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Ski_Pro_3's avatar
Ski_Pro_3
Explorer
Apr 05, 2015

Running 19.5" wheels; what about the spare?

I've got a set of Rickson 19.5" wheels recently and currently shopping for tires. In the meantime, I've been reading up about the 19.5" option and it would seem Rickson's website does not find having a spare as necessary.

Rickson wrote:
Getting a spare is not necessary, however, if the spare is worked into the rotation pattern, then the set will last that much longer. It's not a good idea to leave the spare under the truck and never run it, as the rubber will dry rot and the spare may not be any good when you need it. In most cases, the 225/70R19.5 is the only size that will fit in the factory spare location, although some 245s will fit. We recommend getting a spare if it will give you peace of mind, or if you plan on traveling to Alaska or Mexico.


So I'm wondering what other 19.5" wheel owners are doing about their spare tire? Do you carry one? If so, is it rotated or changed regularly to avoid a dry rot and worthless tire?

From my research, 19.5" tires are fairly available while out on the road. My insurance covers roadside service. There are several commercial tire dealers that are capable of dispatching and installing new tire in the field.

If I had a flat, I wouldn't attempt to change it anyways, that's why I got roadside assistance with my policy. Whether I'm towed in, a tire replaced on the spot, my spare installed or any other options I'm not thinking of, I do not think it's a safe option to try and fix a roadside flat without assistance.

Follow-up question;
How many 19.5" tire owners on their truck camper have had a flat while on the road? How did you handle the situation?
Truck Campers

77 Replies

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  • bka0721's avatar
    bka0721
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2015
    I carry a spare. Having a flat with one is very rare. If you travel in normal areas, there should not be as great as a concern for road service and or cell service. If you are opt to travel off the normal paved roads and remote and or rural areas you might give it consideration.

    But I'll throw this out. The previous owner of Btggraphix truck and camper too the bottom of South America and back, then thousands of miles with new ownership all without a spare. So there is that, too.

    Me? I'll still bring a spare.

    b
  • JumboJet's avatar
    JumboJet
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    I cracked an aluminum 19.5" wheel while on a trip and noticed I was losing air while in Maine. My 19.5" tires were 33.5" tall. My spare was 31.5" tall. I ran the spare tire on the right front all the way home.

    I bought a spare 19.5" wheel and tire and never used it. Matter of fact, I still have it and 4 Michelin tires to go with it. My motor home uses 19.5" tires.
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Apr 05, 2015
    I carry a 19.5 spare, fits just fine on my F350. Learned my lesson when I had a crappy spare and a blow out on I5 Xmas day..even the truck tire guys were closed...
  • tony_lee's avatar
    tony_lee
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    Guess running without a spare is OK if you are always in cell phone coverage and roadside service can find you and reach you, and you are not trying to get somewhere urgently.
    However, given that Murphy's Law hasn't been repealed, I always carry spares. One mounted spare and one unmounted spare and the tools and expertise to change both wheels and tyres is essential.
    Have had three flats on my F350 in 4 months. Two I could fix with a tyre plug and the other was a big hole ripped in the sidewall on a sharp rock. Was two days and a lot of asking around before I found a spare that would fit. Lucky I had 16" tyres on because in the Bolivian backblocks, 19.5" just aren't available. And I had the unmounted spare to fit as well.
    In the US, we have spent time in areas with no cell coverage and no passing traffic so make sense to carry spares there too. Which I do.

    BTW I can't see any difference in attitude regarding one size tyre over another. Given the same set of circumstances, a spare tyre might save your life regardless of what size it is.
  • woodhog's avatar
    woodhog
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    You can use your 285/70/17, almost the same size..if you have 245/70/19.5's.
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    Unless you really travel off the beaten path, 19.5 tires are plentiful. Granted, you may not be able to match your tires, but you'd surely find something to keep you on the road for the vacation.
  • allygerry's avatar
    allygerry
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    I carry my 16" OE spare with 8 lug nuts just for peace of mind. If I needed to use it I would install it in the front no matter where the flat was and make sure I had the 19.5's on the rear axle. The reason for carrying the spare is because we are not always in an area where road service would be available.

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