Forum Discussion

clotus's avatar
clotus
Explorer
Apr 04, 2016

smaller spare tire

I tried a quick search, but could not find it. I am looking into upgrading my wheels and tires to 16" and Duravis R250 225/75r16s. These tires are approximately 1" taller than the tires from the factory.

Assuming I have to put my spare on could I get away with the smaller tire on the spare or will that cause issues? I have Dexter EQ-flex suspension so I would imagine the suspension would not love it, but should work right?
  • thanks for the replies. I think I will order up four and then a 5th later.
  • Assuming I have to put my spare on could I get away with the smaller tire on the spare or will that cause issues? I have Dexter EQ-flex suspension so I would imagine the suspension would not love it, but should work right?

    The 15" will work fine as a spare tire that probably never see the ground.
    Just about every trailer with 15" ST tires I've owned (rv and non rv) I always dump the STs and go with a 16" LT.
    My current '97 11200 lb 5er came with 15" ST tires. I sold them to a guy with a lawn service trailer and went with a LT215/85-16 E at 2680 lbs capacity.

    Just be aware using a different diameter tire or a tire with a different tread pattern or tire width on the same axle can have different braking performances on hard braking events.
  • 225/75R16 vs 225/75R15 is only going to be 1/2" height difference fromt he axle to the ground, I would be OK with that. I got the extra steelie and tire for my setup because my new tire size is 1" taller fromt he axle to the ground or 2" overall diameter, that felt like a little too much.
  • While I agree with the others, I suggest purchasing 5 of the same and not be stressed if you need to replace one.
  • lenr's avatar
    lenr
    Explorer III
    Upgraded from 15" to 16" and kept an original for the spare. Assume that if I needed it, I would drive slower until I could replace the 16" tire.