Went in for my 5,000 mile service (add oil change) which would otherwise consist of a tire rotation, inspecting a few items, and checking fluid levels. Noticed that my spare is now “pretty side up” so when I look from under the back bumper, I am looking at the inside (open end) of the spare’s rim.

Is this the typical way for 4Runners to carry the spare? It seems tightly mounted and secure, but quite odd and I’ve never had a vehicle which carried the spare in such a way.


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the spare wheel/tire is pointed "pretty side up" from factory.

it's also a steelie (on non-AWD 4runners). generally 5 tire rotations aren't done unless you request for them specifically

My 2013 SR5 is like that too. It has a steel rim so it's not to protect it. It also means the valve stem is up and tire pressure can't be checked without lowering it. A good reason for a matching rim and TPMS! I haven't tried turning it over. Lowering the wheel is good practice for when you have to change a tire on a dark rainy night.

Almost all 4x4s that are meant for off road use will have the spare mounted that way. First - the spare tire hanger bracket has a big spring in the middle that would stick down a lot if the wheel was face down. Also you'd risk both damaging the pretty side of the wheel and ripping off the valve stem when you drag the spare across rocks and dirt - that happens a fair bit off road. Having it face up is the way to go. And how they come from the factory.

FWIW - if you do go off road in more difficult terrain you'll drag on the spare. It's normal. It usually won't hurt it. I've never punctured a spare or broken the wheel on a spare tire by sliding on it, but it's probably possible. I don't really worry about it.

If you have a Limited Nightshade then you have a matching spare wheel and it should be mounted upside down to protect the face. Limited models are AWD and should have 5 tire rotations.

As others have said, that's the way it comes from the factory.

I doubt the dealer even lowered it to check the tire pressure. I sure can't get my dealer to check the pressure in the spare even though I ask them to every time I take it in for service.

PSA: Only Limiteds have the capability for a 5th TPMS from the factory; it's not possible to add a 5th TPMS to other trims via Techstream, et al.

Confirmed. I see 5 values for TPMS. They actually did inflate the spare (it was at 32 now it’s 47 but didn’t rotate it.

So weird. Also it threw me off being that rim is silver on the back and not black, but appears to be the same spoke pattern and size as the others.


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On a true 4x4 you must have the spare the same size as the rest of the tires, i.e no "doughnut" spare, because there is no center differential. With an AWD vehicle you can get away with a doughnut spare.

The point is - if any tire should have TPMS - it's the spare since it can't be easily checked. Toyota screwed the pooch on this one.

wow good to know, i'll edit my post to correct it