bed

 

I'll try it, thanks!

If I can't get it to fit, I like the fuel cell idea alot!

 

I have a 285/75/16 KM2 shoved up there. Tomorrow I'll take some pictures.

 

Wire in a self destruct switch like Mad Max

 

Pancake Air tank?

 

What's the largest set up that will fit in the stock location

 

I vote extra fuel

 

A qtr keg fits pretty well. Tap it to the rear window washer motor and reverse pipe it into the cab via the leaking third brake light. If you angle your decent at about 40 degrees it drips into the center cup holder perfectly and, as long as you’re not in California, use a straw to slurp up as much as you can enjoy. Works great in a third gen, haven’t tried it in a II yet.

 

My 285/70 17 fits under the bed . Cut off those metal tabs under there and it’s in !

 

What do you do about the tpms in the spare? Mine has one. It's the only reason I keep the old rusty spare in place. Have yet to need it in 266k miles, doubt if I could even mount it, with all the rust around the center and lug connections. I guess I should carry a wire brush just in case. What we need is a way to program it out!

I would put a pancake air tank in it's place, if they made one that took advantage of the entire space, The one shown here is only 14". Speedair makes one that's 16"/5 gallons, and 125lb working pressure. That would work for me, but still some wasted space. I saw one with a small compressor attached. Looks like it would work, but doubt if it would hold up to constant freeze thaw cycles and salt, brine spray. Maybe if it was powder coated? IDK

 

My stock spare did not come with such devices installed in it. One of the reasons it has that sticker that says 'temp use only'.

 

Slightly off topic but when I got new tires last I got five 285-75-16 and planned to rotate all five. Did not end up following through so only four got roster and the spare is still brand new. Could I cause damage if I get a flat and use the brand new tire? The other four are very warn so the size difference is pretty big. Trying to push them until fall then get three new ones and stud them and the one that’s currently the spare.

 

Is there a donut size tire that can match our tires that would fit in there.??Removing the spare to save weight crossed my mind. But decided against it

 

I saw one dude on youtube cut through the bed and in between the frame rails and mount his own storage container accessible from the top side. It would be cool if you can get to your spare that way. Otherwise, the storage hatch is a cool idea with no need to climb under the truck.

 

if you insist on not carrying a spare in that spot i say a extra fuel tank, a lowerable storage compartment, or an air compressor.

 

It is called heat treated!