Any off-road or overland enthusiast knows that carrying a spare tire is paramount on every adventure. Some would even venture to say it’s just as important as having gas in your tank to drive! Murphy’s Law states that if something can go wrong, it will; and you never want to be stuck out on a trail with a flat tire and no spare. That could potentially spell disaster.
Most off-road and overland rigs are utilizing larger than factory aftermarket tires that don’t fit in the undercarriage spare tire mount. The only other solution is finding the right spare tire carrier for you.
When it comes to spare tire carriers there is no shortage of design or brands. You can find full tailgate swing arm carriers to bed rack carriers, and the one I’m covering today.
For the minimalists out there, like me, this one caught my eye. There are no extra modifications, cutting, or welding that need to be done to your truck just to carry your spare tire. It utilizes a simple bolt-on mechanism using the already pre-existing bed rails in every 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma.
I especially liked this design, because I wanted to keep my Tacoma as close to factory as possible. Also, the ease of use of this Wilco Tire Carrier was a bonus.
This carrier fits all 2005-2023 Tacomas.
Find It Online
- Wilco Offroad Bed Rail Tire Carrier: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Installation
The installation is simple and fast and takes very little effort. The only tool you need is a socket wrench with a 16mm socket or 16mm ratchet wrench.
As seen above, if you want a faster, easier installation, you can utilize a zinc steel punched flat bar if you have one laying around. I will show you how you will be using it a little further ahead.
Step 1. Assemble Parts
Lower your tailgate and assemble all of the Wilco Offroad Bed Rail Tire Carrier parts. All the parts included are shown in the image above.
Step 2. Remove Bed Rail Cap
Locate the bed rail end cap, and remove it from the bed rail. It snaps on and off, it can be removed by applying slight pressure to the top portion that is indicated with raised ridges.
Step 3. Slide Flat Bar Into Rail
This step is optional if you have a zinc steel punched flat bar, or choose to get one. It is not necessary but does make the installation process slightly easier.
Simply slide the zinc steel flat bar into the bed rail, as depicted above, with a few inches protruding out. This is to help keep the rectangular nuts pushed forward to allow for an easier install.
Step 4. Slide Nuts Into Rail
Slide the rectangular nuts into the bed rail.
Align the nuts as shown above, in the desired mounting location. This will allow the mount, spacer and nuts to line up perfectly for when you install the tire.
Step 5. Install Spacer
Align the spacer to the outside of the bed rail, and ensure the nuts and holes for the spacer match up.
Next, place the mount on top of the spacer, and begin to bolt down.
Step 6. Bolt Down Mount
Bolt down and tighten all bolts until the Wilco Tire Carrier Mount is firmly mounted to the bed rail.
Next, remove the zinc steel punched flat bar from the bed rail (if you used one).
Step 7. Mount Steel Rod
Insert the steel rod into the tire carrier mount, and tighten fully.
Step 8. Secure Tire
Place your spare tire on the mount and up against the side of the bed, then place the rubber stopper against the rim. Finally, apply the U-Bar onto the steel rod, and fully tighten.
Review
I have used and tested the Wilco Offroad Bed Rail Tire Carrier for on and off-road purposes. The ease of use, access to the spare tire and simplicity of mounting truly delivers the all-around package. No more crawling underneath my truck just to grab my spare tire.
Another great feature of the mount is its capability for anti-theft. For extra security, a flush-mounted D-ring was employed on the tire carriers base, as well as the lockable U-bar. This allows the user to thread a cable lock through for added protection.
The mount takes up very little space, and with the spare tire fully mounted you still have access to more than 80% of your bed for storage.
I was keen on keeping my Tacoma as close to factory as possible, which meant straying from cutting into my front and rear bumpers. The swing arms and steel bumpers can add unwanted weight to your vehicle, as well as irreversible modifications. Not to mention, the impact on your miles per gallon for the everyday drivers out there.
With all the options that are provided for the off-road and overland enthusiast, the Wilco Offroad Bed Rail Tire Carrier ranks in my top five for aftermarket modifications! I was truly impressed with the company’s response and professionalism when ordering this product. They kept me up to date on the order details, shipping/delivery, and follow up.
Final Thoughts
The mount itself was so simple, yet so effective. It made changing a flat tire much faster and allowed me to get back on the road/trail with little delay.
All in all, I would give this product a 12 out of 10! I can’t remember what life was like before the Wilco Offroad Bed Rail Tire Carrier, nor do I want to!
Their website it fits 2014 and up, do you know if something changes?
is there a way to put a lock on it?
The Mount itself no. The tire yes. Loop a chain or bike lock through the tires too handle, the wheel itself, and then the bottom notch. Secure it with a bad lock.
How’s it holding up?
I picked up an extra rail so I could mount this on the forward bulkhead.
Pictures is a couple weeks.
Hey James. I was this close (fingers 1 mm apart) from going this route to store my spare. I was persuaded to seek another option when it was revealed to me that mounting the tire as you did you are potentially adding extra weight to the bed in a way that it was not designed for. Then you can get a cracked frame from the stress on that part of the truck. Have you had any issues with that? Thanks man!!
Hey Matt!
Great question! I haven’t heard anything like that, and I did a ton of research on the matter when I first made the purchase for this part. I go camping and off-roading quite regularly, and have never had an issue with that. It’s a solid part, and keeps the tire nice and snug against the side of the bed. I hope this added some reassurance for you!
-James
Any restrictions if you have a canopy, like the inward slant of most toppers for instance? Great write up btw.
Are you referring to the truck bed campers? Unfortunately I don’t utilize one, so I wouldn’t know. All campers line up with the roof of your truck though, and depending on the size tire you are running you could have some issues with it fitting.
You mentioned the rubber gasket holds the tire in place. I like the idea of a rubber stopper so aftermarket wheels aren’t damaged, but is the connection secure enough to keep the wheel from rattling around in the bed?
Great question! I was skeptical at first after installing too, but it absolutely does! The rubber stopper keeps you from damaging your rim. The U-Bar is what keeps everything snug. You screw the U-Bar on fully, and that tire becomes completely motionless.