Full size spare

I recently upgraded my 3rd gen from stock to 285/75/17’s ( BFG KO2’s). But I only purchased the 4 tires. I’m realizing now I should have a full size to get get off a trail and drive on while I replace my tire. Is there a cheap donut type option for this or do I need to purchase another KO2?

 

Check your spare size first. I have seen some people get different rims size spares even though the other 4 are different or vice versa between 16'' and 17''. I don't think all limited models came with an 18'' spare?

EDIT:

New 2022 Tacoma Sport spare tire rim size. is 16”, wheels on truck are 17” rims | Tacoma World

was an example

 

Yes, it is a good idea to have a similar circumference sized tire as a spare. It you are deep in the bush and need 4x4 to get out, having the factory size spare may cause binding issues. It may not damage anything in low traction but it may if traction is good. It doesn't necessarily have to be the same make and model...

I only stepped up to 265/70R17's and still bought 5.

 

Yah it bums me out that my 2022 sport only has a 16 inch spare. I want to get a matching rim so I can get a spare Wildpeak. I wonder how much a used rim costs?

 

If I need to use my OEM spare, it is there to do the job it is designed to do. But if it makes you feel better, spend the $300 plus dollars and rotate the 5 tires.... (are you also considering adding a TPMS)?

Regardless of what you do, do check the tire pressure every once in awhile.

 

The spare just needs to have about the same size rollout as the other tires on your truck. I bought 5 NRG's when I got my 285/70/17's and shoved one on a cheap te37 rep wheel under the bed (with the mount relocation trick). Bonus is it's the same size and offset as my real TE's. Hopefully I'll never need it, but if I do I know it's proper sized.

 

I replaced my factory spare w a matching 5th wheel (TRD faux bead lock) with 265/75/16 KO2. Was able to fit it in the cutout without any issues. It was a tight but perfect fit. Not sure about 285s on either 16s or 17s.

 

My 2017 came with a 17" spare. I still have snow tires that are factory sized and will run them until they are spent before upsizing those as well. So for the spare with the upsize tire, I bought a 17" steel FJ Cruiser spare rim from Toyota. It was $100 Can.

 

I couldn’t imagine putting an alloy under my truck. I know 4runner and older second gens did, but they don’t age well with dirt roads every day.

A full size spare is a good idea, I’d just use the steel rim and try to find a used tire of similar circumference.

 

go to your local toyota dealers Parts/Wheels folks and see if they have any take-offs or trades. I traded my 16" Offroad Steel Rim for a slightly scuffed 17" aluminum Toyota rim for a spare straight up, no cash.

 

That's a 34" tire. You may not be able to get a tire that size to fit under your truck. Maybe with some modification.

The spare doesn't have to be exactly the same size. It is helpful if it is, but if you're close you should be OK. That is about 3" taller than stock and I'd certainly go with something bigger for a spare. If you look around you can usually find a used tire cheap that would make a decent spare. It can be on a 16", 17" or even 18" wheel as long as the overall diameter is close to the diameter of the 4 tires on the ground.

 

Discount tire has some off brands (China Crap) I would never run but make great service spares at low cost with 9 years on them. Your spare will age out before it wears out.

 

just get a 16in wild p that is the same height as the 17in tire

 

a fb marketplace find for 40$
I just throw it in the back if going offroad

 

Yeah, funny to worry about the wheel size for a spare. Like you said height and diameter is what matters most. I'd get an AT tire as well if you're off-roading a lot. Don't want to try and get out of some rugged remote area with a freeway spare on, even if it's the right diameter.

 

Hello....upgraded from 245/75r16 HT to 265/75r16 A/T ...and my spare is still 245. Just plan to buy a less expensive 265 A/T , and throw it under! Becuase....i dont remote terrain! if i use the spare it will be temporary! See people at my job, go weeks with those lil spare tire...lol

 

Thanks folks! Lots of good advice that will save me money for sure!