Spare Tire Carrier & New Larger Tires

So, now that the new tires are installed, Cooper 295/70-R18, unfortunately the spare will not fit the spare tire carrier without doing major metal removal/trimming. But thats OK, had the opportunity to change a tire using the spare on our previous 4Runner, same principle with the spare tire carrier, and it was a giant pain in the you know where to use it. That being said, even with the 5 1/2' bed on the Tundra, I'm going to keep the spare in the bed of the truck, no worries about taking up too much space. I'm looking at options for a bracket/hold down to secure the spare tire. Has anyone else looked into this, or know of a product out there that addresses this situation? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

The 295/70/18 fit without any metal cutting. Just won’t sit completely flush. I carried it like that for over a year. Then I finally cut the guides which literally took 10 minutes.

 

joonbug

Did you notice any rattling/noise during that time, or was there any damage to the spare when it didn't sit completely flush?

 

No rattling at all. The backside of the tire (towards the rear bumper) hits the top. Towards the tire guides is where it won’t raise all the way up and won’t sit flush. Just like an inch or so. Not a big deal. It might leave a tiny indentation on the spare but no damage.

 

joonbug

Thanks for the info, greatly appreciated! I still think if I have the room in the bed, its probably a lot easier to access there than underneath in the spare tire carrier, based on my past experience when having to change a tire and needing the spare. I guess I'm just a wuss!

 

I've pulled the bed bolts out and reinstalled with a D-ring as a washer. Then you can strap it in.

Cargo Tie-Down Anchors, 4PCS 2" Black Steel V-Ring Bolt On Trailer Anchor, Trailer Cargo Rope Bolt on Surface Mounting Clip Truck Load Anchor Point Lashing Ring for Trailers, Trucks and Warehouses

https://www.amazon.com/Tie-Down-Anc...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DPNPCR391EY7RW70GH5A
I've also seen (on SGU trucks) a really cool, versatile track that would work well too.

Pit Posse 4ft Aluminum L Track Tie Down Rails - Set of 2 Adjustable S Track Anchor for Flatbed, Truck, Cargo, Van, Enclosed Trailer - Automotive Accessories - Snowmobile, Toy Hauler, 5th Wheel

https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-Al...rgo+track&qid=1554999889&s=automotive&sr=1-11
But @joonbug is right, the 295 fits really well under the bed. How often are you really gonna need access to it? I've needed my spare once, I think, in the last 5 yrs. and Joon has needed mine once.

 

OK, you've convinced me to at least give it a try, actually you are correct in terms of really needing to access the spare. If I recall right, I have needed to access my spare once in the past 6 years. Thanks for input, thats why this forum is so great!