Running an odd ball spare is all fun and games until you wreck an almost new tire , find out they are no longer making them, and no one in the country has one in stock. Been there done that. I ALWAYS buy at least 5 matching tires.
I work fixing 4x4 vehicles please don’t use different sizes of tires even on road: the differentials are not designed for survive continuous use with different tires, and your transfer case neither (only if there’s no other option), I think I appreciate the suggestion but brings me more peace of mind to do the sacrifices necessary to have another tyre the same size (if the tire is able to fit reasonably) from a mechanical standpoint
I just use this to limp off the trail but by varying air pressure and running the undersized tire on the front in 2WD it should be fine for short distances. The transfer case won’t care because it isn’t sending power to that axle.
Good vid Harry. I hate my tire carrier on my 80series LC. I fought going that route for years. It’s a double swing so half the width of the truck so not as bad as that taco. As you pointed out. Can’t get my upper hatch open without swinging the spare open. It’s really more of a Pain than. I thought it would be. Unfortunately the stock location can only accommodate a 33 and I kept it deflated to let it smush up to the hitch hight because It hangs way lower than even the trailer hitch with a stock style hitch. My aftermarket bumper moved the hitch up a couple inches so even worse clearance now. Running a smaller diameter spare is not an options with the AWD. Right now only on 33s but ready to regear and possibly go to a 37. Full drawers with a sleep platform so moving it inside is not possible. Just screwed. This truck is more a DD overland rig now. Looking at a new build and considering flat bed the spare will likely be standing vertical behind the cab. Possibly in a well to get it lower.
I made the mistake of putting my tacomas spare on a swing away and it ruined the ride quality. That much weight that far back gave the truck a tail wag that was disturbing. I ended up switching back to the factory setup. I learned from that mistake. Now my Tire size for any build is set by what fits in the factory location (with modifications). It’s amazing what you can tuck under a truck with a bit of trimming. My last e350 had a 35.5” in the factory location. My current van came with a water tank already installed in factory spare location so I’m stuck with a swing away but the interior is laid out in such a way that we never use the rear doors anyway. Also the 1 ton chassis doesn’t mind having the extra weight hanging off the back like a lighter truck does. 🚐🚐🚐
This is awesome. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for only carrying a "space saver spare" (a 33") in case I damage one of my 37's, so it's nice to see the exact logic I've applied being validated by a respected expert in the field. I'd always prefer to plug a tire on the trail, but in the off chance it can't be made to hold air, the 33 will get me off the trail and get me home.
All great points. I've had a few flats on my 4Runner, and I just plugged them without even removing the tire from the vehicle. Haven't touched my spare in the 5 years that I've owned it, it's probably rusted solid up in its mount anyway, haha. When I upsize tires, my plan is to run a 255/75 as a spare, it's a little shorter and narrower than the 285/70 that I'm planning on going to, but my theory is that if I'm aired down on the other 3 tires the diameters will be approximately the same. And like you said in the video, the spare is the last resort.
Haven’t carried a spare in the old Tundra for like 3 years now. Just carry plugs with me. But I should see if a 35”fits underneath if so I should put it there.
I love it. I carried a 35" spare in the stock location when I ran 38s but kept tearing the side wall so I built a swing out tire carrier. I totally get your thought process and I tend to agree with it. I'm stuck in this position once again on my current build. 1998 Isuzu Rodeo on 35s with yukon grizzly, and there is absolutely no way in hell that tire is fitting under the rear, or even it the rear cargo area. It's been 6 months now and I still can't decide what to do. 😂
@HarrySituations I've considered it, but with my tool roll, CO2 tank, spare parts and gear it doesn't leave much room for anything else. I've always been a Nitto or Toyo guy so didn't worry much about a spare except long trips. It's usually just an ARB plug kit and Gluetread sidewall kit. Now that I'm running Patagonia M/Ts I'm a bit worried. 🤣 35x12.50x15 on beadlocks.
I also have a smaller spare on my truck in the factory spare location. I have a nice plug kit and keep an air compressor as well. If I need I can put the spare in the front. I have electronic activated lockers, so I could keep those off if needed or use them sparingly to get out of a situation. Obviously would replace the tire as soon as possible with the correct size.
