I ran a search but only found partially what I was looking for. Anyways, I have a 265/75R16 spare underneath my Runner but now have moved up to 285s.

My question is if I remove my factory hitch, can I fit a 285 underneath without deflating it. I will get a BFG AT tire as my spare to match the ones on the Runner. I plan on getting a Rockware bumper soon and that will have the integrated hitch so I will not need my factory one anymore.

 

Yes. I had run a 285 underneath for a few months.

I've posted it before, but here's a pic:

 

Darren,

Looks like that pic was taken when you did not yet have the Rockware on there. Will the tire fit underneath with the Rockware on? I want just the bumper without the swing arm for the spare. It also takes about $400 off the price as well.

 

You know, I haven't taken the tire off the carrier since I got it, but I'm almost confident it will. Maybe I'll wait 'till it warms up a bit and I'll try it underneath again to confirm for you.

So when are you thinking of getting something built?

 

It looks like I will be able to get it done at the end of this month. I just talked to Matt at Rockware today and he said whenever I wanted to bring the truck in, he could work on it. I am pretty psyched about this.

Also, discount tire said they would give me full credit towards my new 285 spare with my old BFG 265 spare because it has never been used and that I bought the smaller tire from them as well. I will only have to pay the difference in price of about $10.

 

Nice! Us 4Runner guys are keeping them busy lately. You'll be the 6th person to have one done since mine was made!

Let me know if you need a ride down there and back if Arch isn't able to take you.

 

Darren,

Thanks, that is mighty kind of you. I may just have to take you up on your offer. I will let you know. Talk to you soon.

 

Does that make me #1 or #2?

ts1: If you are getting a 285 spare anyway, why not try a test fit with your stock hitch on? Part of the bumper is on the inside of the frame rail, taking away a little of the clearance you would have with just bare frame. The clearance I had between the frame rails with the hitch on and then with the Rockware on seem to be close to the same. Like Darren, I have not had to remove my spare since it has been on there.

Darren: How you doin? I'll send a "catch up on things" e-mail this weekend.