No Spare Tire or Alternative Mounting?

I mean this with no disrespect, but that's gotta be the ugliest/worst place to mount a spare tire I've ever seen lol. I'm curious as to why?!?

 

ill post when i can find the pic of my 77 chevy pu hit at 55mph head on and the result of a tire front mount....... and easy access- i drive alot of gravel

 

If my spare was smaller than my other tires I would only run it on the front and only run 2WD unless it's a very low traction emergency and I need 4WD to get out. Otherwise your driveshafts will want to constantly turn at different speeds and bind up your T case.

I carry a full size spare in a 5 tire rotation (235/85/16) and that's my "trip can keep on going" spare. I also carry a second EMERGENCY spare, which is an old 245/75/16 A/T on a steelie, which is my "trip is over" spare. My emergency would only go on the front.

 

That's what I believed as well however @Jimmyh stated otherwise.

 

I'm not sure if I agree.

With a smaller spare on one corner in 4WD the driveshafts will want to constantly turn at different speeds resulting in one tire always skidding and jumping down the road. I realize this happens when turning in 4WD regardless but for it to be happening constantly is considerably more wear. I would not run in 4WD with a smaller spare unless I was in a true low traction emergency and needed to crawl out.

I've also advised in this threat against running a smaller spare in the rear (I would always swap it to the front) simply because I wouldn't want my spider gears spinning like hamster wheels for extended periods on the highway. Across town once is a different story, but in my experience these kinds of trips are typically on trailheads hundreds of miles from home on paved highways.

 

My spare 315 goes in a basket and I don't leave home without it.

 

I never said to use it in 4 wheel drive at high speed on hard pack or pavement. That wouldn't be prudent. As far as using it in 4wd in dirt mud or ice and snow it wouldn't make any difference at all. However front Or rear is fine as long as you are in loose dirt or mud snow are not locking the differential. It will not damage anything.

Of course it is you truck and you are free to hyperventilate about it if you wish.

 

In the case that you do wheel out in the woods, i hope everyone is smart enough to ride in a group...so when you do have a flat you'll have friends with spares

 

Your diff(s) mostly cares about the outside diameter of your tires. If you are concerned about space and just want a tire for emergency use, get the most narrow tire you can safely mount on your spare wheel(s) and matches the outside diameter of your current tires.

I carry a full size under the bed and a full size I throw on top on trips outside 50 miles or I go off-roading - to expedite a flat repair. I also carry tire plugs for an even faster flat repair if the situation allows it. Also have AAA+ family plan - 100-mile tow may come in handy one day. It has come in handy for my wife and one of my daughters already. But, I digress...

 

Live in deer country? You got yourself a supper catcher.

 

In Canada some major highways if you get a flat you automatically have to call for a tow they won't allow you to change a tire on highways you could get a heavily fine for doing this in Montreal

 

Sounds like a mayor-type figure owns a tow truck company.

 

/me goes to check the air pressure on his spare

 

maybe , but I think it's mostly a safety reason all it takes is one person to ruin it for every body , people where changing tires not paying attention and had their tires roll out in the highway

 

^THIS^

 

I'm just playing devils advocate here, but.....I wonder how many people who are so set on carrying a spare tire, also carry a spare fan belt? Hoses? Fuses? Tools? Flares? U-joints? How about a big ratchet strap to reset a bead? I know already what the answer is, because I end up being the parts store whenever I travel in a group. I've seen all kinds of breaks in the back country. Steering boxes, leaf springs, radiators, drive shafts, shorted batteries, fan belts, hoses, and yes, cut tires. Anytime you venture into the outback in a vehicle you take a risk. There are a million ways to lose your ride. You get back by making good choices and not taking foolish risks....and a little luck. Spinning your tires in a pile of broken rock? Yep, that will do it. In 40 years of offroad travel, a totally destroyed tire has only happened once. Other things have caused me more trouble.

I'm not at all lobbying against a spare tire, but tires are big heavy things to carry compared to a dozen high risk items that could fit in a tool box. Things that very often are neglected. I've even seen people with spare tires and no jack! Just food for thought.

 

This guy. And more.

 

I nailed someone's loose spare on a dark interstate and it did $12, 545 in damage to my truck!

 

That's gross , insured or not I'd lose my mind

 

I'm curious if I purchased a standard rear bumper with hidden hitch and put my 255/85/16 underneath, if the bumper or the tire would be the first point of contact at high departure angles. I suppose this would be the determining factor whether or not I shell out the money for a swing-out.