Spare tire OR NOT

Some say if you don't use something camping in 6 months, you don't really need it.
My exceptions to that are Fire EXT., First Aid Kits, and Spare tires.
I'm sure there are others.

dcmac214 wrote:
Why not, when you get new tires, use the best of the replaced tires for your spare? May not be as good as getting a brand new tire for a spare but (1) it's going to save you some money and (2) it's a spare, not a running tire, if you ever have to use it you're going to travel baby-easy to the next tire shop to replace the lost running tire.

I bought new tires last week and did just that. They took the best of the 4 tires and moved it to spare. Didn't cost me anything extra. They didn't even have to remount it - all 5 of the rims were the same. I had thought about it, and when the guy at the tire shop mentioned that my spare was 15 years old, it seemed logical to replace a 15 year old tire with one that was only several years old at a cost of $0.00.

In 15+ years of driving, I have never had a flat or need for a spare. I don't want to try my luck though, and since I tend to get out there - I carry one with me.

Oaklevel wrote:
With Roadside assistance they may change your tire (spare) but what if your tire blows out. then without a spare you are at the roadside assistance "companies" mercy to provide one...... they charge extra for that..... cheaper to already have a spare for them to put on.

I usually either keep an old tire for a spare or buy a used tire but I usually always have a spare along.

I also agree plan B in case its hours before they can get there.

Yes have a spare, many times if it is later on in the day it is hard for a company to get a tire, if you have a spare tire all they have to do is come out and jack up the camper and put it on and your on your way. Been there done that without a spare and will never go without one again.

When you buy tires keep the best looking old one for a spare.
Done. No need to have a great looking spare tire.

path1 wrote:
Spare will be a total loss of money, that is until you need it.

So is health, car, and property insurance. And that what the spare is: Insurance against not being able to get AAA or other road service due to possible phone service.

With Roadside assistance they may change your tire (spare) but what if your tire blows out. then without a spare you are at the roadside assistance "companies" mercy to provide one...... they charge extra for that..... cheaper to already have a spare for them to put on.

I usually either keep an old tire for a spare or buy a used tire but I usually always have a spare along.

I also agree plan B in case its hours before they can get there.

We ALWAYS carry a spare, not having one to me is a no brainier.

Our rig didn't come with a spare and even though we once had an inside dual blow out...we won't carry one. The size and weight of these tires makes it a real bear to change. And the a spare will continue to age.

If I were you...I'd have your current spare checked out by a tire pro and maybe continue to use it as emergency spare. But doesn't check out...I'd go without one or buy a used tire that the pros say is ok for emergency use.

Dakzuki wrote:
I carry a spare, and the tools to replace and inflate if needed. My primary recourse is roadside assistance but I want a backup plan too.

X2 Sitting on the interstate waiting for ERS can get you killed. If they are't coming soon I'll change it myself and get out of the dead zone.

Why not, when you get new tires, use the best of the replaced tires for your spare? May not be as good as getting a brand new tire for a spare but (1) it's going to save you some money and (2) it's a spare, not a running tire, if you ever have to use it you're going to travel baby-easy to the next tire shop to replace the lost running tire.