We all talk and read about trailer tire issues but when is the last time you considered your tow vehicle spare? The spare under my 2009 Ram 1500 has never been on the ground and at 12 years old I'll be replacing it. I'm not sure of it's condition but at that age, even though the sun has not gotten to it, I figure it's time for a change. I've ordered 4 new tires and will move the best of the removed tires to the spare. What good is a spare if you cannot rely on it?Just food for thought as we all plan our travels for the new RVing season. Be safe out there!

Actually good advice for any spare tire. A friend had a flat yesterday on her car yesterday, and had to put the donut spare on, it was too soft to drive on. It was the first time that it had ever been taken out of the trunk. Ironically, she had ordered new tires 4 days earlier, but delivery date was about 2 weeks. Ken

I've had the dealer put one of the old tires on the spare tire rim if it's significantly newer. Of course, I this presumes you don't wait until the steel belts are showing thru before replacing your tires.Throwing a 3yr old tire on that is light on tread (vs 12yr old with full tread) keeps a reasonably fresh set of rubber available and they haven't charged me for it when I'm buying a set of 4 with installation. If I had a blowout, I would only use the spare until I could get a new tire. Seems like a fair tradeoff compared to $200-250 for a tire that is likely never to touch the pavement.

Anyone who lives in an area with snow, especially if the road crews use salt, should lower the spare at least once a year. Not only to check tire pressure but to spray some lubricant on the mechanism. Fluid Film is good !

theoldwizard1 wrote:Anyone who lives in an area with snow, especially if the road crews use salt, should lower the spare at least once a year. Not only to check tire pressure but to spray some lubricant on the mechanism. Fluid Film is good !And to figure out the mechanism. Had a heck of a time as Ford put in an antitheft device and when my brand new tire leaked, it took some nice guys stopping by in the parking lot before we figured it out.

Tow Vehicle Spare - Have you checked it? | Good Sam Community

valhalla360
Navigator
Mar 26, 2021
I've had the dealer put one of the old tires on the spare tire rim if it's significantly newer. Of course, I this presumes you don't wait until the steel belts are showing thru before replacing your tires.

Throwing a 3yr old tire on that is light on tread (vs 12yr old with full tread) keeps a reasonably fresh set of rubber available and they haven't charged me for it when I'm buying a set of 4 with installation.

If I had a blowout, I would only use the spare until I could get a new tire.

Seems like a fair tradeoff compared to $200-250 for a tire that is likely never to touch the pavement.
Beverley_Ken
Explorer
Mar 26, 2021
Actually good advice for any spare tire. A friend had a flat yesterday on her car yesterday, and had to put the donut spare on, it was too soft to drive on. It was the first time that it had ever been taken out of the trunk. Ironically, she had ordered new tires 4 days earlier, but delivery date was about 2 weeks.

Ken
wing_zealot
Explorer
Mar 26, 2021
Can I have your old spare?

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Tow Vehicle Spare - Have you checked it?

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