Spare tire probs

[Trailblazer]

Just tried stuffing my 33x12.5 on stock spare rim back up into the spare "area" under the bed. It is VERY close to the exhaust pipe (1/8"-1/4"). May even "sway" into pipe while driving/wheeling. I know the heat isn't good for the rubber but if it's not a daily driver, can I get away with that little clearance or will the tire melt or dry-rot or ????? I don't really want to take up room in the bed with the spare but I also don't want the tire to catch fire or whatever.
Thanks for the help.

[fourwd1]

Just make reroute the exhaust a little.

[hecull]

I second it. My suggestion: just lop off the exhaust after the muffler. You don't need those extra bends anyway. I wouldn't want the tailpipe that close to a flamable object myself. Not that I actually think you would end up with a fire, it sould take a lot more heat than the tailpipe can provide, but it will be enough heat to damage the tire I'd think. I say either lop or relocate the exhaust or stick the spare in the bed.
Kyle

[rccrawler]

i never had a problem with my 35" underneath the bed. it was close to the exhaust (~1" away) and never had a melting or thread deformation issue.

[toyotanuts]

mine was that close and never had a problem.

[Donkey]

Just cut it.