Running 19.5" wheels; what about the spare?

[Ski_Pro_3]

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?

[Grit_dog]

Well 4 pages later, answered an obvious question......
Carry a spare tire.

[pjay9]

Buzzcut1 wrote:

pjay9 wrote:
When talking a 6 wheeled vehicles the 7th is a moot point, but it was going to be a PITA to get down and up as a spare, would it fit with my classV and the diameter is the same as the new tires..so why?!?!? The cost per mile argument is right on. With 19.5's I think tread ware is not going to be the factor for replacement, it will most likely will be age and side wall condition. Plus if you have 19.5's you most likley will trade in the vehicle before the tires need replacing. Remember these are commercial grade tires on a light truck. Even if they are loaded like my rig.( I would venture to say that somewhere the sats show trade-in period averages. In my case I am outiside the bubble and always will be...both my vehicles are 11 years old and going strong, of course I take care of them.)

So back to the subject...DON'T WASTE THE COIN!! Tire $250 to 325 Wheel 150 to 250 plus...what could you do to your TC for $400 to $500!!!

remember that thought if you cut a sidewall on sharp granite on a backcountry FS road out of cell service with no spare and you have to start walking. I tend to frequent those areas to go fishing.

Nobody said don't have a spare as far as I can see...it what type of spare!

[Ski_Pro_3]

Dang airport free wifi is multi posting. I'll hold replies til we land....

[Ski_Pro_3]

I don't take my truck off pavement if I can help it. I carry a motorcycle on the front hitch when I need to get around after arriving and am planning to flat tow a Suzuki samurai at some point.

I don't have dual wheels either. SWR

[Buzzcut1]

pjay9 wrote:
When talking a 6 wheeled vehicles the 7th is a moot point, but it was going to be a PITA to get down and up as a spare, would it fit with my classV and the diameter is the same as the new tires..so why?!?!? The cost per mile argument is right on. With 19.5's I think tread ware is not going to be the factor for replacement, it will most likely will be age and side wall condition. Plus if you have 19.5's you most likley will trade in the vehicle before the tires need replacing. Remember these are commercial grade tires on a light truck. Even if they are loaded like my rig.( I would venture to say that somewhere the sats show trade-in period averages. In my case I am outiside the bubble and always will be...both my vehicles are 11 years old and going strong, of course I take care of them.)

So back to the subject...DON'T WASTE THE COIN!! Tire $250 to 325 Wheel 150 to 250 plus...what could you do to your TC for $400 to $500!!!

remember that thought if you cut a sidewall on sharp granite on a backcountry FS road out of cell service with no spare and you have to start walking. I tend to frequent those areas to go fishing.

[kbaum]

Okay I am merely saying that you are not "wasting" your money.

It is closer to a break even over time and depends totally on how long and how many miles you use your truck/camper.

I do not believe the OP has a dually, I don't either.

My preference was to purchase the matching spare up front, I am not saying that not purchasing the spare is the incorrect choice for him or others.

I believe the OP is just asking others what they did and why.

[pjay9]

When talking a 6 wheeled vehicles the 7th is a moot point, but it was going to be a PITA to get down and up as a spare, would it fit with my classV and the diameter is the same as the new tires..so why?!?!? The cost per mile argument is right on. With 19.5's I think tread ware is not going to be the factor for replacement, it will most likely will be age and side wall condition. Plus if you have 19.5's you most likley will trade in the vehicle before the tires need replacing. Remember these are commercial grade tires on a light truck. Even if they are loaded like my rig.( I would venture to say that somewhere the sats show trade-in period averages. In my case I am outiside the bubble and always will be...both my vehicles are 11 years old and going strong, of course I take care of them.)

So back to the subject...DON'T WASTE THE COIN!! Tire $250 to 325 Wheel 150 to 250 plus...what could you do to your TC for $400 to $500!!!

[Ski_Pro_3]

These things are supposed to be able to retread. Anyone ever get one retreaded? I'd use a retread as a spare if there was a place that has 'em for sale and saves enough money to make it worth it.

[Reddog1]

I see no saving in money. No question it takes longer to wear out five tires than it takes to wear out four. Fact is, the cost per mile is the same. If you go by the 7 or 10 year auto replace, you will probably spend more per mile with five tires.

The cost difference between 4 and 5 tires is substantial, so I prefer replacing 4.

[kbaum]

pjay9 wrote:
M...don't waste your money!

Not really a waste of money. With a five tire rotation you will extend your replacement period with the option of just buying four the next time that you need to replace, leaving the best tire as a spare.

I can certainly see the added up front cost can make the fifth tire/wheel cost prohibitive.

[Bedlam]

My spare is mounted to my headache rack. Once I have a larger camper, I will mount it to my SuperTruss.

[wcjeep]

gitpicker2009 wrote:
After I bought my 08 Sterling 4500, I realized it did not have a spare or a place to mount one under the truck as it has the 55 gallon fuel tank in the rear.
I've been trying to find a basic, used 19.5 wheel, just to have, maybe even mount on the front, and have had no luck. Any suggestions?

I usually check Craigslist for my area and the next major metro area near me. When all else fails, buy it brand new. The used item you have been looking for will show up the next day on Craigslist/Offerup.

[gitpicker2009]

After I bought my 08 Sterling 4500, I realized it did not have a spare or a place to mount one under the truck as it has the 55 gallon fuel tank in the rear.
I've been trying to find a basic, used 19.5 wheel, just to have, maybe even mount on the front, and have had no luck. Any suggestions?

[pjay9]

My OE 17" wheel and tire are my spare...I am dually so I have options...spare can always go on front and front can go to back...19.5's are durable, you most likely will never need a spare, but nice to have...don't waste your money!

[msiminoff]

I have a 19.5 spare, the same tire and wheel combo I have on the ground. I do a 5 tire rotation, works for me.

Ditto!
-Mark