Definitely depends on what type of vehicle and what your use case is. On my pickup, I just keep a spare in the stock location. My TJ wrangler, I have the stock carrier on the tailgate right now, but I want a swing out carrier at some point. It's common on jeeps just to take the weight off the tailgate. I don't like doing permanent mods if possible, so I'm working on a hitch mounted cargo carrier that I'm going to raise so it doesn't kill my departure angle, but also be able to carry a little bit of gear and a can of fuel, but this way it's not permanent and it's not adding weight to my tailgate on my jeep. I will stow a full size spare, doesn't have to be the same brand, usually just something that's the same size, but if I have a sidewall blow out/damage, the full size spare will definitely get me home no matter if it's ten miles or five hundred miles. Whatever mods or the cost of a full size spare is definitely worth it vs possible down time (unable to drive long distance on pavement or lack of availability at a tire shop) or risking an axle or t-case. For daily use, I rarely have a flat or a blowout, but I've damaged more tires than I care to admit offroad from rocks and tree stumps, which if your rig is to be used at all as a trail rig, a matching spare may prove to be well worth the cost and possible headaches to stow it, but we each have different needs, uses, and preferences, so I understand why others may choose to pick a different route.
@@jshaw6600 I don't have one. The swing out carriers came on the 2 door s10 zr2 blazers. I snagged one from my local junk yard. I hacked it up, and bolted on a matching spindle/hub for my front axle.
Agree with a lot of what you said. BUT, The issue with the spare in the stock location underneath is that you may not be able to get it out when you need it if you are offroad. That is why I am considering a swing out, despite the drawbacks you mention. Another great option is to put it in the bed before you go on an offroad trip. I like to carry a full size spare so I can actually drive on it for a good distance after. But if you just need the spare to get you off-trail, a smaller spare is a good idea a lot of people forget or don’t know about. Nice mountain bike. I ride a Santa Cruz Bronson and an Ibis Oso- both go in the bed of my Gladiator with an Alucab canopy. Bought the truck around the bike- ability to do this was number 1 priority of my rig. Lol.
Great points! I put the bed in the spare of my Tundra when I go off road because my suspension doesn’t allow it to be mounted in the factory location. My only issue with that is it takes up a lot of room and when I go on a trip is usually when I have the LEAST room to spare in the bed.
One problem with the smaller spares is if you have a fulltime 4wd rig. I hate the full length tire carriers like the one on the Tacoma. They are PITA to open anywhere and on the trail you can forget about opening it. I think it depends how you are wheeling and how far you are from civilization as well. If I'm 200 miles or more from a tire store on a 4wd vacation I'm not going to risk not having the correct spare or rely on plugs. I think I'd be willing to risk it more if I ran a common size tire that could likely be found in rural parts. Finding a 37 or larger is going to be darn near impossible. Finding a 285/75/ish 16, 17, or 18 would be a lot easier and I might be willing to rely more on plugs or an off sized spare with a common size. Access can also be an issue if stowed under the vehicle. And the spare is more likely to be damaged underneath. With that said, I have spares stowed in the cargo area, on swing out carriers, and underneath in my 4wds. It just depends upon my use as to what I need for that particular vehicle.
Unfortunately for me, I’ve never been able to repair a tire with plugs (9+ tires over the last 15 years), so I’ve always needed to carry a full size spare. Slowly gaining confidence back running Nittos though. I also had to upgrade and gusset the hell out of my genright tire carrier to withstand the abuse I put it through. 150lb tire is a lot to handle
That’s why I bought an internal rack for my JL. I have the spare inside, almost to the roof, strapped down with a proper ratchet strap specifically made to hold a tire, horizontally. This leave everything still open below the belt line of the body tub.
I agree with what you said. That is why I went with the biggest tire that fit in my stock spare tire space and called it good. My reasons were pretty much same that you pointed out. How often do you get a flat these days (I don't want to say more lest I get hexed) If you do get a flat - it will take you 20 minutes more to change it - so what I would first try to plug the tire before changing it - I should practice it a few times though More weight further back could increase porposing. One more latch you have to open to get to the back - that must get old after a stretch What I did not consider (or thought it reckless-:) is to install a smaller spare than the rest - Blasphemy! My current spare just fits but does rub a bit - so I just may go with your radical idea and have a smaller spare. Expect to get flamed by all the bumper tire mount manufacturers & those god awful hitch spare tire mounts team.
