Spare Tire Question

[d0xyl]

I upgraded the OEM tires to a larger-diameter tire (265/60R18 -> 275/65R18, 30.5" -> 32.1") and wondering what people usually do with the spare tire. The spare tire actually seems to be R17 as well which I wasn't aware of.

I'm wondering, do I upgrade the spare tire to better reflect my new tire size? Would it be a complete replica size of my new tires (275/65R18) or something slightly smaller (like the current size difference with the OEM spare)? Do people know what will fit in the spare tire holder?

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[Frenchy]

Yes you should replace the spare tire to have it as close as possible. It's your call if you get a matching wheel or not.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I upgraded the OEM tires to a larger-diameter tire (265/60R18 -> 275/65R18, 30.5" -> 32.1") and wondering what people usually do with the spare tire. The spare tire actually seems to be R17 as well which I wasn't aware of.

I'm wondering, do I upgrade the spare tire to better reflect my new tire size? Would it be a complete replica size of my new tires (275/65R18) or something slightly smaller (like the current size difference with the OEM spare)? Do people know what will fit in the spare tire holder?

What are you doing with the truck? Normal daily driving, where you're in 2wd? Slightly different spare is fine. If you're using 4wd a lot, you will want a matching spare.

 

[d0xyl]

What are you doing with the truck? Normal daily driving, where you're in 2wd? Slightly different spare is fine. If you're using 4wd a lot, you will want a matching spare.

Main use case is 2WD road driving for 80% of the year. I do make camping trips out into Utah with friends though every few months/couple times a year

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

If you can, avoid using the spare by carrying a tire plug repair kit and a small, portable compressor (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Harbour Freight, etc.)

Insert opinions and arguments about plugging vs. patching here >>>>

An off-size spare can be used to get you to where you can have your damaged tire repaired/replaced. If the damaged tire is on the front - no problem but keep your speed down. The wheel and the tire do not closely match what’s on the other three corners and that will affect handling.

If it’s on the rear, move a front tire to the rear and put the spare on the front. This way, both rear tires will be the same diameter and your differential will thank you. If you put the off-size spare on the rear, it could cause issues because one side is spinning faster than the other, constantly, and over-working the differential. This is the same for 2WD and 4x4 Rangers because the front diff is not engaged - well, unless you put the truck in 4H or 4L - try not to do that.

If you go with a matching spare wheel and tire, you avoid all that but just be sure to rotate it in with each regular tire rotation - every oil change is a good schedule to follow.

Also, I think Ford has two size spares for the Ranger - a 16” wheel and 17” wheel. It’s on a steel rim and the size difference might be Ford’s way of keeping the weight of the spare close that of the other wheels - or not - I don’t know for sure. The wheel size isn’t that important because the diameter of the spare is very close to the OEM tires but the tire might be a different model than the OEM tire - I know mine was.

With all that said, I run a matching spare and tire AND carry a tire repair kit and a portable compressor. ?

 

[harringtondav]

If you intend to use it only as a spare you'll be OK. ....remember the silly little donut spares?
My spare is on a black steel rim vs the Aluminum wheels on the rest of the truck.

If I need the spare I'll use it long enough to get the regular tire repaired or replaced....which brings up another issue. Subis and other full time AWD are fussy about all tires being the same size. If the tires have a moderate number of miles on them and one needs replacement, Subi recommends replacing all four. Their symmetrical AWD system's interaxle differential is the issue.

I don't think the Ranger is quite that fussy, but after 40K miles I'd replace all four, including the three usable tires. Tire diameter differences are taken up in the differential planet pinions. But these are designed to spin on turns, not full time at highway speeds. And never two different tires on the rear with the diff locker engaged.

 

[dozxab]

When I went to 265/70R17's, I bought a wheel that matched my other 4 on Ebay and bought 5 matching tires. I just did my first 5 tire rotation. I hate the thought of throwing away a perfectly good tire after 6 years and with the fifth in the rotation, I should get 20% longer life out of my tires. 265/70R17 fits with room to spare (no pun intended). The manual states that the spare hoist is not designed for more weight than the OEM spare so I ran a small ratchet strap around it, frame to frame.

 

[kieefer]

I carry a patch kit. I’ve also opt for road hazard tire protection and used it twice and both times were a slow leak from a nail.
I had a flat years ago on my motorcycle and had psi monitors, made it home by stopping to add air as it slowly went down.
So, IMO, matching the spare wheel is a good idea just like Insurance is but I’ve gotten away by keeping a plug kit and never used it.
Never want to put two different size tire on the rear, if so move one from the front to the back.

