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Spare storage in a pickup

Mastiff

Mastiff

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Anyone have any clever solutions for the storage of a spare? I'm thinking about it for my '86 CUCV (K30 pickup). In my ideal world, I could put a 33" spare someplace and still put a stack of 4x8 sheets of something in the box. Right now I only have the stock spare, which is 31"x12" or so, and it looks like maybe I could stand it on end behind the cab and still fit 4x8's in the box - just barely.

I really don't like storing it under the bed since it seems like a super pain to get down when you need it. Plus, a bigger tire probably wouldn't fit. I can't think of anything else though. Front bumper looks goofy. A full rack above the bed would work, but is kind of extreme, and plus I couldn't park in the garage anymore if the tire was on top.

Lookin' for ideas.
 
Build a mount to put it on the outside of the bed..... just a thought???

or possibly just find a way to put it on the roof of the cab

run tubes..... they fit behind the seat :haha:
 
some trucks have them bolted to the side of bed ''inside that is''so its siting on one of the sides/-\O of the wheel tub.
 
74757685k5 said:
some trucks have them bolted to the side of bed ''inside that is''so its siting on one of the sides/-\O of the wheel tub.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking for now. It looks like I can barely fit 4x8 stuff with it that way. I won't know for sure til I try. With a bigger tire, I may be out of luck though - unless I deflate it a little and keep compressed air on-board... :thinking:
 
74757685k5 said:
use a 33x9.50 on a 7''wide wheel that sould fit
Click to expand...

Hmm. I wouldn't want them all that narrow, but I suppose I could have a mismatched spare, as long as the diameter is right. :thinking:
 
If you're not looking to lose any cargo space, make yourself some sorta swing-away spare tire mount like you see on S-10 Blazers and Bronco II's.... $.02


LOL!!!! :haha: Or mount it on the hood 'safari style'!! ;)
 
god could you imagine a 35x13 inch tire right in the middle of your view! :haha:
 
My heap had...

I had a "headache rack" and back window protector made from rectangular tubing and expanded metal mesh on my 74 K20,it was ruggedly built,and was anchored by heavy angle iron to the flatbed..--I welded 2 steel plates 3/16" thick to one side of it,drilled 2 holes to match the bolt pattern on the rim,and "hung" my spare on it,on the drivers side,so I'd have the entire bed free for other stuff.

It only stuck up a few inches higher than the cab,,and out the side about 4"--no wider than my mirrors--but I had a 245/75/16 tire on a stock rim..might not be the hot setup for a tire as big as yours is though..I got a severe backache putting the spare up there--even stock tire and rim wieghs over 100 lbs!.. :eek1:

I think the rear mount swing away type tire carrier similar to the ones on vans and K'5s and Broncos would be a better idea,and you could buy one cheap at a junkyard--wouldn't take much modifying to make one work.. :thinking: :crazy:
 
I can think of all kinds of good ideas.

What about the old fashioned "tire in front of the grill"?

Or take tube and make a mount that goes across the front two stake pockets of the bed, and then back one pocket on one side. You could then mount the tire above the bed (although it would partially block the rear view). Or you could have another piece that drops down over the side of the bed from there and hangs it off the side.

You could try to mount it under the bed if you have side tanks.

You could modify one of the original in-bed/standing-up mounts, but make a little shelf on the bottom of it maybe 6-8" off the bed floor, then raise the rest of the mount the same 6-8". That would give you that 6-8" space under the tire where you could still slide plywood.

You could make a mount on the outside of the tailgate.

You could get a swing out bumper carrier.

If you need any explanations about what I'm talking about, just ask.
 
74757685k5 said:
some trucks have them bolted to the side of bed ''inside that is''so its siting on one of the sides/-\O of the wheel tub.
Click to expand...
That is the easiest way to go.. I have a truck that the tire is mounted like that.. If I want to put plywood or something of that size I just take the tire out while I load the stuff and then set the tire on top of it until I get to where I'm going.. Then just put it back where it was..
 
74757685k5 said:
use a 33x9.50 on a 7''wide wheel that sould fit
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I use. It sits in the bed parallel to the bedside behind the rear fender liner. I call it the "Pro Farm" look. :D

Saw the "tiregate" at the Off Road Expo. Interesting idea.
 
I stole the spare tire holder off the back of a Blazer at the junkyard, but run the tire in the bed so it doesn't stick above the tailgate or stick out. When I want to carry large items, BAM, just mount the tire on the rack. Plus, I keep it closed with a lock on it so nobody can get my tailgate down (I have a tonneau), good if you carry motorcycles or $$$ heavy equipment like welders or compressors. Cost me about $10 including the mounting bolts
 
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