I was barely able to fit a 255/75 in the spare location when I was running that size, it still had a slight rub on the track bar. Moving to 285/70 I knew I'd have to deal with the spare.
Inside storage wasn't an option, I have a drawer system thing and I sleep in the truck when I get out.
I can't fit in my garage with the spare on the roof rack. For a while I ran spareless and "threw" the spare up there when going wheeling. What a monumental pain in the ass!
I like the lines on the stock bumper cover and there aren't any replacement options out there that wow me, I do like the swing out component of them though. -- but the swing outs add a huge amount of cost to an already expensive upgrade imo.
Not a fan of the hitch mount things, they just look clunky to me and the reduced clearance is a no go. The tire is also too far away from the body for my tastes, amongst other issues.
Wound up getting everything I wanted by making my own.
Made some brackets that bolt to the frame and come through the cover.
4xinnovations hinges (@traxman25 those things are STOUT)
Inspired/borrowed the latch design from
@
C4 Fabrication
the rest is mostly 1/4" wall steel.
So far I have no complaints with it, I like the tire high and tight, zero rattles or movement. Eventually I'll make a bracket thing that bolts to the ladder and holds a jerry can and the high lift.
Crappy phone pics:
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2007 SR5 4WD Nautical Blue --
Build Thread