Hello, my spare tire is held under the bed, and this week I noticed there is nothing left but the rim. It was a regular tire. Apparently, something happened that took the entire tire off. I know that regular tires are not the best for spares stored like this, is there any advice on how to keep them safe?

Thanks!

 

You mean to tell me that someone took the tire and wheel off, dismounted the tire and put the rim back?.....Hard to believe

 

Most conscientious thief ever! I have not been the only one driving the truck, so I cannot say. It may be that the truck hit something that pulled the tire off? At any rate, I plan on getting another spare, and would like to take better care of the new one.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

I can safely say there is NO possible way to remove a tire from it's rim while the wheel is still in it's spare tire home under the truck.
If this is a problem in your area I would wrap your new wheel in a chain and pad lock

 

I know that a number of years ago there was a tire shortage at the auto plants and they were selling new vehicles with just the rim, no tire bolted under there. What year is this truck?

 

Yeah, the most likely answer is that the tire was stolen. Although, like Poncho says, it could be that the truck was sold without a spare tire. But use Occam's Razor - the simplest explanation is often the truest.