Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

how to have a spare 31" tire with tow receiver/hitch?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-14-2006, 12:19 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
oilcooler's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: sacramento
Posts: 17
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
how to have a spare 31" tire with tow receiver/hitch?

ok, i installed a class 3 Draw-Tite tow receiver/hitch on my 90 4Runner, but now i cannot fit a 31" spare wheel/tire in the space under the vehicle! simply not enough space. only a 225/75 15 will work.

is there some kind of trick or something that i am missing? is it a bad idea to run the factory stock option 31x10.5 tires and have a 225/75 15 spare?

i prefer to not use the spare tire holder thing that mounts to the back of the tail gate. i prefer to use the space under the vehicle.

any suggestions?

thanks

Last edited by oilcooler; 09-14-2006 at 12:20 AM.
Old 09-14-2006, 03:51 AM
  #2  
Contributing Member
 
TNRabbit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
Posts: 4,787
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 14 Posts
Use the smaller tire for spare or mount it in the bed. A smaller spare will only hurt your handling if you drive around on it for weeks. Used for it's intended purpose (to get you to a repair facility) isn't going to cause you any problems, besides looking uncool for a few minutes....
Old 09-14-2006, 05:00 AM
  #3  
Contributing Member
 
4mydogs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: the beach
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I'm pretty certain my hitch is a Reese, and my 31" spare fits okay. I guess the Draw-Tite has slightly different dimensions.

Just curious -- you have a tailgate mount but don't want to use it? A lot of people here would like to have a tailgate mount.
Old 09-14-2006, 06:43 AM
  #4  
Contributing Member
 
reggie 00's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Vacaville,California
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 4mydogs
Just curious -- you have a tailgate mount but don't want to use it? A lot of people here would like to have a tailgate mount.
I have the tailgate mount on my 90. I dont like it, it squeeks and makes all kind of noise. Going to be finding a way to make it go away soon.
Old 09-14-2006, 07:23 AM
  #5  
Contributing Member
 
Robinhood150's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Wandering around Phoenix
Posts: 6,033
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Strange, when I was running 31s they fit fine with my hidden hitch. If you have onboard air, let the air out of the tire.
Old 09-14-2006, 01:25 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
snap-on's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Peoria IL
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
my 31" BFG AT is tight, but it fits. (on my 4runner)

ive got tones room on my truck...
Old 09-14-2006, 01:29 PM
  #7  
Contributing Member
 
bob200587's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 3,546
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Doesn't fit under mine. I don't keep it in unless I'm wheeling. I have onboard air, tire plugs and fix a flat. Unless I shred the tire I should be able to repair a tire for long enough for me to get to a shop or get home.
Old 09-14-2006, 01:30 PM
  #8  
Contributing Member
 
Tacoma Dude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 8,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by TNRabbit
Use A smaller spare will only hurt your handling if you drive around on it for weeks. Used for it's intended purpose (to get you to a repair facility) isn't going to cause you any problems, besides looking uncool for a few minutes....
I don't have any direct experience with this but I've always read on this forum that you should never have different sized tires on drive wheels.
Old 09-14-2006, 02:13 PM
  #9  
Registered User
 
Calbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have a '93 4R with a factory tow hitch. The 31" (inflated) fits underneath. It's a snug fit but it's tucked all the way in.
Is the Draw-Tite way bigger? Is it welded in or bolted? If bolted, is there any adjustment allowance that will perhaps enable you to move it and make more space?
Old 09-14-2006, 02:24 PM
  #10  
Contributing Member
 
Brendan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 2,226
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
I fit my 33x9.5 spare with my trailer hitch. now give me a freaking medal.
Old 09-14-2006, 02:25 PM
  #11  
Contributing Member
 
TNRabbit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
Posts: 4,787
Likes: 0
Received 34 Likes on 14 Posts
Originally Posted by Tacoma Dude
I don't have any direct experience with this but I've always read on this forum that you should never have different sized tires on drive wheels.
That would only apply if you had a locker (locked) diff, or if you are in 4wd with a pair of smaller tires on one axle. Assuming no one would be in locked mode with their spare tire or in 4wd on dry pavement, it wouldn't hurt to drive it to a garage.

Now, if you are running different size tires front to back (i.e., large in rear, small in front), you ARE going to have problems in 4wd with axle wind-up and significant stress on the transaxle, diffs & transmission.
Old 09-14-2006, 07:49 PM
  #12  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
oilcooler's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: sacramento
Posts: 17
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hmmm...yeah, with this Draw-Tite receiver/hitch a 31" spare will NOT fit. i will take some fotos and report. the receiver is bolted, but there isn't any room for adjustments. darn, if i would have known about this, i would have searched for a different style of receiver/hitch.

no, i do not have a tailgate spare tire mount, but i have seen them.

i posted this question because i have seen some 4Runners with the receiver/hitches sticking out a bit compared to my Draw-Tite. i was hoping that there was some kind of trick or something.

besides this little issue, the Draw-Tite receiver/hitch is very sturdy and of good quality.

Last edited by oilcooler; 09-14-2006 at 07:50 PM.
Old 09-15-2006, 04:46 AM
  #13  
Registered User
 
Cebby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 11,199
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Buy my Hidden Hitch. I have a 32 under there with it right now...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
94ofCanada
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
3
08-14-2015 06:37 AM
defrag4
Vehicles - Trailers (Complete)
0
07-31-2015 10:50 AM
vanion2
99+ Tundra, 00+ Sequoia, 98+ Land Cruiser/LX470
2
07-29-2015 06:17 PM
DrZero
General Vehicle Related Topics (Non Year Related)
18
07-24-2015 11:31 PM
DrZero
Tires & Wheels
2
07-13-2015 09:59 AM



Quick Reply: how to have a spare 31" tire with tow receiver/hitch?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:56 PM.