Forum Discussion

jgrimes's avatar
jgrimes
Explorer
Aug 30, 2017

Spare Tire

I have recently replaced all 4 tires that came on my 37ft 5er. Original tires were ST235-80-16, with max pressure of 80 psi. I purchased Sailun LT 235-80-16, with a max pressure of 110. I retained the original spare (like new, psi of 80) to continue using as a spare. In addition to higher pressure and heavier duty, the Sailun tires are 1" larger in diameter. Will I have a problem in temporarily using the "smaller and lower pressure" spare tire if I have a flat or blowout. If problematic, I would need to purchase both an additional tire and high pressure rim. Thanks for your input.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    I would use it. You aren't putting it on a drive axle that uses a differential.
  • Learjet's avatar
    Learjet
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2017
    how old is that spare? more than 7 years I would replace it... 4 years or less for China bombs
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2017
    "original spare (like new)"

    No, it isn't. Was it Ozone protected. Could be serviceable however.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2017
    I rotate the RV tires and incorporate the spare(s) into the rotation.
  • RinconVTR's avatar
    RinconVTR
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2017
    I would use the spare as is and carry the tire of choice as a loose spare tire.

    Upon the need to use the spare tire, just find a shop to replace the bad tire with a brand new one on your good wheel. Most any shop can squeeze in a quick job like this on their busiest of days. No need to shop around, wait for shipping, or buy a tire you don't prefer.

    I unfortunately proved this concept on I80 this year (leak, not a blow out) and will forever carry one temporary fully mounted spare and one brand new loose spare of my preferred tire...on long trips out of state.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Aug 31, 2017
    I think most will say to use it..

    If it were me, knowing that old tire is 1" less, and less capacity would drive me crazy! Thinking that I may have a blow out nowhere near any shops and having to drive for a while to get a new replacement on a less capacity tire would drive me crazy..

    I would bite the bullet and just get the same size capacity and size spare and be happy..
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2017
    If all tires were same size, that's one thing. But you have 4 tires at more weight capacity, higher psi and larger in overall size. I agree w/ FTG, get a spare that is the same as the other 4. To an extent, it's no different than towing a rig w/ 2 axles and having it nose high so most of wear/tear and weight is on rear axle only. So you'll be out another couple hundred bucks. Piece of mind IMO.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Aug 31, 2017
    I'd keep it as a spare, just seems kind of wasteful to spend good money for a tire that is just going to sit there. It's what we did when we upgraded our tires from "E" rated ST tires to "G" rated tires. Of course the spare is a used LT tire that we bought out of necessity, just to get home.

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