how to access spare tire

[dennis 221]

ok!! 2019 tundra limited crewmax with a 2019 hawk! my tailgate IS staying on, so I need some help on how to access the spare tire! anyone figure it out?? would it work if a made the access hold larger? if you solved this problem Please help

 

[Sleddog]

We made the access hole bigger on my 2010 Tundra. It is a minor nuisance to use the lowering mechanism this way, but we are able to make it work. Not sure if it will work on a 2019 or not.

 

[Ronin]

Is the problem the oem lowering rod crank hits the tailgate? I have a 2019 Tundra and I attach a 1/2" deep 12 pt socket that fits the 4 pt end of the lowering rod and attach it to a cordless drill to crank up and down. Maybe the problem is totally something else?? Yes, attaching the hook end of the lowering mechanism is a pain so maybe I should look into enlarging the access hole too!

Edit: My tailgate is off but looking at it now I see how the tailgate interferes with the access hole.

 

[Sleddog]

The tailgate partially blocks the top of the access hole, so you have to make the access hole bigger on the bottom. The lowered access point changes the angle of approach of the lowering rod making it difficult to slide the rod into the lowering mechanism on the truck. It can be done, but was easier with two people, one person guiding the rod into place while the other pushed it in. It was a nuisance, but as long as we can access the spare we're willing to deal with it for now. That being said, when I have the time and the funds I'd like to move the spare to a more easily accessible location.

 

[Jack]

Not sure if the Tundra is similar enough to the Tacoma, but if so, a 14 mm ratchet wrench with the fist link of the crank will raise and lower the tire. This of course means crawling under the truck. We carried a "Sonny Takami" creeper - a large piece of cardboard.

 

[dennis 221]

Thanks folks.will continue to investigate..

 

[rodgepodge]

Here was my solution on my 2017 Tundra Crewmax:
Remove license plate and there are two notches in the thin metal that the plastic bumper trim and license plate mount attach to. I was able to sneak the tool in there, up an over the spare, and into the actuator to lower the tire, all with the tailgate down. I even notched out one side a little more to make more space for the tool. Works fine with the tailgate down the entire time and is proving to be the solution for my 2017 Crewmax---not sure what troubles other model years may bring. I thought about notching out the factory access hole, but that metal is considerably thicker and the mod would be visible if the tailgate was up. Used a small hacksaw and it took minutes to cut two areas and bend the tab up for access. This mod is janky, but not noticeable until the license plate is removed.
Good luck and happy trails.