"Peace of mind doesn’t come from having a spare tire - it comes from having the right spare tire"

SPARE TIRE KITS ENGINEERED FOR YOUR CAR

Modern Spare Sub Trunk Storage System
(For Tesla Model Y)
Installation Instructions

*Please note. Installing the sub-trunk storage system will require cutting and trimming a small portion of the interior flooring. Typically, this cut section will remain out of sight and below the trunk coverings.

Installing the subtrunk storage system will require the use of-

Provided Tools

  • An Allen/Hex Wrench (Figure 1)
  • Chalk (Figure 2)
  • Box Cutter (Figure 3)
  • Paper template (Figure 4)
  • Trim Removal Pry Bars (Figure 5)

Tools not included

  • A ratchet and 13mm socket OR a 13mm wrench
  • Measuring tape or similar measuring tool adequate to measure ~ 4 feet in length

Your subtrunk storage system assembly will include the following components-

  • Main Support Unit (Figure A)
  • Wheel Clamping Unit (Figure B) 
  • Slotted Strap Anchor Brackets 2ct (Figure C) 
  • Rubber Buckle Straps 2ct (Figure D)
Fig A
Fig B
Fig C
Fig D.1

Installation will require temporarily removing some trim pieces from the vehicle interior. These pieces are listed below.

  • Forward floor cover (Figure E)
  • Rearward Trunk Cover (Figure F) 
  • Rear hatch threshold trim cover (Figure G). This is located across the rear of the vehicle as referenced in the instruction video. 
  • Right side trim cover  (Figure H)
  • Left Side Trim cover (Figure I)
Fig E
Fig F
Fig G
Fig H
Fig I

The interior pieces listed below will be removed to allow the spare to be installed. They are NOT reinstalled once the spare tire is in place. Please retain these pieces if you choose to uninstall the spare storage system later.

  • Foam bulkhead/divider (Figure J)
  • Molded “Tub” Trunk Insert (Figure K)
Fig J
Fig K

STEP ONE

Review the provided list of components and verify that each is present.

     Kit Components 

  • Main Support Unit (Figure A)
  • Primary Clamping Unit (Figure B) 
  • Slotted Anchor Units 2ct (Figure C) 
  • Rubber Buckle Straps 2ct (Figure D)
  • Wheel Clamping Unit (Figure E)

     Provided Tools

  • An Allen/Hex Wrench
  • Chalk
  • Box Cutter
  • Paper template
  • Trim pry tool

STEP TWO

Remove interior trim and insert pieces

1. Start by opening the rear hatch of the vehicle. 

2. Locate the Forward Floor Cover (Figure E) & Rearward Floor Cover (Figure F)

3. Remove both Floor Covers and set them aside.

4. Identify the rear hatch threshold trim cover (Figure G). This piece is held in place by spring clips. To remove it, use fingers or the pry tool to grasp the underside of the trim cover and pull straight upward. Spring clips will release. You can remove and set aside. See the installation video for reference. 

5. Locate either the left or the right side trim cover (Figures I or H). These trim covers are also held in place by spring clips. Grasp under side of the trim cover or use the pry tool to pull upward carefully until sprng clips release. See the video for reference. Once one side is removed, repeat on the opposite side. Set both trim covers aside. 

6. Locate and identify the “tub” insert (Figure K). Look for the surface material on the top portion toward the front of the vehicle. Locate the small areas on the right and left side where the material uses velcro-style adhesion to join this “tub” insert to the bulkhead/divider (Figure J). “This divider section may not be present in all years of the Model Y and can be disregarded”

7. Release the velcro attachment. Once released, lift the “tub” insert out of the subtrunk area. Set aside.

8. Remove the bulkhead/divider and set it aside.

STEP THREE

Use the provided paper template to make the trim line and cut out the material to accommodate the spare tire.

1. Locate the paper template with the straight edge and the curved edge on opposite sides. (Figure 4)

2. Locate the rear edge of the flooring material just in front of the subtrunk area. 

3. Using a measuring tape of similar tool, find the exact center between the interior sides of the vehicle on the rear edge of the flooring material. Use the provided chalk to mark the center point at the material edge. See the video for precise instructions on this process. 

4. Place the paper template so that the center line marked on the template is lined up with the center mark on the flooring material. 

