Bed Mounted Spare - Opinions Welcome

[5gn-h3t]

So, I have 35's on my truck and want to mount the spare in the bed. In the stock location, a 315/75 hangs down too low and there are many ways of blowing a tire apart that also make it a real PITA to crawl under the truck to get the spare. My main goal is to still be able to slide 4x8 sheets of material in the bed with the spare mounted. So, here's where I'm at:

I'm also going to tie it into the front rail.


From here, I have option A:

or B:

I like the slanted look more but I think it places the tire too high and dropping the mount lower over-complicates things. Any thoughts?

 

[Ghostbuster]

Do you have a backup camera?

 

[5gn-h3t]

That is definitely part of the install! I have one. It's still in the box, but that is a part of this project. Without the rear headrests, you have a little rear visibility. With them it's zero.

 

[SedonaBound]

Do you have a backup camera?

Not that the rear window in a T lets you see much closer than a truck length anyway!

 

[5gn-h3t]

Yeah, driving a T will make you a better driver or you will just constantly back into things. You have to remember what you saw as you were moving forward because it's out of sight when you try to back up. Makes backing up an H2 feel like a Wrangler.

 

[RamRod]

I would do the angled mount, but move the tire closer to the back off the cab

 

[4speedfunk]

Tailgate mount....

 

[5gn-h3t]

Any idea where I could get one of those?

Looks cool, but where does the 4x8 sheet of plywood go?

 

[SedonaBound]

Tailgate mount is easier for access to the spare, but worse for ride and handling.

 

[4speedfunk]

Any idea where I could get one of those?

I got (2) of em for sale...$950 plus shipping. It is reversible and hinges on either side. Powder-coated. Accepts up to a 37" tire. Made in USA. More info on Youtube.

Looks cool, but where does the 4x8 sheet of plywood go?

Haha...Good one. Like an H3 would take a sheet of plywood anyway.

Tailgate mount is easier for access to the spare, but worst for ride and handling.

No effect on ride or handling...other than blocking the rear view mirror.

 

[gfbh3t]

Cranking torsion bars is a worse ride!

 

[5gn-h3t]

Haha...Good one. Like an H3 would take a sheet of plywood anyway.

Easy, tailgate down, move tailgate retaining cables to the partially open position and you can stack plywood in there until you are on the bumpstops.

 

[5gn-h3t]

I would do the angled mount, but move the tire closer to the back off the cab

Thanks. Either way, I'm going to move it about 4" towards the cab