I haven't gotten around to installing the bracket for my spare tire (tire and kit bought 3rd party). With my recent addition of the trunk organizer the spare simply sits level in the bed of the trunk. I'm now considering just leaving it that way, but adding a retaining belt to hold it in place. Trunk access is much more limited with the tire bracket mounted but normal access with the tire on the bed. Of course on the bed it does take up some space but soft items have fit on/around it fine. Just curious if others have left it similarly and what retention you might have used.

 

I have the spare and have not installed the bracket. The spare sits in the trunk, outside of wheel facing down, on a towel (to protect the carpet). Have never had a problem of the wheel shifting, is easy to take out when I need the room, and it's there on highway trips just in case. With the bracing behind the back seat I do not think the tire would enter the passanger compartment, but I am not planning on testing that out.

 

Thanks Urchin. I have the vinyl cover on the tire and it sits smooth side (wheel inboard) down, and hence a bit of shifting in spirited driving. A simple shock cord may do the trick if I install some bed anchor points.