Spare Tire Location Question

I recently installed a Rigd rear tire carrier. I like having my spare tire easily accessible and out from underneath the vehicle. I bought a matching rim and tire to go on the rear tire carrier. I don't want to be in a situation where getting the spare tire out is tiresome and difficult endeavor, and leaves me filthy from the effort.

I was talking to guy one day and he said that I did a good thing, because carrying your spare tire under your vehicle, if you off-road, could cause the spare tire to get damaged.

When I got my tire carrier, I removed the stock tire from underneath the vehicle, but had thought about putting it back to have an additional spare.

What are your thoughts about carrying a spare tire underneath the vehicle if you off-road?

For your consideration, I am not a hard core rock crawler that looks to crest every obstacle in sight. I prefer the path of least resistance, when possible.

 

FWIW, if my rig had a rear mounted spare I'd keep the one underneath as well. I'd see two spares as a nice extra margin of safety. As unlikely as it is that you'd ever need two at once, part of the point of the 4Runner is its ability to survive unlikely situations that a regular vehicle wouldn't.

Weight savings is the only reason I'd see to remove the spare from underneath. Looking at mine, I don't see it being a hinderance off road. If you'd hit that spare on the trail, you'd almost certainly hit something else if the spare wasn't there. It's not like it hangs down below the differential etc.

 

A lot of "heavy duty" off roaders remove the spare underneath, and use it as additional storage space. They hang a box or something under there, and either cut a hatch in the bed, or just drop the box when they want into it.

Personally, and I am NOT a heavy off roader, I leave my spare where Toyota put it. I used to off-road a lot in the Yuma area. Not a lot of steep hills, just mostly flat, sandy, dusty, roads. Miserable place.

I would definitely keep the regular spare on, if you don't need the stowage. 2 spares on board is an extra safety margin you might be happy to have someday.

Something to remember about the regular Toyota spare is to keep the chain and crank assembly clean and well lubricated. If you don't, you'll have trouble getting the tire off when you need it. A little shot of WD-40 does wonders, but gathers dust and such. A plus and minus to everything, after all.
When you're doing that, you can check the spare, and if you need to, air it up. Important to consider. The spares leak. It's just the way they are. I hang my spares with the valve core down, and right about straight to the back. Makes checking/airing it a lot easier.

All just my opinion, of course.
Have fun!
Pat☺