Anyone ditch the spare?

I literally built a roof rack so I could keep a full size spare and retain all my box space still. If 5 wheels aren’t in your budget save longer. I’d never run without a spare.
37x12.5 full size spare ftw!

 

Nice looking truck.

 

I installed a used 285 75r18 I purchased from Bestusedtire.com For $70. Only required bending the tabs slightly but fits fine and piece of mine on hunting trips to National Forrest is worth much more.

 

Thanks, it’s getting there

 

If you run a different spare size you risk causing issues in your differential. If you’re not wheeling, just make sure the spare is in the front and in your in 2wd to not cause further damage.

 

Maybe its just me, but in all honesty i don't think I've ever heard this question asked before today. Why in the world would you willingly put yourself and your family in harms way over a few dollars and some extra MPG'S. It makes absolutely no sense to me. Hell, even my 25 T has one, 95 years later i wouldn't be without one no matter the cost or inconvenience.

 

Running Cooper ST MAXX 35/ 12.5/ 20 , Went with 295/70/18 34.5" dia. for spare on stock rim , cut out tabs under bed and it just fits between leafs.

 

So...about those 35" Spares. I'm reading posts making it sound like it's no big deal. But, is it?

I'm running 35x12.5x17 and thought it wouldn't hurt to just run a different diameter for a while if necessary. But then I started reading and learning that you definitely don't want to do that, and if it's a must then put the off-diameter on the front and run 2WD. I'm understanding that. I also carry a plug kit and a compressor so I was even considering just dumping the spare altogether. But we are getting a Travel Trailer shortly and will start travelling longer distances more regularly with the whole family. Dynamics of what's acceptable change when it's just me on the road vs the whole fam, and I don't want them waiting on the side of the road for hours for a roadside assistance vehicle.

So back to the spare... Is it really easy to mount? Should I get one that's close to 35", but 34" is good enough? How about one that's not 12.5" wide? Would any 12.5" fit the stock spare wheel width anyway? Would it be better/easier to find a Metric dimensioned wheel instead (i.e. 365x50/18)? Just trying to keep the family safe here.

 

If your carrying a compressor, sounds like you can just air down your spare, tie strap around it until it fits in the stock location with the alignment tabs cut off. That’s where I would start if it were me.

 

might of been asked, what many vehicles come without a spare?

 

There are some cars, never saw a truck, that come with a small inflation kit instead. Some times it's an option.

 

My wife’s sienna came with run flats and no spare. A lot of higher end and sports cars come sans spare too.

 

That sounds pretty damn ingenious. Are those alignment tabs something that would require an angle grinder (which I don't own) or can they be broken off or bent with a hammer or hand saw? And what are your thoughts on the width of a 12.5 on the spare rim?

 

The 35in spare can be a pain to lift back to the undercarriage, but it’s not impossible. It’s easier with two people, with one cranking it up and another guiding it back to the right spot. I had a tire shop mount my 35x12.5x18 to the stock rim, and it was fine. I have my family in mind too, and that’s why I went with the full size spare. That’s also why I’ll probably never go any higher in size. I picked up the spare on OfferUp for $40 and paid $20 more for the mounting/balancing.

 

I wonder if anyone has done this with 37s.

 

If I read this thread right and seeing some say you can get a 35” spare under the bed then I should be able to fit a 285x75x18 under the bed in place of the original spare and this will fit and won’t be too close to the leaf springs or exhaust. Is there anyone here that can confirm if this is correct or not? Thank you.

 

I cut mine off with a side grinder, just because it’s cleaner underneath without. I’m sure if a guy started some spots with a hacksaw, you could smack it back and forth until it breaks.

 

Who knows. I bet you could use a couple 2x4s or something to shape it small where you need it...

 

Relocated it since my tires are almost 36".

 

Only reason to remove the spare is for a train horn

 

I cut mine out with a SAWS ALL , cut pretty easy, used a short 4" blade , but fairly easy , just go slow.

 

Not a bad idea! With it aired down, I think this may just work. 37s may be in my future after all.

 

Guess my post left off some pertinents just as yours made some assumptions. I rarely have my family in the truck, I don't offroad, I don't live in extreme weather environment, 90% of my driving is within 10 miles of my house, and there are more tire shops near me per capita than there are Baptist churches. Which is to say a lot.

My thought process was that in 25 years of driving I've literally never had to put on a spare. Plenty of screws/nails/flats, but was always able to get an air tank to inflate long enough to get to a tire shop. But I get it, most are uncomfortable with the idea. Was just curious if anyone else was that much of a gambler.

 

285/75r18 The tire shop bent the alignment tabs back with a sledge and you just have to guide it in there. Stock shackle, Dobinsons heavy leaf-pack for clearance reference.

 

My 35 spare rubs the CB shackles and is a pain. Anyone have a single spare tire mount for the bed? Looking to place just behind the cab

 

I put my 33 in the bed with a 3-way tie down strap using the two factory tie downs and an additional one I put in the floor of the bed. Stainless hardware and bedliner coating.

 

Won't fit a 37, no way no how. There's just not enough room between the leafs.

 

There's a Buffett song about riding around with no spare.

 

Harbor Freight you can get set up for under $20. I did it with a Dremel and went through 3 metal cutoff wheels. Would have been much easier with the angle grinder I now own. Wear gloves and safety glasses.