R1S Spare tire hitch mount options?

[KBabione]

I just built a spare tire carrier using a 12" hitch extension, part of a folding bike rack and other parts that I had. The tire fold back just enough to allow the hatch to open, and the tailgate just clears as well.

Nicely done! Would you think about putting some padding on the tire support just in case a helpful soul pushes the liftgate button from inside to keep from scratching the liftgate? It happened with my Highlander with my bike rack on...

I like how your tire folds down just enough to fully open everything, but not so much that you're having to lift the full weight of the tire to lock it back in the upright position. Thanks for posting!

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[JeremyP]

Nicely done! Would you think about putting some padding on the tire support just in case a helpful soul pushes the liftgate button from inside to keep from scratching the liftgate? It happened with my Highlander with my bike rack on...

I like how your tire folds down just enough to fully open everything, but not so much that you're having to lift the full weight of the tire to lock it back in the upright position. Thanks for posting!

The padding is a good idea. I still have some rubber sheet that I used on the lower vertical part so when the pin is in it doesn't rattle.

EDIT: I added a couple layers of thick wide electrical tape to the tire carrier where the taillight would contact.

 

[E30slide]

Ended up trimming the Curt tire holder so the tire sits closer to the vehicle. I guess this setup hurts the departure angle some. Wish I could find a easy solution to turn on the Thule license plate lights without it turning on towing mode...

What’s the distance now of the tire and the rear wiper? Planning on trimming more on mine.

 

[crushmonkies]

I just built a spare tire carrier using a 12" hitch extension, part of a folding bike rack and other parts that I had. The tire fold back just enough to allow the hatch to open, and the tailgate just clears as well.

Do you know what bike rack that is? I like that solution a lot.

 

[RomanN]

Thank you to all who came before me and figured this stuff out. I went with the Kuat swingout and the Reese Draw-Tite 6715 tire mount. Cut the Draw-Tite down in length and drilled new holes to get it flush with the Kuat. Did a 1.5" spacer. Probably could have gone with a 3". Tire touches the mount but doesn't rub on the rim.

Going on a long trip so I put on an adhesive tailgate light strip with running lights, brake lights, and amber turn signal lights. I stuck it to the bottom of the truck so you can't really see it when I'm driving, but it illuminates really well at night for safety.

I haven't quite reached the age where I'm ok with putting reflective stickers on my bumper, so this is a good alternative. You don't notice it during the day. Maybe I'll post a video later.

 

[Tango001]

Ok so I went with a slightly different route for the full size spare for my R1S. I decided I didn’t really need a swing out option because I’ll only be using it for family road trips and didn’t want to spend a ton of money. I plan on loading stuff we won’t need until we reach our destination behind the 3rd row and putting overnight bags in the frunk and just pulling off the spare mount at our destination until it’s time to head back home.

I ordered a spare tire cover with a camera hole that I can run the license plate mount through but it hasn’t come yet.

I’m still trying to figure out what to do for a wheel lock. Has anyone else found anything that will work other than a rope lock?

Links for the parts I ordered are below.

I did the Draw-tite front mount spare tire carrier. I like the angle it holds the tire at better than the ones made for the rear by curt and e-trailers.com.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E1HWDS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I used a 2 inch spacer because of the wheel offset.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYS8JVTS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the license plate holder I used.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1V7VWNB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

For a light for the license plate I used this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D1BWJMC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I wanted a hitch lock and found that this works.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AVSIOI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the hitch tightener I used to avoid rattle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3C4F22V?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have moved on from my R1S to my next adventure and am looking to sell this new 21” oem spare with the hitch mount setup. I’m in Illinois, am going to post it on the market. Please feel free to message me.

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