Spare tire location

Ever since I upgraded to a full sized spare tire, I've been forced with the dilemma of where to store it. It fits in it's factory location when I remove the trailer hitch, which isn't ideal when I have to put the hitch back on to pull a trailer. It spends most of the time either in my trunk (not ideal) or in my garage (even less ideal). I've debated it for a while and thought I was settled on buying a roof rack and storing it there, until the thought struck me, how do I get the tire up there? And, when the situation arises, down from the rack? Not the lightest thing in the world to try to throw on top of my 4runner.

What does anyone else who's gone this route do?

I'm also still thinking of a hitch mount tire carrier, but don't know how I feel about how that would look yet. Also, don't want to give up towing capabilities, has anyone ever seen a pass through carrier that would still allow for a towing hitch to mount?

When you say "Full size spare" what exactly is the size?

I know people have stored 33s under the truck by pushing the tire forward to clear the hitch.

You could always go with an aftermarket bumper with a swing out on it. You'd still have your towing, as well as your spare.

If I upgraded from a 265/70/R16 to a 265/75/R16, would my tire still fit in the spare location?

Doc2012 said:

When you say "Full size spare" what exactly is the size?

I know people have stored 33s under the truck by pushing the tire forward to clear the hitch.

You could always go with an aftermarket bumper with a swing out on it. You'd still have your towing, as well as your spare.

Click to expand...

Full size is 33", I have interference between the hitch and the rear diff.

Full bumper with swing out would be awesome, just a little more money than I'm looking to spend.

Am I right in assuming you're talking about the coupler that interferes with the tire, but not the receiver? Why not just cut back the coupler so it doesn't extend beyond the end of the receiver?

I would look at ways to mod your receiver hitch so there's still room for both under the truck.

I built a rear tire carrier off my tow package.... works great, holds my 33" spare, and have no regrets! Total cost was under $200.00.





Newbie attempt at a 3rd gen rear tire carrier - YotaTech Forums

I've made some revisions to the design since the initial build... if you're interested, I can give you more info on the changes that were made.

I_bRAD said:

Am I right in assuming you're talking about the coupler that interferes with the tire, but not the receiver? Why not just cut back the coupler so it doesn't extend beyond the end of the receiver?

Click to expand...

Good idea.


If that wont work take some air out of the tire. Then you have more of a reason to buy an onboard air system which can be used for airing back up after a day on the trails too.

I_bRAD said:

Am I right in assuming you're talking about the coupler that interferes with the tire, but not the receiver? Why not just cut back the coupler so it doesn't extend beyond the end of the receiver?

Click to expand...

Yes, it is the coupler. Had not considered cutting that back, but that's probably the most reasonable solution...

fightman80 said:

I built a rear tire carrier off my tow package.... works great, holds my 33" spare, and have no regrets! Total cost was under $200.00.


Newbie attempt at a 3rd gen rear tire carrier - YotaTech Forums

I've made some revisions to the design since the initial build... if you're interested, I can give you more info on the changes that were made.

Click to expand...

That looks good, I've seen a few similar designs but all pretty much in the price range of a new bumper. The price is right too, which is why I was looking at the roof top carrier as a solution.