Removed Spare Tire Today

I removed my full size spare tire on my 2002 PreRunner SR5 today because I work 5 miles from home. In the unfortunate event that I do get a flat, I have so many friends and family in the area that I can be taken to and from home and get my spare tire. I don't take my truck on long trips so I wanted to ask do you guys think in the long run removing the spare tire will improve on gas mileage? I removed the entire spare, jack, and all associated hardware so I would think over the course of one year of driving short distances in the city (to and from work), this would end up saving significantly, no? Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

If it was me, I'd leave the spare in place. You know if and when you get a flat it will be either raining real hard and no one is around or you will need to be somewhere. It's just the way it is!

 

So rather than being prepared for a rare but possible flat you expect your friends to take you to fetch your tire and jack etc??
I'd tell you to call AAA.

 

I would rather be prepared than to inconvenience friends or family. I think fuel costs savings would be insignificant, especially if you're only doing 5 mile commute.

 

werd

 

leave the spare on.....you aint gonna see no kinda increase in mileage to matter either way.

 

Put it back on.

 

x2 minus the .

 

im with everybody else put the spare back on because the one time you acutally go off somewhere far you'll get a flat.

 

.

 

Murphy lurks around every corner man...

 

If you took the spare out and then called me to bring it to you I'd hang up on you

 

probably a good idea to leave it on. but ive had mine off for a while to try to minimize the amount off stuff to get caught while wheeling but probably gonna get a tire gate.

 

uh, 50 or so pounds isn't going to make a whole hell of a big difference in a 3500 lb truck

 

And not for nothing, but i noticed in your Avatar, you own a Pre-Runner...

If i was you, id want the extra weight OVER the rear tires, you will get more traction in inclimate weather. And id rather be safe in the inclimate weather rather then the .05 MPG your gonna save, hehe

 

Leave it off for a few tanks to see the difference in MPGs... when you realize that there wasn't a change, put it back on for the reasons noted above.

 

No.

 

I would leave it off and never have more than 1/4 tank of gas in it.
I think gas is what 6 Lbs. a gallon? so keeping 10 gallons out it knocks off another 60 lbs.
Don't forget to take out the jack, and lug tools as well and the spare tire winch that lowers the spare. Probablly knock off another 10-15 lbs with those off.

Now that I think of it the bed is pretty heavy too, so???

Hell with it just ride a bike, no gas, insurance, registration, plates, oil, and other maint. costs.

I tend to like to be prepared to have flats and such so the spare is worth having to me.

 

how do you remove the spare tire?