Difficult to remove spare tire on R1T with cargo crossbars.

[ssincl3]

Has anyone tried to remove the spare tire with the crossbars on truck bed? I tried for a little bit and was not able to. Am I missing a step? If you have a roof top tent mounted and you need the spare when off-roading are you just outta luck?!

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[R1Tom]

I remove the crossbars each time I do a rotation, but you bring up a decent point....can it be done with a tent mounted?

 

[COdogman]

I can't recall anyone sharing it if they have tried with a tent installed before. Better pack a crane.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Difficult with the tent, but not impossible. Even without removing the center stud which you absolutely should be doing. My trick is to lift the side closer to you, and stick something long under the spare so you can pull it up along the object (said object typically being a 2x4)

 

[R1Tom]

Difficult with the tent, but not impossible. Even without removing the center stud which you absolutely should be doing.

Did your wheel survive that experiment? That stud is the sucker punch of some Rivian engineer somewhere....

 

[ssincl3]

Hopefully in future Rivian should make a taller removable set of crossbars as an option. I love that it’s easily removable with my tent still attached, but I wish it didn’t block the rear window and third brake light when I have a tent on there. Plus easier access to the bed and spare would be a big win too.

 

[Fred6v]

Just picked up these bad boys to use my GFC Superlite RTT and haul kayaks, etc. https://range-industries.com/products/rivian-r1t-mariner-bed-rack

 

[Phatman113]

I do it all the time (no tent, just the crossbars) but if you make sure to remove the stud first it's relatively simple. The tire isn't light, but if you can pull it out with the stud and the door fully open, you should be able to pull it out without the stud in there...

 

[DannyLeeONLY]

Did your wheel survive that experiment? That stud is the sucker punch of some Rivian engineer somewhere....

I was waiting for someone to post this subject matter! I’m actually going to just leave a 12” long section of 1/2” schedule 40 PVC pipe with an end cap in the spare wheel compartment just to “SLEEVE” over the stud for my future endeavors. lol. I’ve already scratched two rims already, taking one out, and putting another back in, (no matter how careful I was-I guess I’m just too weak for that heavy ass tire and rim). Luckily the aero covers mask the scratches! Sorry. No pics because I’m too lazy and have a crap load of stuff in the bed already!

 

[BrianNakata]

I don't have a tent on my crossbars, but I secure a nylon tow strap around the most rearward spoke of the wheel (with rags positioned to protect the wheel's finish) and standing on the tailgate, pull the strap straight up and back to get the tire over the rear edge of the tire cavity. Then I stand on the ground at the tailgate and pull the tire the rest of the way out.

I tried laying on the tailgate and pulling up on the tire, but completely lack the upper body strength to accomplish that. The strap solves that problem because I can use both arms.

 

[Singletracker]

I wrapped a strap around the forward (cab side) portion of the tire and wheel. Then, after removing the long stud and using the strap, I can pull the wheel up and back into an upright position and get it out. Just leave the strap in place when the wheel is replaced.

 

[dleepnw]

It can be done.

 

[DannyLeeONLY]

It can be done.

Thank You for this! The funny thing is that I definitely watched Rivian Dad’s video when it first came out. And probably should have read the damn manual too!

 

[BrianNakata]

I wrapped a strap around the forward (cab side) portion of the tire and wheel. Then, after removing the long stud and using the strap, I can pull the wheel up and back into an upright position and get it out. Just leave the strap in place when the wheel is replaced.

Since the OP has crossbars installed, there's no way for him to pull the wheel&tire straight up - the spare tire door only opens partway as it hits the rear crossbar. This is why I secure the strap to the rear of the wheel.

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