Spare tire protection for factory underbody location - Toyota 4Runner Forum

TRD PANTHER · 12-14-2020, 04:37 AM

I am starting a new thread after looking, finding and posting in an old thread that was under engines/....So, I decided to post here for more relevant exposure.
Just had a new 285/70-17 Wildpeak AT3W on a new TRD Pro wheel installed to have a matching spare and 5 tire rotation. The cost of the tire, wheel, TPMS, mount and balance, tire certificate, ceramic coating my spare wheel and taxes cost me a whopping $580. I know they make a spare tire steel/skid protector, but, I was wondering about just running a spare tire cover underneath. Cut a weep hole or two for moisture and dust and use a padlock to the chain link.
What are your ideas or experiences for this? TIA

NW.OH.T4R · 12-14-2020, 10:03 AM

There's also a company that makes a UHMW or HDPE skid for the spare tire. Way less weight, no risk of corrosion, and it's really strong (for a polymer compound). I can't recall the name of the company, but I think I've seen a few plugs for them on this site.

TRD PANTHER · 12-14-2020, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW.OH.T4R

There's also a company that makes a UHMW or HDPE skid for the spare tire. Way less weight, no risk of corrosion, and it's really strong (for a polymer compound). I can't recall the name of the company, but I think I've seen a few plugs for them on this site.

I did see it several months ago also. Don’t remember the name either. They have different colors, but, it was $159.

BobsTrail · 12-14-2020, 02:08 PM

I have a 265/70/17 spare and have dragged the hitch a few times off road but there is no sign of scrapes on the spare. I did mount it with the valve stem down to be able to check it and I mounted it with the valve stem forward closer to the diff.

mteolus · 12-14-2020, 02:15 PM

I have it, the POLYETHYLENE one in black. I like, although I haven't scraped any lately to test its durability.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) (Color: Black, Vehicle: Toyota lug pattern 6x5.5)

Espresso_OI · 12-14-2020, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD PANTHER

ceramic coating my spare wheel

off topic question - your tire shop ceramic coated the wheel for you? or did you apply the same ceramic coating for paint, to the wheel?

TRD PANTHER · 12-14-2020, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Espresso_OI

off topic question - your tire shop ceramic coated the wheel for you? or did you apply the same ceramic coating for paint, to the wheel?

The shop ceramic coated the wheel. Not sure if it was the same application as they did for my paint, but the other four wheels I had done when I had my 4Runner coated over 2 years ago are holding up well and clean easy. They also have a nice satin sheen when cleaned. It was $50 to ceramic coat one wheel.

TRD PANTHER · 12-14-2020, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mteolus

I have it, the POLYETHYLENE one in black. I like, although I haven't scraped any lately to test its durability.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) (Color: Black, Vehicle: Toyota lug pattern 6x5.5)

Thanks. Looks good. I juxtaposed my numbers for what I recall. It is $195. Worth it if you never plan on a rear hitch or bumper mounted tire.

NW.OH.T4R · 12-14-2020, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mteolus

I have it, the POLYETHYLENE one in black. I like, although I haven't scraped any lately to test its durability.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) (Color: Black, Vehicle: Toyota lug pattern 6x5.5)

That's it! I recall being annoyed because they added the PE to UHMW. It's kind of implied with the material. Also, price is up to $195. What's the thickness of these? UHMW is pretty expensive, so I actually don't think they are making a tremendous profit, unless they are using <0.25" thick material.

Edit: McMaster Carr actually sells 36" square sheets of 1/2" for like $135, 1/4" is ~$75. I think this could be a pretty easy DIY.

Nobody Special · 12-14-2020, 05:09 PM

Hmmm. Toyota uses chains now down there?
Been awhile since I have had a new one.

I have a Tacoma X-Runner, and while I was driving, the cable snapped.
Tire dropped on an angle and almost lifted the rear wheels fully off the ground.

Scared me a little.

Zahman · 12-18-2020, 10:56 PM

Hey guys! It’s my company. The thickness is 1/2 inch. I make the plates in black, red, white and grey. Yes, the material is supper strong! I have a few skids currently in stock. Hit me up if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Zahman
Spareskidplate.com

Zahman · 12-18-2020, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW.OH.T4R

There's also a company that makes a UHMW or HDPE skid for the spare tire. Way less weight, no risk of corrosion, and it's really strong (for a polymer compound). I can't recall the name of the company, but I think I've seen a few plugs for them on this site.

Spareskidplate.com. The UHMW weighs 13lbs at 1/2 inch thickness, whereas an aluminum plate of the same circumference, 1/4 inch thickness is 19 lbs. As you pointed out, UHMW is super strong, doesn’t corrode, doesn’t fade, and maintains its shape when impacted. We have tested these plates extensively without any issues.