Do you upgrade your spare?

So, I'm thinking I can get some DuraTracs before winter. I'll be getting the 265/17/16s (no, I mean 265/75/16) since I'm @ stock height. Should I get a larger spare as well? No offroading for me at this point (truck is <1 week old) so if I have a flat it's probably going to be on interstate. If I switch out tires as needed to keep 2 good tires in the rear, would I be OK running one 265 up front and one stock spare long enough to go 10 or 20 miles to the dealership?

 

I think you have a mistype. Are you changing the tire size and worried about the spare being a size down or are you worried about the spare being a different tire brand/tread pattern?

 

This. If you're telling me that the 265's are no bigger in diameter than the factoy tires, then it's a moot point. I think there should be some difference though. You're right about a mistype. I was thinking 75 and typed 17. Will edit original post, thanks.

 

That's what I was asking, what is your factory tire size? Check out the tire size calculator at the top of this page to find the difference in size between your stock size and your upgraded size. I upgraded from the 245/75R16 to 265/65R17 and never upgraded the spare. At some point, if I can find a deal on a spare, I'll swap it out but because the overall heights are identical, I see no reason to change the spare. Even in an emergency situation, a slight difference in the spare tire size will be ok for a short distance to get you to a shop.

EDIT: I looked up the tire size difference, if you're going from a 245/75R16 to 265/75R16, your tires will be 1.19 inches larger than the spare. You just have to be mindful of this when you use your spare and take it easy. If you have the opportunity to upgrade the spare, obviously it would be a much better solution but not necessarily a requirement.

 

Cool, thanks for the advice. I should be good to go then. Obviously if I really build her out and start running trails I'll have 5 matching rims.

 

I went up to 265/75/16 and traded out the spare with similar size. Found a used one for 20 bucks. I say you do the same so you dont have to worry about it.

 

Yeah, for $20 it's definitely worth it. I'll keep an eye out after I upgrade the 4 road tires.

 

Don't want to hijack, but does that mean that 265/75/16 will in the spot where the spare lives without any trouble?

Thanks

TL

 

I didn't upgrade my spare, but I plan to eventually, but with some cheaper full-size brand (i'm running duratracs as well). You won't have a problem going a short distance with the smaller spare though, which is what I believe you are asking.

 

Wow, great idea, no sense buying a new one since it's only going to used as a spare rarely, if ever. I'm keeping an eye on craigslist now lol

 

It fits fine, a little snug, but no problems. I have had that spare in there for about 6 months.

 

Definately theres no point in paying a ton of money for a tire thats gonna sit under my truck and dry rot anyway. I got one at a used tire shop.

 

Good news.

Thanks
TL

 

I just put a 265/75R16 tire on the stock spare rim in the stock location last week on my 2011 std cab. Fits.