Where is the spare tire located on a Ford Transit van?
The spare tire on most Ford Transit vans is stored under the rear cargo floor, accessible by lifting a floor panel. Some configurations—especially certain markets, model years, or newer variants—may use a space-saving spare stored in a wheel well or rely on a tire repair kit instead of a full spare. Always check your specific build or owner’s manual for the exact location.
Where to look by generation and market
The spare‑tire layout varies by model year, trim level, and region. The following describes the most common setups found on recent Transit variants.
Common arrangements across European and US-market Transits
Most recent Transit vans store the spare in or under the cargo floor, with the wheel-changing tools kept nearby in a kit or cradle. The retrieval method and exact mounting can differ by sub‑model.
- Rear cargo floor storage: The spare wheel sits in a cradle beneath the rear floor. You lift a floor panel in the cargo area to access it, and the jack, lug wrench, and wheel chocks are usually stored with or near the spare.
- Under-floor central compartment: Some configurations place the spare in a central under-floor compartment protected by a removable cover that you lift to reach the wheel.
- Inside a wheel well in the cargo area: A few builds store the spare in a dedicated wheel well inside the cargo space, requiring the removal of a cover or panel to retrieve it.
Note: In newer or specialty builds—particularly some electric versions or lighter trims—Ford has shifted toward tire repair kits instead of a full spare to save space and weight. Verify what’s included on your vehicle.
How to access the spare tire safely
If you need to retrieve the spare, follow these general steps to access and prepare it for use. The exact process may vary slightly by model year and configuration, so refer to your manual if in doubt.
- Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels that are not being raised.
- Gather the necessary tools: the wheel brace, jack, and spare tire; check the spare’s pressure if it’s a space saver or a full-size wheel.
- Locate and open the appropriate storage area: lift the cargo floor panel at the rear (or locate the under-floor compartment) to reveal the spare and its mounting hardware.
- Remove the spare from its cradle: detach any straps or fasteners and free the wheel from its cradle or well.
- Prepare the wheel for installation: loosen lug nuts slightly on the wheel you’re replacing, then mount the spare and tighten lug nuts in a crisscross pattern after lowering the vehicle.
- Finish and stow everything: lower the jack fully, secure the spare, and tidy tools; if you used a tire repair kit instead of a spare, follow the kit’s instructions and arrange a proper tire replacement as soon as possible.
If you’re unsure of your van’s exact spare configuration, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealer or qualified technician for your specific build.
Summary
Across most Ford Transit models, the spare tire is typically stored under the rear cargo floor with the tools nearby. Some configurations use an under‑floor central compartment or an internal wheel well, and certain newer or electric variants may use a tire repair kit instead of a full spare. Always verify the exact setup for your vehicle to ensure safe and correct use after a tire change.
