Spare Tire Carrier

I'm looking for some insight on what to do about a 33" spare. I am currently running 255/80/17. I have read on possibly fitting it in the original spare tire spot with some massaging of brackets but I'm not sure how practical that will be. Even with the OEM size it was annoying dropping it and dragging it out from underneath the truck. I can only imagine doing it on the trail. I was looking into a Wilco Hitchgate but also open to other options. I don't think a bed carrier would work because I'm running a tonneau cover. I'm also still in the process of finding a spare tire in that size.

 

You pretty much covered your options. Wilco makes a couple like the hitchgate or the tiregate. You can never go wrong with a full bumper with a swingout, which is clearly the most expensive route. Your cheapest option will be to fit it under the bed. Having the tonneau is going to limit your options considerably.

 

My vote is a bumper with a swingout

 

I like my wilco..

 

If I go the Wilco route, what are my options for relocating the backup camera?

 

You can pull it out of your tailgate and mount it anywhere you please. There’s enough length in the harness to put it on the swingout itself. I don’t remember if Wilco includes a mount but you can get one from Pelfr.... oh, never mind.

 

Problem with relocating the camera to the Wilco is what happens when you remove the Wilco to tow something? It becomes a major pain in the ass.

I zip-tied the camera to my swingout.

 

I was going to say pelfrey but that's no longer a thing . Wondering if there are alternatives

 

I was going to buy a mount for mine but after zip-tying it I decided that was good enough. It isn't centered on the tailgate like it was before but it still works well enough that I can hook up the trailer without a spotter. You can sort of see it in the pic below on the bruteforce swingout.

 

The wilco is rated to tow up to 7500lbs so no need to remove it

 

I know the Wilco is rated to 7500 but do I lose the hitch as a recovery point? It has a 2" receiver but that's also attached to another receiver. Just wondering

 

Not entirely sure what youre asking.. i have a shackle mounted in my receiver hitch on my wilco though for recovery purposes

 

Just the strength of it. I don't know if having 2 hitch pins would potentially cause using the hitch a weaker recovery point

 

Gotcha, i dont think it would, especially since its got the SAE tow rating. These things are built beeefy.. made in the usa as well

 

Awesome. I think I'll go with it. Now to find a spare tire in my size...

 

How often do you wheel? I'd just keep it in OEM location and toss it in the bed when you go wheeling.

 

I go wheeling occasionally, maybe once a month, so throwing it in the bed is an option but I'd like to try some overnight trips and camping so bed space is valuable in the short bed. I kind of want a more permanent solution. I'm always thinking about the what if so I'd like to carry it all the time. The OEM location would work, I've just smashed my head many a times pulling the spare out for various reasons and I'd hate to do it in the mud or rain plus the E rated tires are heavy as heck and I hate dragging them out from under the truck.

 

Yeah I completely agree. Before my bumper, I built this platform/drawers to store my spare tire because I didn't want it under the truck for the same reasons as you. Doesn't really help you any though since you have a cover on.

 

Wilco makes an offsetted hitchgate, won’t interfere with your camera

 

If you're set on keeping the tonneau on 24/7, keep items in the bed secure and dry, and want to mount a spare, a rear bumper with a swingout will probably be your best bet. Lots of good vendors no matter what coast you're on if shipping costs are a concern.

Mine popped up locally for a decent price so I snagged it: