So this Thanksgiving I am doing a trip along the Mojave road and would prefer to store my full-sized spare in my bed instead of the normal spare tire spot.

I built my-self a DYI rack which I plan to hold the tire and also some water cans and other stuff. Which would allow me to store some stuff on the rack.
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Would this be safe for the tire? The rails are touching the sidewalls enough but still loose enough for me to pull the tire out if needed. Note: I would also have a strap on the tire to hold it in place and keep it from moving around.

Is there a possibility this would ruin the sidewalls?

Question 2:

I thought about just moving my rails back a bit and laying the tire down across the rails and using several long bolts through the rail and the rim lug nut holes to hold it down. Possibly an additional strap for safe sake. This would give me more bed use for other items.

Would that be better? Any cons anyone can think of? I was worried the sidewalls could be damaged.

Thank you for any idea's or critique.

 

I don't see how that could cause anymore damage to the sidewalls than storing it in the normal spare tire spot. I keep a 32 inch spare tire in the normal location and have never had any problems off-road with it being there. That includes the Mojave trail and many trails much worse than that. I am not trying to convince you to change your mind, just providing information.

 

Looks good

I would leave it standing up where it is, less possibility of it flying forward in a sudden stop.
My biggest concern about heavy things is the bed is that they will try to join me in the cab on a sudden stop, lol, funny but deadly serious consequences.
No one "expects" a sudden stop, but they still happen

Sidewalls won't be "hurt" but could get marks if rails and tire are not moving together, if you can clamp it tight then no issues.

 

Thanks Guys. Both made some positive posts.

I'm going to leave it the way it is.