Photo courtesy of Offbeat Overland
If you drive a Toyota 4Runner off pavement, the factory spare works fine for a flat tire on the highway, but it will not carry the bigger all-terrain spare most overlanders actually want to bring. The good news is that the 4Runner is one of the easiest overland rigs to convert to a full-size external spare, and once that spare is out in the open, you can dress it up and protect it with a universal cover. Here is where the factory spare lives, why so many owners move it outside, the external carrier options worth knowing, and how to cover the exposed tire the right way.
Where the 4Runner hides its factory spare
On the 4Runner, the spare tire is not in the cargo area or on the tailgate. It is stored under the rear of the vehicle on a winch-down carrier. To lower it, you assemble the jack handle and extension rods from the factory tool kit, feed them through a small access hole above the rear bumper, and crank the spare down on a cable until it drops to the ground. It is a tidy factory solution that keeps the cargo floor flat, and for a stock 4Runner it is perfectly adequate.
The catch shows up the moment you change your tires. The underbody well was sized around the factory tire, and it will only swallow up to roughly a 33-inch tire. Once you step up to larger all-terrain or mud-terrain rubber, your new spare simply will not fit back under the truck, which is where external carriers come in.
Why overlanders move to a full-size external spare
There are three practical reasons owners relocate the spare to the outside of the rig.
- A matching full-size tire. On a trail rig, your spare should match the four tires on the ground. If you run 34s or 35s, a stock-size spare stranded under the truck does you little good on a long trail. An external carrier is usually the only way to carry a same-size spare.
- Cargo room and access. Moving the spare outside frees up the underbody and keeps the interior cargo area clear for drawers, fridges, and recovery gear. You are not unloading the trunk to reach a spare.
- Condition and reach. An underbody spare collects mud, road grime, and rust on the cable, and lowering it in the dark on the shoulder of a trail is no fun. A spare mounted out back is easy to inspect, air up, and pull in minutes.
External carrier options for a full-size spare
There are three common ways to carry a full-size spare on the outside of a 4Runner, each with its own trade-offs.
Hitch-mounted swing-out carrier
A hitch-mounted carrier slides into the factory receiver and swings out of the way so you can still open the rear hatch. It is the least invasive option because it bolts to hardware the truck already has, and popular swing-out hitch carriers are rated to hold tires up to about 35 inches. It is a strong pick if you want a full-size spare without cutting or replacing your bumper, and many designs add mounts for a bike rack or a camp table.
Swing-out rear bumper carrier
A dedicated rear bumper with an integrated swing-out arm is the most rugged route. It replaces the factory bumper with a steel unit built to hold a full-size spare plus, on many builds, jerry cans or a jack. It is the sturdiest and best-looking option for a serious overland build, but it is also the most expensive and the most involved to install.
Roof mount (know the downsides)
You can carry a spare on a roof rack, and it clears the rear of the truck entirely. Be honest about the downsides first. A full-size tire is heavy and awkward to hoist overhead, roof weight raises your center of gravity right where you least want it off-camber, and it eats into the rack space you would rather use for other gear. Most overlanders treat the roof as a last resort for the spare, not a first choice.
Cover the exposed spare with a universal, size-based cover
Once the spare is mounted out in the open, it is exposed to constant sun, dust, and weather, and it is now a very visible part of your rig. A cover protects the tire and turns that flat black circle into a finishing touch for your build. Our spare tire covers are universal and sized by tire diameter, so they are not tied to any one carrier. Whether your spare sits on a hitch carrier, a swing-out bumper, a roof mount, or a trailer, the same size-based cover fits. You do not match it to a 4Runner; you match it to the tire.
To pick the right size, read the diameter off your tire sidewall or measure across the mounted tire, then match it to the chart. If you are unsure, our tire cover size guide walks through the measurement in a couple of steps.
Cover your external spare
Covers ship within 10 to 14 business days, and shipping is free on orders over $59.99.
Related reading
- Overland spare tire mounting and covers: the complete guide
- Spare tire covers for every adventure setup
- Backup camera holes and spare covers: Wrangler and Bronco guide
- How to measure for a spare tire cover
Frequently asked questions
Where is the spare tire on a Toyota 4Runner?
The 4Runner stores its spare underneath the rear of the vehicle on a winch-down carrier. You lower it by assembling the factory jack handle and extension rods, feeding them through the access hole above the rear bumper, and cranking the spare down on a cable until it reaches the ground.
Can a 4Runner carry a full-size spare that matches larger tires?
The factory underbody well only fits up to roughly a 33-inch tire, so once you upgrade to larger all-terrain or mud-terrain tires, your new spare usually will not fit back under the truck. Carrying a matching full-size spare almost always means adding an external carrier.
What are the external spare tire options for a 4Runner?
The three common choices are a hitch-mounted swing-out carrier that slides into the factory receiver, a swing-out rear bumper carrier that replaces the factory bumper with a steel unit, and a roof mount. The roof works but adds height, weight up high, and a harder lift, so most overlanders use it only as a last resort.
Do I need a special tire cover for an external 4Runner spare?
No. Our spare tire covers are universal and sized by tire diameter, so the same cover fits a spare on a hitch carrier, a swing-out bumper, a roof mount, or a trailer. You match the cover to the tire size, not to the vehicle.
How do I measure for a spare tire cover?
Read the overall diameter printed on your tire sidewall, or measure straight across the face of the mounted tire, then match that number to our size chart. Our tire cover size guide walks through the measurement step by step.
How long do the tire covers take to ship?
Spare tire covers are made to order and ship within 10 to 14 business days. Shipping is free on orders over $59.99.
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