 

[harringtondav]

When I went to 265/70R17's, I bought a wheel that matched my other 4 on Ebay and bought 5 matching tires. I just did my first 5 tire rotation. I hate the thought of throwing away a perfectly good tire after 6 years and with the fifth in the rotation, I should get 20% longer life out of my tires. 265/70R17 fits with room to spare (no pun intended). The manual states that the spare hoist is not designed for more weight than the OEM spare so I ran a small ratchet strap around it, frame to frame.

I did the same with several vehicles where a full size matching spare was an order option. I had the same logic as you. Instead of a new set of tires every 50K, I could go 60K by rotating the spare into the group.
@ 200K miles I'd have replaced the OEM set three times: 12 tires with a four tire set. With the spare in the mix, I'd have replaced the five tire set 2&1/3 times, or 11&2/3 tires.....=12 tires theoretically. But you don't change a five tire set 2.33 times without going nearly 70K miles/replacement. I'd be on my third set of 5 (15 tires) by the time I hit 200K mi.
So I figure no $ savings per tire. Tire mileage is per tire. The only savings was my time having to replace a set fewer times in 200K miles and being able to drive to the tire shop on matching wheels to repair a flat. ....now I stick with a non-matching spare.

 

[dozxab]

I did the same with several vehicles where a full size matching spare was an order option. I had the same logic as you. Instead of a new set of tires every 50K, I could go 60K by rotating the spare into the group.
@ 200K miles I'd have replaced the OEM set three times: 12 tires with a four tire set. With the spare in the mix, I'd have replaced the five tire set 2&1/3 times, or 11&2/3 tires.....=12 tires theoretically. But you don't change a five tire set 2.33 times without going nearly 70K miles/replacement. I'd be on my third set of 5 (15 tires) by the time I hit 200K mi.
So I figure no $ savings per tire. Tire mileage is per tire. The only savings was my time having to replace a set fewer times in 200K miles and being able to drive to the tire shop on matching wheels to repair a flat. ....now I stick with a non-matching spare.

Learned from buying Jeeps. 2 sizes different spare with zero wear and cracks from old age. I only drive 8000 miles a year or so. Many automakers, including Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, tell owners to replace tires six years after their production date regardless of tread life. By the time the 4 wear out, my original spare would be 8 years old and probably dangerous to use. Everyone situation is different but this works best for me. The only savings is not disposing of an unused tire.

 

[harringtondav]

Learned from buying Jeeps. 2 sizes different spare with zero wear and cracks from old age. I only drive 8000 miles a year or so. Many automakers, including Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, tell owners to replace tires six years after their production date regardless of tread life. By the time the 4 wear out, my original spare would be 8 years old and probably dangerous to use. Everyone situation is different but this works best for me. The only savings is not disposing of an unused tire.

Same issue with us. We drive maybe 12k miles/yr between two vehicles. Ranger only has 30K after five yrs. Tires have plenty of tread for a few more years and I run them until Abe Lincoln doesn't show on the penny, or approaching winter forces me into more tread.

The spare is virgin and out of the sun. If by a long shot the exact tire and size are available when I replace, I'll by three and put the swap best old one with the spare. ....unlikely an exact match will be available then, so the spare will be a virgin for more years.

 

[Frenchy]

Regardless of what others are saying, you need to have the Spare be close to the same size. Part of this is because you have a Full Size Spare. Also even if you are on the street, it's beneficial to have the tires be as close as possible in diameter so the ABS and Traction Control don't freak out(and they will).

Also keep in mind that if you are on a trail OffRoad, you will want the Spare to be the same size. Though you will most likely be going slow, having a corner not at the same height could cause problems while trying to get out.

As for the comment above mentioning a tire plug kit, not a bad idea of traveling OffRoad and you know how to plug a tire. If are on the street the. I would swap the spare and get to the nearest tire shop.

 

[HeatXfer]

I just replaced my 16" aluminum spare with a matching oem 17" wheel. I drive to Colorado and down to L.A. once a year, and occasionally tow a small flatbed trailer. I don't like complications or delays when I'm traveling cross country so, if I have a tire problem, I can be back up and running at freeway speeds as quickly as possible.

I carry tire plugs and a Viair pump as well.

 

[Dereku]

Plugs are a lifesaver. Pretty sure all my tires get at least one plug for good measure. Nails and screws just like me.

 

[got3fords]

I just replaced my 16" aluminum spare with a matching oem 17" wheel. I drive to Colorado and down to L.A. once a year, and occasionally tow a small flatbed trailer. I don't like complications or delays when I'm traveling cross country so, if I have a tire problem, I can be back up and running at freeway speeds as quickly as possible.

I carry tire plugs and a Viair pump as well.

Those are nice looking pumps.

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