Check your spare tire holder!!!

[BLACKJACK]

Got home last night, was in a hurry becasue I wanted to go pheasant hunting, changed clothes, hopped in the truck and noticed a list to the right - oh, oh, flat right front!! Change clothes quick, thinking I can get'er off and on in 20-30 minutes, find jack and handle, start to lower spare tire - it went down about 4 inches and started 'clicking', it won't go up or down!!! &*()^$#@$^ Spent 1/2 hour trying to lower it, even went so far as to go get my bolt cutter, but decided against that, I eventually just took off the flat and threw it into the car and will get the truck in next week to get that spare tire holder fixed.

The bolt cutter IS in the truck in case I need it this weekend!!!

Moral of the story - check your spare tire holder at least once a year, make sure it lowers like its supposed to. I could have been in the middle of nowhere - like Red Lake - at -15 degrees when it happened.

FYI, I have a 2004 Silverado, so its not that old. First flat tire though. Has anyone else had this problem with Chevy's????

[pakrat]

Well ! Here is another option . The wife and I had our spare stolen on our brand new Dodge Ram in 2000 (then) while out on the water fishing . The truck and trailer obviosly sat in waiting at the launch parking area when the F#$kers !! cut my cable lock anyway and took the spare .

Guess where the spare is now ? In the back of the covered bed . I guess my point would be if you have the room , don't leave your spare down there in the first place and you may not have to deal with a problem getting it down when you need it . Anyway , I am a truck / trailer mechanic and do realize there are alot of people that don't look at , or give any consideration for the tires that get you around on . Always check your pressure once a month , and try to avoid any road hazzards as much as possible . By the way , I did need to call out those thiefs , that was in lower Wisconsin GO FIGURE !!!

Good Luck to all !!

[BLACKJACK]

Final update-had my truck in at the dealers yesterday, $240 later I have a new spare tire holder!!! From now on I will be cranking the spare tire down periodically!!!!

To those of you who recomended just leaving it in the bed, I didn't even consider that, it takes up too much room. The truck is packed the way it is for my trips to SoDak and to the Red.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I ran into another one last night with a similar problem except the end of the shaft pieces you put together to lower the tire rounded out. Swapped the two pieces around and we where back in business.

[Dragonsm]

This is quite an amusing thread to read.....however, I have my own story to share in regards to a spare tire carrier. I am not sure what models use the "keyed" chuck that you attach on the end of the crank to drop the tire. (I know for sure the 02 Ford F-150's have it) Anyway, finally got a slow flat (probably ran over a nail)and found it the next morning in the driveway. Grumbled a bit and went to lower it. However with all the dust from roads and water, the inside of the key attached to the tire carrier had basically cemented over. Spent over an hour to try and drop the spare enough to just get it off and put on the truck.

I actually took it a part to clean it and realized you can remove the key chuck option, so all you do is stick the end of the rod in their and crank away easily. Yes, someone could steal my spare...but I figure if they come to steal it...they'll get it regardless....plus the tire isn't worth stealing...(it's one of the best of the worst from the last tire change) Just another tip for fellow 02 F-150 driver's (and other models that fit the mold)

[huntingislife]

When I bought my truck there was no key for me to take that lock out. So instead of buying a new key from the dealer, I just drilled out the lock and popped it out. Now I dont have to worry about that thing anymore. I highly doubt anybody is going to steal my spare.

[Shack]

I would'nt be so sure. Its way more common than you think.

If someone needs new tires bad enough, all it takes is four unlocked spare tire and that person just saved them selves $500.00. They toss the rim in scrape and reinstall tire on their truck rims. That or they sell them on craigs list or other web site.

Dealerships have this issue all the time. This is why some of the heavy duty trucks do not come with a spare no more (customer has to purchase over parts counter). Other trucks and cars with exposed spare tires, have them removed and put in parts department untill sold or dealer puts there own lock on them. One night we had over 30 spare tires stolen at a big dealership I worked at. Someone made out and has free 1/2 ton truck tires for a long time.

[IFallsRon]

A coworker lost his spare and one rear wheel in his driveway. It was a Honda with special wheels and took several weeks for him to get the replacements.