@@HarrySituations Yes an ARB and a portable air pump. I did deflate the tire - I went to about 15 psi - I did not want to go much lower to keep the bead set.
@@TerryManitobaI would be willing to send you a Nitto T-shirt and sticker pack if you remove the valve core from your spare and put a ratchet strap around it and can get it to come off the bead.
@@HarrySituations Really - well I'll be damned. I usually research the f out of every thing. Not this topic. I do have a racket strap around the tire. I will now take it down to ZERO & hope for the best - I guess!!!
I added relentless swing out to my colorado zr2. Little annoying, but not that big of a deal. I am only running 33’s, but the factory spare under was hanging so low, it had to go. I destroyed one tire and mangled the spare rim pretty badly just by getting hung up on rocks. Tacomas etc are tucked in higher, but Colorados weren’t.
You should do a review of sidewall repair kits like Gluetread. I have a XJ and have always grappled with where to put the spare. Need the room inside for camping gear. A tire carrier would get in the way of my bike rack and I don’t really like putting it on the roof but that’s what I’ve been doing thus far. Thinking about just carrying a plug kit and Gluetread kit instead.
Look into Detours off-road USA offset hitch mount tire carrier. I assume you have a hitch. The offset mount is another 2” receiver that bolts to your hitch “frame”. Mine is on the drivers side. Then the tire carrier I have from detours rotates down to the left side. So I can access the hatch. It’s a lightweight setup. 25/30lbs. Fits tight and close to rear hatch. Mine has a 33” tire on it. Doesn’t rattle around. And I can still use my actual hitch receiver as a recovery point. And for my bike rack. Bike rack has a 12” hitch extension on it so I can still carry two bikes behind the spare tire.
@@russjowett2137 I did consider exactly what you are mentioning but I think Detours USA which became Detours of Maine went out of business unfortunately. I kind of wish I had bought one of their tailbone tire carrier kits even though it is a swing out.
You could save more space and weight by doing like Brennan's Garage recommends, just carry an unmounted spare. Plug if possible then worse case you're changing a tire on your beadlock on the trail. He stores stuff in the spare to utilize the space and just accepts the possibility of a longer trail repair if he totally destroys a tire.
Not sure what size tires you are running. I had 285/75R16 tires on my 3rd Gen 4Runner and put a 255/85R16 spare in the stock location. Same diameter but and inch and a have skinnier.
I’m running 35s. But my custom bumper is thinner than the stock bumper and the hitch is built into it. Even a 255, most of the tire would hang below the bumper. I’ll have do some measuring.
I could watch that old Ford all day
Running an odd ball spare is all fun and games until you wreck an almost new tire , find out they are no longer making them, and no one in the country has one in stock. Been there done that. I ALWAYS buy at least 5 matching tires.
I work fixing 4x4 vehicles please don’t use different sizes of tires even on road: the differentials are not designed for survive continuous use with different tires, and your transfer case neither (only if there’s no other option), I think I appreciate the suggestion but brings me more peace of mind to do the sacrifices necessary to have another tyre the same size (if the tire is able to fit reasonably) from a mechanical standpoint
I just use this to limp off the trail but by varying air pressure and running the undersized tire on the front in 2WD it should be fine for short distances. The transfer case won’t care because it isn’t sending power to that axle.
I agree with you I was a jeep tech and the had recall the had replace all the spare tires with a different size
Especially on awd systems, burn up an axle or T-case real quick lol.
Good vid Harry.
I hate my tire carrier on my 80series LC. I fought going that route for years. It’s a double swing so half the width of the truck so not as bad as that taco. As you pointed out. Can’t get my upper hatch open without swinging the spare open. It’s really more of a Pain than. I thought it would be.
Unfortunately the stock location can only accommodate a 33 and I kept it deflated to let it smush up to the hitch hight because It hangs way lower than even the trailer hitch with a stock style hitch. My aftermarket bumper moved the hitch up a couple inches so even worse clearance now.
