Does the stock spare tire location work for off-road?

[lwapd]

I just did my first ever 4x4 trail adventure in the ranger, had a great time and learned a lot. One thing on my mind is this topic, is the spare tire location viable for off-roading? Am I overthinking things or should I think about keeping it in the bed next time? I feel like I can imagine a lot of scenarios where the spare tire is inaccessible but It’s also my daily driver so I’m not sure if I wanna commit to moving it.

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[ReigleCM]

The only time it would pose an issue is if you needed to change the tire in a river or a mud hole, then it would suck. Other than that the location is perfectly fine.

 

[lwapd]

The only time it would pose an issue is if you needed to change the tire in a river or a mud hole, then it would suck. Other than that the location is perfectly fine.

good to hear, I really don’t wanna move it.

 

[ReigleCM]

good to hear, I really don’t wanna move it.

Our group has taken our Ranger all over the best tracks in CO and UT and I think every single one of us has a full size spare in the stock location and it’s never been an issue, you’ll be good to go unless you make the truck a dedicated rock crawler and need every inch of clearance you can get.

 

[9zero1790]

i would say the under the bed tire is not ideal for off road. just think on the type of things you drive in or over off road. now, do you wanna get down under the truck bed in that situation? i know i dont. some places will not allow under the bed tires in pay to play off road parks. i recommend a second spare for those off road. leave one under the bed and strap down the other in the bed. getting one out of the bed is a lot easier and faster than from under the truck. i would also get a better jack than the stock one. the one under the bed is not in the way or taking away ability. simply that from the bed is less hassle.

 

[Danager]

I would think a spare in the bed would be more convenient in a number of scenarios. Until I read that other post, I did not know some parks/playgrounds would require a spare mounted somewhere other than below the vehicle.
There are lots of Bronco take-offs available for a good price. The Bronco wheels fit the Ranger.

 

[9zero1790]

I would think a spare in the bed would be more convenient in a number of scenarios. Until I read that other post, I did not know some parks/playgrounds would require a spare mounted somewhere other than below the vehicle.
There are lots of Bronco take-offs available for a good price. The Bronco wheels fit the Ranger.

thats where i got my spare rims from the bronco buyers doing all the fluffy pimp wheels and tires leaves lots of stock and steelies for rangers.

 

[Jthomp19]

I took mine off and left it in the bed on a recent trip to big bend. The trailer hitch did make contact with some rocks. The tire could get cut or punctured in some situations. Any area that you need it will never be ideal. May as well make a bad situation a little easier. Takes less than two minutes to dismount in your driveway.

 

[gwhalin]

I tend to move mine to the bed depending on the terrain. Would rather not risk damaging the spare or not being able to access it easily if needed.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

I carry 1 or 2 spares on my tonneau when I'm playing off road, but don't change them in the bad spots anyway. If my tires goes bad in a bog or other bad location, I drive/winch/get pulled to a cleaner/safer/easier location to do the change, which makes the under bed spare available if required.

 

[Glocker]

For casual off roading, I'd say it's fine. Ideally, it should probably be relocated somewhere else if you are getting into more serious trips for both ease of access and also for ground clearance in the rear.

Damn, I REALLY want a swing out rear tire carrier!

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I just did my first ever 4x4 trail adventure in the ranger, had a great time and learned a lot. One thing on my mind is this topic, is the spare tire location viable for off-roading? Am I overthinking things or should I think about keeping it in the bed next time? I feel like I can imagine a lot of scenarios where the spare tire is inaccessible but It’s also my daily driver so I’m not sure if I wanna commit to moving it.

Is your concern access to the spare tire? The reality is, if you can't access the rear tire, you probably aren't in a good place to change out the flat. You need to find flat ground to safely change out the flat (which means driving on the flat sometimes).

The only time it would pose an issue is if you needed to change the tire in a river or a mud hole, then it would suck. Other than that the location is perfectly fine.

We have done a lot of trails, and the spare location has never been the issue. I would never change the spare in water or mud... Get out first, then change. Ever dropped a lug nut? Now do it in the mud hole or water... ha!

Damn, I REALLY want a swing out rear tire carrier!

You and me both, brother. But at $2000 for any option, I'll get my tire out from underneath like a poor person. If LRA releases an auxiliary tank to replace the spare tire, adding 10-15 gallons of fuel, I would drop that money in a heartbeat.

 

[Glocker]

Is your concern access to the spare tire? The reality is, if you can't access the rear tire, you probably aren't in a good place to change out the flat. You need to find flat ground to safely change out the flat (which means driving on the flat sometimes).



We have done a lot of trails, and the spare location has never been the issue. I would never change the spare in water or mud... Get out first, then change. Ever dropped a lug nut? Now do it in the mud hole or water... ha!



You and me both, brother. But at $2000 for any option, I'll get my tire out from underneath like a poor person. If LRA releases an auxiliary tank to replace the spare tire, adding 10-15 gallons of fuel, I would drop that money in a heartbeat.

I was really hopeful that @589FAB was going to drop something cool at a lower price point but I feel like they stopped development on it. https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/589-fabs-supercrew-build.8720/post-221833

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I was really hopeful that @589FAB was going to drop something cool at a lower price point but I feel like they stopped development on it. https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/589-fabs-supercrew-build.8720/post-221833

If I'm being honest, I wouldn't buy anything from then anyways. Their customer service is horrible. The owner responded to me and he was really rude. He sent an 'update' email that was generic and included my order date, which was wrong (there were a lot of things wrong in the email). I reached out asking for an update and he threw me shade about how he just sent an email. I told him the email he sent had wrong information and he got more rude. I told him to cancel my order. I had a text confirming the cancellation and refund before he responded to the email again.

I can take a lot, but don't be rude to me, especially when you messed up. I wasn't mad about the delay, I just wanted to know when the new delivery date was. Now he lost an order and I will tell everyone to avoid them. That's how treating your customer like an inconvenience turns out.

 

[GoldenAtlas]

For casual off roading, I'd say it's fine. Ideally, it should probably be relocated somewhere else if you are getting into more serious trips for both ease of access and also for ground clearance in the rear.

Damn, I REALLY want a swing out rear tire carrier!

I had one but it was constantly a pain to get in the bed of the truck. Not a deal breaker but it was a factor. That and the departure angle gets all messed up and since I’m paranoid I never went over anything too sketchy but if you catch it hard you will rip it off.
I eventually sold it and just kept the second spare tied down in the bed.

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