5. Once the template is in place, use one hand to hold it in place and use other hand to trace a chalk line around the curved side of the template on the flooring material. Once a visible line is marked on the flooring material around the curved side of the template, remove the template. 

STEP FOUR

Cut out the section of the flooring material outlined by the chalk mark

1.Locate the provided box cutter (Figure 3)

2. Carefully cut the flooring material following the chalk line. Note- making this cut with extreme precision is not required. The purpose of this cutting is to allow the spare tire to be placed level and rest on the steel car body under the flooring material. An imprecise cut will not prevent a successful installation. Set aside trimmed flooring material.  

STEP FIVE

Install mounting components and hardware

1. Identify two corner bolts in the forward section of the sub trunk space, as shown in images 1 & 2. 

2. Using a 13mm socket or wrench, remove these bolts and set them aside to be reused in the next step.

3. Place the removed bolts through the Slotted Strap Anchor Brackets (Figure C).

4. With bolts inserted into the Slotted Strap Anchor Brackets, replace the bolts in their original locations.

5. Before bolts are tightened, position the Slotted Strap Brackets towards the center of the sub trunk space as shown. 

6. Hold the bracket in that position and tighten both bolts until fully snug using the 13mm socket or wrench.

7. Retrieve buckle straps and place straps through the slots in the brackets, and leave loose until a later step.

8. Locate the bolt placed in the rear of the sub trunk space in the rearward-center, as shown.

9. This bolt is an Allen-head bolt as shown in these instructions, BUT it may be a common hex-head bolt. If this is not an Allen type, you may need to obtain a socket sized appropriately.

10. If the bolt is an Allen type, use the provided Allen-style wrench to remove this bolt. Do not lose this bolt. 

*Please Note- This factory bolt described above may be slightly different in earlier Model Y model years. As a convenience, we have included an additional bolt with your kit, along with its accompanying washer.  Using this bolt and washer may provide an easier installation experience if the factory bolt is different than what is described in this section. 

11. Locate the Main Support Unit (Figure A).

12. Place the removed bolt on the long end of the provided Allen wrench or socket with an extension if not an Allen type.

13. Use the Allen wrench or socket and extension to place the bolt into the deep slot of the main support unit. 

14. Align the Main Support Unit so that the bolt is able to be placed in its original threaded location.

15. Thread in the bolt and continue until snug. Make sure the bolt is tightened adequately to keep the Main Support Unit secured in position. 

STEP SIX

Replace interior trim pieces

1. Replace the two interior trim covers, right and left, shown (Figures I & H).

2. Replace rear hatch threshold trim cover (Figure G).

STEP SEVEN

Secure spare tire in place

1.  Place the spare tire face down with one of the wheel “spokes” resting on the main support assembly. 

2. Place the Wheel Clamping Unit (Figure B) over the back side of the wheel spoke so the clamping loops are lined up with the clamp buckles attached to the main support unit. 

3. Use side clamps to secure the wheel onto the main support unit. Adjust clamps as needed to form a snug fit. 

4. Use Rubber Buckle Straps 2ct (Figure D) to secure the forward section of the wheel as shown

5. Once the spare is secured in place, make sure the foam tool tray ( jack, tools, etc.) is strapped in place in the center of the spare wheel. 

6. Replace the Forward Floor Cover (Figure E) & Rearward Floor Cover (Figure F), making sure clearance is proper.

Installation is complete!

Has the global trade uncertainty affected Modern Spare in terms of inventory and price increases?

Yes and no –

Since our humble beginnings in 2016, relying on single manufacturing partners—and more so, partners in some countries that are vulnerable to trade conflict—is something we have avoided. This has proven effective over the years, and we hope it will help us navigate what may come in 2025.

We don’t anticipate significant price increases, if any, in the coming months. The real challenge may be disruptions in global shipping later in 2025 that delay shipments and put strain on inventories.

Thankfully, we’re well stocked now, and most new orders are being shipped out immediately.

Consider this:

If you are thinking of purchasing a spare tire, now may be a good time—just in case the supply disruptions cause delays or lengthy inventory issues.

If you have questions on this or need help selecting the right kit, our spare tire experts are available by phone or email.

Thank you,
– Modern Spare