Using the Spare Tire in the Rotation?

Actually you are using fuzzy math. If the tires are rated at 50k miles, adding one tire into the rotation doesn't change the miles per tire, it will just extend the time period before all 5 tires have to be re-bought. It would still average to 12.5k per tire, but given that you would have 5 tires you could go approximately 62.5k miles before purchasing new ones. Not sure how you were coming up with 65k?

 

The only time I'd buy a matching spare is if it were going to show in the bed...like the same size in case you have or will get a locker or LSD. Otherwise, I'd keep it out of rotation so it's always fresh and ready when needed. The only time I'd throw it into rotation is if it were starting to get dry or show signs of dying.

 

Here it is in black and white:

 

Sorry Jeff, still fuzzy....oh wait, that's 'cause I need glasses.

 

I normally do the 5 wheel rotation. You dont get more mileage from doing the 5 wheel rotation, however, the time period is greater.

Also, running on the spare (same rim and tire as the others) doesn't throw any thing off as if you were using a different size. I've seen ABS go wild because of this before.

Plus, you could go a few days without fixing the spare and not worry about it looking odd.

 

tire 3 and 4 are getting 55k up there...

 

You're right, I guess he'll have to 3-wheel it for 5,000 miles

 

I wouldn't do it.

 

If my spare was an alloy that matched my others, I would definitely do it.

 

One other thing you could do if you want to figure the cost is that tires do age and after so many years they should be replaced anyway. So factor in if you plan to drive the truck through 3 sets and keep the truck for 10+ years. You may need to replace the spare. I think I remember tire age at 6 years, the tire can become unstable, but dont quote me.

 

Good info on 5 tire rotation from the following site: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=43

Five (5) Tire Rotation



While many vehicles are equipped with temporary spares that cannot be included in a tire rotation program, if the vehicle’s four wheels and tires on the ground match the spare wheel and tire (if non-directional and not branded "for temporary use"), they should be included in the tire rotation pattern. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire rotation procedures, or if not available, insert the spare in the right rear position at every rotation. Place the tire that would have gone to the right rear in the trunk as the spare until the next tire rotation.

• On front-wheel drive cars with full-size matching spare, rotate the tires in a forward cross pattern (Figure F)
• On rear-wheel or four-wheel drive cars with full-size matching spare, rotate the tires in a rearward cross pattern (Figure G)

​

Five tire rotation results in equally distributed use that will help maintain equivalent tread depths on all five tires throughout their life. When applied to many four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles, this is required to prevent driveline damage if a flat tire forces a new spare to be put into service with partially worn tires on the other three wheel positions.

 

Spoke to a friend that is big into wheelin' and he brought up a good point. The wheel would be susceptable to rocks, mud, and crap underneath the rear of the truck. Also, a 285 would decrease the ground clearance in the rear. His suggestion was to just get a steel wheel and try to find a skinny tire with the same diameter as my other tires. It would also be lighter.

 

On my old Dakota, I did the 5 tire rotation the first round, then just kept the best old tire for my spare. Only 800 miles on my Taco, so I still have a little time to decide what to do with it this time.

 

How do you plan on wearing the tires out evening when its an odd number? Seems like its more work then its worth.