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Jeep Gladiator Spare Tire Access: Where Is It- How Do I Get It Down?

  • Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
    Muddy Ruttzz
  • Sep 4, 2025
  • 8 min read

Updated: Feb 6

by Muddy Ruttzz

Finding the Gladiator Spare Tire Location

The spare tire is under the bed and has to be lowered down with a crank you assemble with some shafts and the tire iron. All the parts are stowed under the back seat on the passenger side. You stick the shaft into a hole in between the tailgate and the bumper until it reaches the winch mechanism and crank counter clockwise an the spare will lower down.


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Why Every Gladiator Owner Should Know How to Access the Spare Tire

AAA is not always available especially if you are off-road. Can you find your spare? Do you know how to access it? Jeep Gladiators and most pickups, store the spare tire underneath the bed. Many vans and SUV's store it under the back of the vehicle in similar way. This article will help you if you find yourself with a flat and need to change a tire.

A Jeep with a flat tire on a trail with text asking if a flat would ruin your day, illustrating the need for Gladiator spare tire access.
I met this guy who had a flat and no wheel lock on a trail in Joshua Tree National Park. Check out my Overlanding adventure called "Watch This Before Attempting Berdoo Canyon" on Muddy Ruttzz Youtube.

A Quick Step-by-Step To Help You With A Spare Tire Change

Retrieve the tool kit from under the rear passenger seat.

  1. Assemble the three-piece crank extension.

  2. Insert the tool into the hole located to the right of the license plate.

  3. Fit the end into the "funnel" guide to engage the winch.

  4. Turn the lug wrench/crank handle until the tire rests on the ground.

Tailgate in rear of Gladiator access to spare tire is under bed.
Yup, right under there just like many other pickups, SUVs and Vans

Finding the Gladiator Spare Tire Location

The Spare is located under the bed of the Gladiator just like most other pickup trucks and also vans. It is held up there by a winch and cable system. The tools for lowering should be in your Jeep.


How to Lower the Jeep Gladiator Spare Tire: Step-by-Step

When you’re off-road or on the shoulder of a busy highway, you need to move quickly. Follow these steps to gain Gladiator spare tire access and get back on the move.

A silver Jeep Gladiator on rocky terrain with an arrow pointing to the back door. Text reads: "Open this door & lift seat for jack access."
Modern tires don't go flat like tires used to but you should be ready.

Jack and tool storage under Gladiator rear seat neatly stored for lowering spare tire with first aid kit, glass cleaner and rags.
The crank "shafts" and lug wrench are in a vinyl bag attached to the scissors jack. If you are like me you end up using the under seat storage as a catch all for all kinds of handy stuff.

1. Locate and Retrieve Your Tool Kit

The Jeep Gladiator tool kit and jack are stored underneath the rear passenger-side seat.

  • Flip the seat bottom up.

  • Loosen the Velcro straps securing the kit.

  • Remove the lug wrench and the three extension segments. (You can leave the jack in place until the spare is on the ground).


Lug wrench and shafts parts sitting on Jeep tailgate that form crank to lower wheel for Gladiator spare tire access.
These shafts assemble and the lug wrench is used as a crank. The hooded end is used to connect to the scissors jack to raise and lower it.

2. Assemble the Crank Handle

Take the extension segments and click them together to form one long rod. One end will have a square head that fits into the winch, and the other end will connect to your lug wrench, which acts as the handle.


Person in gloves holds crank handle near vehicle bumper with New Mexico plate. Text and arrow indicate insertion point for crank to lower spare tire.
Have you ever seen this hole in the Gladiator? If you did do you know what it is for?

3. Find the Bumper Access Port

Look at your rear bumper, just to the right of the license plate. You will see a small, round hole. This is the entry point for your crank tool.

Funnel under a metal surface, guides crank handle to winch. Text: "Aim for this funnel that connects crank handle to winch." Logo bottom left.
You are aiming for this funnel shaped plastic device under the bed of the Gladiator.

Pro Tip: There is a plastic "funnel" or cone behind the bumper that guides the tool into the winch. If it feels stuck, wiggle the rod slightly until you feel it seat firmly into the mechanism.


Winch mechanism under bed used to lower Gladiator spare tire, text says winch mechanism and logo visible.
The funnel guides the shaft into the winch mechanism that lowers the cable when rotated.

4. Engage the Winch Mechanism

Insert the square end of your assembled crank tool into the access hole, into the funnel guide and engage the winch mechanism.

