Anyone ditch the spare?

I upgraded tires and increased size, and I'm hesitant to shell out the money for a matching rim and tire size (even the cheapest options for each). I'm thinking about just ditching the spare altogether. Many vehicles today don't even have one, and I figure if I get a flat away from home I can work something out.

Curious to know if anyone has done this and whether the reduced weight in the rear end has caused any traction issues in rain or worse? I figure it's prob 50-75 lbs less to carry for slightly increased fuel economy, but at 11.9 mpg I need every bit I can get.

 

Say what???? No spare???

 

You are not gaining anything by removing the spare.

 

When you’re sitting on the side of the road waiting for help, you’ll be thinking, crap I could’ve been mobile in 15 minutes if I had a spare.

 

Ditch 1 spare for 2 spares

 

1 is none, 2 is one.

 

Spare yourself the trouble and keep one.

 

I ditched the factory spare......... For a 35" spare in the bed.

 

I have a spare for each of the two differently designed tires I run, both are mounted on the factory steel spare wheel. Matching alloy wheels are planned.

 

Agree , never ditch a spare, just go narrower if saving money , keep same dia. to fit steel rim . Will not affect gas mileage, doing away with spare , only headaches down the road without one. Always chance of no phone service , or towing won't pay full bill, and then either getting repaired or replaced at 1 or 2 in morning might not happen. All kinds of negatives for maybe 1-tenth of a mile per gallon.

 

Payload!

 

You can fit a 35 in the spare location.

 

I don't know of any truck that doesn't come with a spare.

I guess I'm not following your reasoning. To buy a $40k truck, spend another $2k on wheels and heavier tires, causing a decrease in mpg, means you should get rid of the unmatched spare because some vehicles don't come with one, it's too expensive to buy a 5th tire in the matching size, and saving 50 lbs might offset the decreased mpg you now have with the $2000 in upgraded heavier wheels and tires?

You shouldnt be financially impacted in having a spare tire when you drive an expensive truck with upgraded mods. MPG is also a mute point, gas is relatively cheap, unless we are talking about a $2000 beater truck.

If you want to drive around without a spare and rely on other people to help you but still worried about traction issues with the 50 lbs weight reduction, just throw some sand bags in the bed.

 

I have a matching 37 I put in the bed if I'm going more than 100 miles from the house. AAA will tow me home if it can't be fixed

 

I don t have a spare since I had the lift installed. AAA is a call away.

 

AAA is awesome come out into middle of no where to help

 

Depends where your middle of nowhere is....

 

No service in the Gila for jump start. I would say middle of no where

 

Matching rim and tire in the bed under the tonneau.

 

I keep a 35x12.5r18" in the spare location. I bought the tire for $40 and mounted on the stock spare rim. The fact that I can keep it down there and never have to worry about being stranded off-road keeps me from going any higher in tire size. Personally, I am not a fan of carrying it in my bed. I also carry a compressor and a plug kit. Just want to be prepared as much as possible.

 

No spare.
I roll with plug kit and a couple lg.cans of fix a flat.

Full size spare (37") and Exped1 swing away tire carrier/ bumper is the next mod in cue.

 

Only way I've found a 35 to fit underneath is cut locator brackets out , then it's real close to leafs and exhaust, but does go.

 

Seeing as I live, work and play in areas where tire shops can be a hundred or miles away and services like AAA or CAA won't come to...no, I haven't ditched my spare. The next set of tires I buy will be a set of 5. I'm also planning to get a small compressor and plug kit.

 

Also carry plug kit , and compressor ,24" breaker bar w/lug nut socket, and small floor jack. Last year had to change tire on way to work, 4:30 AM 12DEGREES BELOW, and wind at 20-25 mph , in a field .Had it off and on in 20 min. Alot of guys on here helped me setup mine with parts and accessories for when I do get in these spots, and want to be ready when I start my travels. Also if your with a group , not good.

 

Assuming you always have the ability to contact them.

 

If you get a flat here in CO up in the high country with no spare and no one around and you call AAA (if you get a signal)......they'll laugh! There are some local 4X4 tow rigs that will show up for $500 or higher though. Like I said depends were the middle of nowhere is.

 

I think I’ve seen horror movies that started like this.

 

I was told since the spare doesn’t match my current size, it would throw off the computer and cause issues. I ditched because the upgraded spare size will not fit under the bed. Is this incorrect info?

 

I just can’t even begin to wrap my head around this concept. You must drive different places than I do. But hell, for that matter I wouldn’t want a flat on the interstate with no spare, let alone the middle of nowhere