Spare tire question

Bought my 2013 DCSB with 18" XD wheels , and did not realize until a few days later... the spare tires is the OEM 16" wheel/tire. Useless dead weight....since I can't use one 16" wheel if I get a flat, so I plan to remove it asap. Does anyone know, will a full-sized 18" wheel+tire fit up under the bed in the same location as the 16" OEM spare tire?

 

Depends on your tire size

 

What really matters is the OD of the tire, not necessarily the rim size. Meaning that as long as the spare tire is the same size overall then the rim size doesn't matter. Even if the OD of the spare tire is smaller than the other tires on your truck, you can still use it up front (as long as 4wd is not engaged) or you could just replace the tire with one that is the same OD as what you have on your 18" rims and be fine for all 4 corners. Hope this helps.

 

a little lube, maybe some BFH action - it could work. Unless you are running 35's lol

 

I have gotten my spare 285/75/16 up in the stock location. BFH on the tabs and voila!

 

Should have noted, I am running 285/65R18's , will need to check OD of the spare. Thanks!!!!

 

There is several inches between the OD of those tires.

 

Buy a pretty decent air compressor that plugs into the truck, some tire plugs and tools. You can get a good enough compressor and everything else you need for $50-$60. At least 90% of your flats can be plugged and aired up without any need for your spare. I had one last week while hunting in my F-150. I had it fixed and was back on the road in less time than it would have taken to get out the jack. It is a lot safer, easier and cleaner than trying to change one at night in the mud and rain.

I still like to keep a good spare. In the last 20 years I've probably fixed 15-20 tires right on the vehicle. Some were mine, other times helping out stranded drivers. But there were 2 times when the damaged tire was not repairable. I had to change one. The other time I slowed the leak enough to get down the road to a tire store who put the spare on for me and charged me $10.

You can still run a smaller spare for short distances, even on the rear. The only way you'd damage anything is if you have a locking rear axle and have it locked. It wouldn't be a huge priority, but in your case I'd try to find a suitable spare that is closer in size. Getting an air compressor, plugs and tool should be a big priority for anyone.

My compressor at work