Running a smaller diameter spare is not an options with the AWD. Right now only on 33s but ready to regear and possibly go to a 37. Full drawers with a sleep platform so moving it inside is not possible. Just screwed. This truck is more a DD overland rig now. Looking at a new build and considering flat bed the spare will likely be standing vertical behind the cab. Possibly in a well to get it lower.
That is how I had my Toyota pickup set up. Vertical spare sunk into the bed.
I made the mistake of putting my tacomas spare on a swing away and it ruined the ride quality. That much weight that far back gave the truck a tail wag that was disturbing. I ended up switching back to the factory setup. I learned from that mistake. Now my Tire size for any build is set by what fits in the factory location (with modifications). It’s amazing what you can tuck under a truck with a bit of trimming. My last e350 had a 35.5” in the factory location. My current van came with a water tank already installed in factory spare location so I’m stuck with a swing away but the interior is laid out in such a way that we never use the rear doors anyway. Also the 1 ton chassis doesn’t mind having the extra weight hanging off the back like a lighter truck does. 🚐🚐🚐
This is awesome. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for only carrying a "space saver spare" (a 33") in case I damage one of my 37's, so it's nice to see the exact logic I've applied being validated by a respected expert in the field. I'd always prefer to plug a tire on the trail, but in the off chance it can't be made to hold air, the 33 will get me off the trail and get me home.
All great points. I've had a few flats on my 4Runner, and I just plugged them without even removing the tire from the vehicle. Haven't touched my spare in the 5 years that I've owned it, it's probably rusted solid up in its mount anyway, haha. When I upsize tires, my plan is to run a 255/75 as a spare, it's a little shorter and narrower than the 285/70 that I'm planning on going to, but my theory is that if I'm aired down on the other 3 tires the diameters will be approximately the same. And like you said in the video, the spare is the last resort.
That is the size I ran for a spare on my 3rd Gen 4Runner in the stock location. Fit great!
Haven’t carried a spare in the old Tundra for like 3 years now. Just carry plugs with me. But I should see if a 35”fits underneath if so I should put it there.
I love it. I carried a 35" spare in the stock location when I ran 38s but kept tearing the side wall so I built a swing out tire carrier. I totally get your thought process and I tend to agree with it. I'm stuck in this position once again on my current build. 1998 Isuzu Rodeo on 35s with yukon grizzly, and there is absolutely no way in hell that tire is fitting under the rear, or even it the rear cargo area. It's been 6 months now and I still can't decide what to do. 😂
You can’t put it upright in the cargo area?
@HarrySituations I've considered it, but with my tool roll, CO2 tank, spare parts and gear it doesn't leave much room for anything else. I've always been a Nitto or Toyo guy so didn't worry much about a spare except long trips. It's usually just an ARB plug kit and Gluetread sidewall kit. Now that I'm running Patagonia M/Ts I'm a bit worried. 🤣 35x12.50x15 on beadlocks.
I also have a smaller spare on my truck in the factory spare location. I have a nice plug kit and keep an air compressor as well. If I need I can put the spare in the front. I have electronic activated lockers, so I could keep those off if needed or use them sparingly to get out of a situation. Obviously would replace the tire as soon as possible with the correct size.
When I buy another Taco I will get a swing out tire carry. I had a stock tire carrier jam on me when I needed to change my tire
Definitely depends on what type of vehicle and what your use case is. On my pickup, I just keep a spare in the stock location. My TJ wrangler, I have the stock carrier on the tailgate right now, but I want a swing out carrier at some point. It's common on jeeps just to take the weight off the tailgate. I don't like doing permanent mods if possible, so I'm working on a hitch mounted cargo carrier that I'm going to raise so it doesn't kill my departure angle, but also be able to carry a little bit of gear and a can of fuel, but this way it's not permanent and it's not adding weight to my tailgate on my jeep. I will stow a full size spare, doesn't have to be the same brand, usually just something that's the same size, but if I have a sidewall blow out/damage, the full size spare will definitely get me home no matter if it's ten miles or five hundred miles. Whatever mods or the cost of a full size spare is definitely worth it vs possible down time (unable to drive long distance on pavement or lack of availability at a tire shop) or risking an axle or t-case. For daily use, I rarely have a flat or a blowout, but I've damaged more tires than I care to admit offroad from rocks and tree stumps, which if your rig is to be used at all as a trail rig, a matching spare may prove to be well worth the cost and possible headaches to stow it, but we each have different needs, uses, and preferences, so I understand why others may choose to pick a different route.
