PSA - Check Your Spare Tire for Rubbing Under Bed - UPDATE

Well. This was a surprise at 17,7xx miles when I went to swap out the OEM spare from under the bed for a larger tire.

Ooof. Glad I found that and not somewhere between OK and AZ in the middle of nowhere when I needed it... Don't know if it actually affected the sidewall integrity. Doesn't make me feel comfortable.

 

I also flipped mine around so you can check the air pressure without having to drop it.

 

Forgot to add. I'm in the search of a scrap piece of linoleum to cut out to add as barrier between the frame and my new $300 spare.

 

Maybe do a five tire rotation about every 6k or so.

 

Yeah I already bought a cheaper mud terrain vs. the Cooper ST Maxx I upgraded to. About $60 cheaper. Should have just bought another ST Maxx.

I'm going to need to buy a fifth rim anyways as the OEM spare rim is going to cause rubbing if I need to use it up front. Not a big deal to swap a rear to front. Just concerned if I'm in a bad spot the safety issue of trying to do dual swaps.

 

In a bad situation, not sure, but maybe you could let it rub just long enough to get to a better spot. Might also be able to keep a few washers in the truck to use as spacers for a couple of slow and gentle miles. I'm going to be in the same boat 3 days from now, so kinda thinking about options.

 

I bought myself a 5th rim and matching tire, but had fitment issues under the bed (295/70/18). Going to see if I can remove the spare tire guides this weekend to make some additional room. Had rubbing on both sides on the shackles. I drove a few miles to try it, but I could immediately tell the shackles were binding up and not freely moving.

 

The spare is a whole process, inspection & maintenance, and i prefer to have nipples accessible. I cant talk no mess because i have AAA and my spare is original with stickers and an ‘01 date. It’ll get rotated, but my michelins are 30k fresh. And the OG spare holds air.



i blame grandpa for not having the nipple accessible.

 

Totally agree, having nipples accessible makes me happy

 

rejoice!

 

I got a used tire as a spare instead of getting another Cooper STT and had to buy a new rim for my spare off ebay.

 

Just a helpful hint for you guys.. if you decide to flip the spare over, there is some room inside the dish of the rim for some stuff.

I keep a tow chain, cable ties and a few other items that can withstand the elements in there.

 

Thinking outside the box there... Good idea.

 

Yep.

Was just gonna say that's where I tend to stash emergency fluids and gear in vehicles with trunk spare.

Flipping the tundie spare is now on my list.

My bimmer had an option available for a metal gass can designed to fit inside the spare wheel... Of course it would never get used and the gas would probably go bad, but I always liked that it existed.

 

Just bend out the brackets. My 35x12.5x18 fits perfect without rubbing at all

 

Update. Ordered this firm 1/8" rubber mat off Amazon. Cut in half it allowed me to have two mats between the new spare and the frame. Fit good on my 295/70R18 spare.

$52 VersaTex Multi-Purpose Recycled PVC Floor Mat for Indoor or Outdoor Use, Utility Mat for Entryway, Tool Bench, Garage, Under-Sink, Patio, and Door Mat; 36" x 60", Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D18T9YT?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

That’s a great idea.

 

Even better idea, pool noodle at dollar store, real simple.

 

I wonder about deflating the tire, then raise it up, followed by inflating to create a super tight no rub fit. Maybe, maybe not. Thoughts??

 

Not bad ideas ^. Cheaper than the $30 something I spent.

 

I did the same many months ago, just be forewarned that if the debris makes its way between the face of the wheel and those utility mats....it will abrade at the wheel finish. Ask me how I know.... ;(

-JS

 

Ooof! Glad you mentioned that. I'll take another look, but I believe the rubber mat doesn't contact the wheel at all. Perhaps a layer of tape though along the wheel's rim...

 

Maybe flip it?

 

the tire hoist is designed to sit on the hub bore and flat wheel hub mating surface. flipping the spare is not possible with alloy wheels.

-JS

 

thanks for the psa gota add this to the maintenance checklist

 

When I first tried to secure it with the chain bracket, I couldn't get the two bracket "prongs" to seat properly in the outer lug nut sockets (Method 701 wheel). I had to mount it with the inner wheel facing down.

I'll try again though when I check it. It might have been an issue of too many beers!

 

A ha. Thanks. I was typing while you posted. That confirms what I posted above. Appreciate it.

 

I still think it can be flipped, kinda depends on the wheel and if a centercap will cover scarring. In my case, I have a steel spare and it can be flipped. Someday, I will flip it and use the well for some hidden tool storage.

 

and for @t-bear, saved you the effort. lol

 

Thanks @BiggHertz I thought that was my issue and you did save me some time. I still think I will pull the spare and probably tape the upper (outer wheel rim) rim b/t mats.