Easy DIY spare tire mount for R1T

[Fozzy]

I have been looking for a simple way to secure my full sized spare in the under bed compartment of my R1T without making any custom parts. I came up with a pretty simple assembly that threads right into the original mounting hole and centers on the wheel with a plastic plug.

You need two pieces:

Dorman 72181 GM Starter Mounting Bolt

Oatley 3in Plastic Mechanical Test Plug

Together the cost $15 or less. Take the top part of the Oatley plug and run a 7/16 drill bit through the hole to enlarge is slightly then just drop the bolt through. The Dorman starter bolt threads right into the truck and is the perfect length. The flange on the bolt holds the tapered plastic plug so there is no metal touching the wheel itself. The plug is made out of glass fiber reinforced nylon and is very strong but is still softer than the aluminum wheels so it won't leave a mark.

Edit: Almost forgot to mention the Dorman bolt has a 5/8 head so I put at 5/8 socket in with the socket for the lugs. You'll need to carry a breaker bar to get the lug nuts off anyway so I don't mind needing a socket here.


P.S.: If you are looking to buy a 21" spare I have a post in the member marketplace

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[cbrcanuck]

Good stuff. I’ve been trying to decide if it even needs to be bolted down. It’s so snug in there.

 

[Fozzy]

Good stuff. I’ve been trying to decide if it even needs to be bolted down. It’s so snug in there.

It's probably fine just sitting in there but I could hear my tire thumping around driving on some rutted gravel roads. I feel better having it secured. Plus this allows me to use the space around the tire to store some recovery gear and tools.

 

[corndog]

Nice, but where is your jack and puck setup?

 

[twizzstyle]

Perfect. Nice job! If you don't want to deal with a wrench/socket taking it out, get a threaded rod and knob so you can do it by hand.

https://www.mcmaster.com/61125K94

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Nice, but where is your jack and puck setup?

Pretty easy to solve... Bottle jack with enough lift height (typically 12-ton, like Harbor Freight's 12-ton Daytona) and puck(s) placed in a canvas duffle or old backpack. Line the duffle with an old bath towel for extra padding (can use it wipe hands too). Place the duffle inside the secured spare. Probably enough room to add an ARB or Hi-Lift jack base. Better yet, drill a hole in the jack base (add large washer) to use instead of the Oatley. The bottle jack will be less sketchy and easier to use than the factory scissor jack.

Or, if you want to get fancy... https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/my-diy-spare-tire-kit.17334/

 

[Fozzy]

Nice, but where is your jack and puck setup?

I took everything out to get a picture of the mount but there is actually a ton of room in there even with the tire mounted.
I carry:

• Jack puck and wheel socket kit
• 1/2" drive collapsible harbor freight breaker bar
• bottle jack
• foot pad for using the bottle jack on soft terrain
• recovery strap
• 2X ratchet straps
• elastic cargo net
• loadd sheet for carrying plywood

It all fits in the compartment with the tire and gives me quite a bit more capability than the Rivian scissor lift kit.

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