It does get tricky with Jeeps! I like the ones that open the rear door with the tire rather than separately.
I used a factory gm zr2 swing out carrier that also doubles back as spare parts. Complete with hub, stub, bearings, lockout, wheel studs and lug nuts.
Do you have a part number? A quick Google search yields only aftermarket options, no OEM GM tire swing out.
@@jshaw6600 I don't have one. The swing out carriers came on the 2 door s10 zr2 blazers. I snagged one from my local junk yard. I hacked it up, and bolted on a matching spindle/hub for my front axle.
43” TSLs on the trail rig, just don’t carry a spare anymore. On my 4500 ram I keep my truck spare on my trailer neck. Gladiator stays under the bed
Agree with a lot of what you said. BUT, The issue with the spare in the stock location underneath is that you may not be able to get it out when you need it if you are offroad. That is why I am considering a swing out, despite the drawbacks you mention. Another great option is to put it in the bed before you go on an offroad trip. I like to carry a full size spare so I can actually drive on it for a good distance after. But if you just need the spare to get you off-trail, a smaller spare is a good idea a lot of people forget or don’t know about.
Nice mountain bike. I ride a Santa Cruz Bronson and an Ibis Oso- both go in the bed of my Gladiator with an Alucab canopy. Bought the truck around the bike- ability to do this was number 1 priority of my rig. Lol.
Great points! I put the bed in the spare of my Tundra when I go off road because my suspension doesn’t allow it to be mounted in the factory location. My only issue with that is it takes up a lot of room and when I go on a trip is usually when I have the LEAST room to spare in the bed.
One problem with the smaller spares is if you have a fulltime 4wd rig. I hate the full length tire carriers like the one on the Tacoma. They are PITA to open anywhere and on the trail you can forget about opening it. I think it depends how you are wheeling and how far you are from civilization as well. If I'm 200 miles or more from a tire store on a 4wd vacation I'm not going to risk not having the correct spare or rely on plugs. I think I'd be willing to risk it more if I ran a common size tire that could likely be found in rural parts. Finding a 37 or larger is going to be darn near impossible. Finding a 285/75/ish 16, 17, or 18 would be a lot easier and I might be willing to rely more on plugs or an off sized spare with a common size. Access can also be an issue if stowed under the vehicle. And the spare is more likely to be damaged underneath. With that said, I have spares stowed in the cargo area, on swing out carriers, and underneath in my 4wds. It just depends upon my use as to what I need for that particular vehicle.
Excellent points.
Unfortunately for me, I’ve never been able to repair a tire with plugs (9+ tires over the last 15 years), so I’ve always needed to carry a full size spare. Slowly gaining confidence back running Nittos though. I also had to upgrade and gusset the hell out of my genright tire carrier to withstand the abuse I put it through. 150lb tire is a lot to handle
Hopefully the Nittos treat you better than your old tires did!
That’s why I bought an internal rack for my JL. I have the spare inside, almost to the roof, strapped down with a proper ratchet strap specifically made to hold a tire, horizontally. This leave everything still open below the belt line of the body tub.
I am a big fan of the Rigd Ultra Swing!
I just plain don't like the looks of them on a pickup truck. I just soon mount it in the bed flat someway.
I was thinking the same thing, the bumper mount just seems silly on a pickup.
I would think a 2 inch difference in tire height would put alot of wear on the differential exspecily with a locker. (already addressed thanks).
What brand is your back door table? Love your videos
It is from Front Runner. It didn’t rattle at all when I bought it but after a couple of years I had to add some rubber washers to keep it quiet.
