1st Flat Tire, Recommendations?

Hi everybody, got a flat tire yesterday (rear right) which I replaced with a full size spare currently (steel wheel spare). Took it to Costco and was told that the hole was too big to patch up. Tech said they can only patch holes up to 1/4 inch and the hole for mine was bigger than 1/2 inch. He quoted me $169.99 for a new tire (BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A, 265/70R16), installation and taxes $200 total. This tire he says is not stocked at their costco but can be ordered from their suppliers and be available the next day.

He told me however because of the thread wear on the current tires, for the sake of alignment I should replace at least 2 (both rears). And ideally all 4. At this point I'm thinking he is up-selling me. I bought this truck (2013 Double Cab Off Road 4x4) in February 2013 and have not driven it that much (Only 21,180 miles driven total) and only driven it on paved roads. Haven't made any lift or suspension mods on the truck yet, stock alloy wheels.


Questions:

1. Is he right about me needing to replace at least 2, much less 4?
2. For those with similar trucks that have replaced tires, what kind of tires did you replace them with? Any recommendations?
3. Since my spare is a steel wheel without the tire sensors, is it prudent to get a similar wheel for the spare with the tire sensors?
4. Any other advice for me?

Sorry for being a total noob, just want to take the best course of action for my beloved Taco, thanks much guys!

 

Gonna go with the "If it were me" rule on this one...as there is no definite right or wrong way to handle it. If it were me, I'd buy TWO tires, put them on the rear (for a short while) then rotate to the front after a few thousand miles. Save the "other tire" for an eventual spare.

OR....

If you really want to play it on the cheap......Swap out your spare (to the wheel that currently has the tire with hole) and buy ONE new tire to mate with the "new" spare, find a decent used tire (of same size) to mount up for a spare...

OR...

Buy a lift kit, new wheels and tires......and a winch, and a pair of sliders, and......

 

Yup, he is right that tires should be replaced at the very least in two's. You don't need all 4, but it is nice.

You'd have to dig really deep into the cheapo bins to find bad tires these days.

Spares needing sensors or not is up to you.

No more advice. Tires is always like this. Expensive.

 

In a situation like this I always replace two. I really like to have all four the same. If I am close to needing new tires I would buy 4 of whatever brand. Sell the good ones on Craig's list.

I have not found the tire people at Costco trying to up sell me on anything so far.

 

I'm surprised ur stockers aren't already cracked and separating from dry rot.

Honestly..... At 20k mine were shot in every way except they weren't down to wear indicators yet.

Take a good look at em.

 

Answers:

1. Yes
2. Goodyear Duratracs load range C. Just my personal preference for my particular use and climate. YMMV.
3. Not necessary

 

Got pay to play.

Should replace tires in sets of 2.

 

If money allows, I would replace the front two tires. You want even tread wear whether it's the front or the rear. If money is tight I agree with Bluegrass Taco that you should swap your spare tire for the one that's bad and buy a used tire to use as your spare. You only need a spare as a safe, temporary tire.

 

Thank you for the replies everyone.

Per Costco, If I were to go for 2, the current tires that I have (BFG Rugged Trail T/A) are $169.99 each and would be available tomorrow.

They say for the tire size that I have (265/70R16), if I were to replace today I have the following choices:

- Bridgestone Dueler Alenza $149.99 each with a $70 rebate for 4.
- Michelin LTX A/T2 for $167 each.

So either $339.98 for 2 + taxes and installation for the BF Goodrich

$529.96 for the Bridgestone for 4 + taxes and installation

$668 for the Michelin for 4 + taxes and installation

Recommendations? Thanks again!

 

I had a similar issue. I didn't want to drop the money for all new tires so I had them swap the spare with one of the worn tires and had the replacement tire put on the back.. That way I had two new tires on the back and the old two on the front. it cost me 140 for the new tire (duncrap) and they charged me 20 to swap the spare. But now I don't have to rotate them at all since the backs are new so it will end up being cost neutral.

 

Rugged Trail's ride like shit, I traded mine it at 7,500miles and got $240 credit towards a new set of 4. You'll enjoy driving your truck a little more with a new set of tires.

 

My suggestion is you buy a used tire (typically $20-$40) and there are plenty of people selling their rugged trails. Have the used tire until ready to replace all four with a better set.

Just went through the similar scenario last week with our 4Runner. Bought a used tire for $25 as there's still about 30k+ mileage on the remaining tires. Wasn't ready to drop $800+ on a new set just yet.

 

That probably wouldn't hurt a thing. Think there is only about 10/32" of tread on a new Rugged Fail.

 

Agreed, Rugged Fails are junk, pick the least expensive way you can to get by until a new set is needed.

 

I can attest that the Michelin LTX tires are amazing for a truck that doesn't see hard core off road.

 

I would never replace the front two tires if all four were worn down. Always replace the rear tires before the front. That's even the case on front wheel drive vehicles.

 

Did that for years myself, but tread depth gauges are less than two dollars at OReillys. Chinese slave laborer kids need to eat too.

 

Update:

I bit the bullet and bought a new set, got the Michelin X-Radial LT2 at Costco, wow what a difference!

I immediately noticed how smoother the ride was. I can't believe I suffered driving with the Rugged Trails for over 2 years
I told them to scrap the busted tire, kept the 3 and my spare. Even if the 3 have cracks in them maybe I can sell them for something on craigslist. If not I have a few tires to hit with a sledgehammer for a workout
Thanks again for the advice everyone!