Assembled crank inserted and rotated at rear of Gladiator to lower spare tire by man wearing gloves. Tire is under bed.
A crank system is used to lower the spare tire

5. Lower the Spare Tire to the Ground

Attach the lug wrench to the end of the rod. Rotate the wrench counter-clockwise.

Continue cranking until the tire is flat on the ground and there is enough slack in the cable to pull the tire out from under the bed.

Gladiator spare tire being lowered from under bed storage bay to rocky desert ground.
Spare is on its way down - notice the bracket and spring that goes through the center of wheel
Gladiator spare tire lowered onto ground with winch cable and rear axle visible.
The spare tire has been successfully cranked down and is ready to be removed from beneath the Jeep on a rocky terrain.
Man wearing gloves removing cable from Gladiator spare tire that is sitting on ground, jeep axle and logo visible.
I lifted the tire up and removed the bracket and spring - tire is free now.

6. Release the Tire Retainer

Once the tire is out, lift the metal bracket (the retainer) and the spring assembly through the center of the wheel. Your spare tire is now free.

Gladiator spare tire under bed storage bay tire removed with view of bed and spare winch lowering mechanism logo visible.
The spare tire bay with the retainer winched up and out of the way. That spring acts like a shock absorber that helps snug the spare tire up.

7. Secure the Winch Cable

Important: Do not leave the cable dangling. Once the tire is removed, crank the winch back up (clockwise) until the bracket is snug against the underside of the Jeep. This prevents the cable from snagging on rocks or debris while you drive.


Safety Is The Most Important Part Of This Operation

Here are a few tips that can help you stay safe in the event of a flat tire change:

  1. If you don't have a safe place to pull over to perform tire change keep driving. Your life is worth more than the cost of a new tire. Driving at a slow speed with flashers on to a safe location is best.

  2. Have some reflective clothing to wear if you have to stop on a side of road or highway. I always have a yellow reflective construction reflective vest in my vehicle. It really makes you visible at night and daytime too.

  3. I carry trucker triangles to set up behind my vehicle and yes I have had to use them. The give warning to drivers long before cars reach your breakdown location.

  4. I did not go into actually changing the tire, that will be another video and article. If you do, use caution.


    Thanks for checking out my article and I hope it helps you. You may never need your spare but at least your prepared to take action in the event that you do!


FAQ Section

Where is the spare tire located on a Jeep Gladiator?

The spare tire is stored underneath the rear bed of the Jeep Gladiator. It is held in place by a heavy-duty cable winch system accessible through a port near the rear license plate.

Where is the jack and tool kit in a Jeep Gladiator?

You can find the factory jack and tire tool kit located under the rear seat on the passenger side. Simply flip the seat up and undo the Velcro straps to access the tools.

Do I need a special key to lower the Gladiator spare tire?

The factory winch does not require a key. However, some owners install a locking lug nut on the spare tire itself for security. Always check if you have a wheel lock key in your glovebox before heading off-road.

Can a 35-inch or 37-inch tire fit in the spare location?

Yes, most Jeep Gladiators can accommodate a 35-inch tire in the factory spare location. Some 37-inch tires may fit, though it can be tight against the heat shields and suspension components.


Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

Accessing your Jeep Gladiator’s spare tire isn’t complicated, but the middle of a muddy trail in a rainstorm is the worst time to learn the process. Between the hidden access point and the specific way the tool kit assembles, it’s a task that rewards a little "garage practice" before your next trip. By familiarizing yourself with these steps now, you ensure that a flat tire is just a minor speed bump in your adventure rather than the end of the day.

Whether you’re heading to the Jeep Jamboree in Moab or exploring the desert trails here in New Mexico, being self-reliant is the hallmark of a prepared overlander. Keep your winch cable clean, your tools organized, and your spare at the right PSI.

What’s Your Trail Strategy?

Now that you know how to get to your spare, I want to hear from you! Have you upgraded to a larger 35" or 37" tire, and did it fit in the factory location? Or have you moved your spare to a bed rack for better clearance?

Leave a comment below and let me know your setup!


Muddy Ruttzz is a retired sheet metal worker, I spent my career building things—now, I spend my retirement building the ultimate Jeep Gladiator and exploring the American Southwest. This blog is where I share my DIY guides, gear reviews, and trail adventures. Follow along for practical off-road advice and breathtaking scenery from my home base in New Cruces to the shores of Molokai.

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