I agree with what you said. That is why I went with the biggest tire that fit in my stock spare tire space and called it good. My reasons were pretty much same that you pointed out. How often do you get a flat these days (I don't want to say more lest I get hexed)
If you do get a flat - it will take you 20 minutes more to change it - so what
I would first try to plug the tire before changing it - I should practice it a few times though
More weight further back could increase porposing.
One more latch you have to open to get to the back - that must get old after a stretch
What I did not consider (or thought it reckless-:) is to install a smaller spare than the rest - Blasphemy! My current spare just fits but does rub a bit - so I just may go with your radical idea and have a smaller spare.
Expect to get flamed by all the bumper tire mount manufacturers & those god awful hitch spare tire mounts team.
Do you have on board air? Maybe could carry the spare deflated?
@@HarrySituations Yes an ARB and a portable air pump.
I did deflate the tire - I went to about 15 psi - I did not want to go much lower to keep the bead set.
@@TerryManitobaI would be willing to send you a Nitto T-shirt and sticker pack if you remove the valve core from your spare and put a ratchet strap around it and can get it to come off the bead.
@@HarrySituations Really - well I'll be damned.
I usually research the f out of every thing. Not this topic.
I do have a racket strap around the tire. I will now take it down to ZERO & hope for the best - I guess!!!
@@TerryManitoba worst case you get a T-shirt out of the test. 😉
I added relentless swing out to my colorado zr2. Little annoying, but not that big of a deal. I am only running 33’s, but the factory spare under was hanging so low, it had to go. I destroyed one tire and mangled the spare rim pretty badly just by getting hung up on rocks. Tacomas etc are tucked in higher, but Colorados weren’t.
You should do a review of sidewall repair kits like Gluetread. I have a XJ and have always grappled with where to put the spare. Need the room inside for camping gear. A tire carrier would get in the way of my bike rack and I don’t really like putting it on the roof but that’s what I’ve been doing thus far. Thinking about just carrying a plug kit and Gluetread kit instead.
I don’t have any firsthand experience with Gluetread but I will look into it.
Look into Detours off-road USA offset hitch mount tire carrier. I assume you have a hitch. The offset mount is another 2” receiver that bolts to your hitch “frame”. Mine is on the drivers side. Then the tire carrier I have from detours rotates down to the left side. So I can access the hatch. It’s a lightweight setup. 25/30lbs. Fits tight and close to rear hatch. Mine has a 33” tire on it. Doesn’t rattle around. And I can still use my actual hitch receiver as a recovery point. And for my bike rack. Bike rack has a 12” hitch extension on it so I can still carry two bikes behind the spare tire.
@@russjowett2137 I did consider exactly what you are mentioning but I think Detours USA which became Detours of Maine went out of business unfortunately. I kind of wish I had bought one of their tailbone tire carrier kits even though it is a swing out.
Superb video and I'm going to buy a plug kit after this comment. My question is, WHAT IN THE WORLD DO YOU DO TO HAVE SOOOOO MANY AWESOME RIDES??
You make a lot of sense and just saved me 2k and some regret..THANKS!
Same here.
You could save more space and weight by doing like Brennan's Garage recommends, just carry an unmounted spare. Plug if possible then worse case you're changing a tire on your beadlock on the trail. He stores stuff in the spare to utilize the space and just accepts the possibility of a longer trail repair if he totally destroys a tire.
I hate having a tire swing out but any size spare tire under the back of my 2000 4runner hangs too low.
Not sure what size tires you are running. I had 285/75R16 tires on my 3rd Gen 4Runner and put a 255/85R16 spare in the stock location. Same diameter but and inch and a have skinnier.
I’m running 35s. But my custom bumper is thinner than the stock bumper and the hitch is built into it. Even a 255, most of the tire would hang below the bumper. I’ll have do some measuring.
Great information as always.
Love your vids.
Just found you today. Rare seeing common sense advice about off-roading. Plugging the tire is always the best solution. Look forward to more content.
Been running spare tire mounts for decades in Africa and Australia. Never ever had any issues. SFMFs🤙🏻🍻🇺🇸🏴🇬🇧🏴☠️⚓️
Maybe the tire manufactures need to make run flats for the off road drivers.?
Don’t even put it on if you don’t use it
Seriously