Sans Spare Tire

[IndyRubicon]

Running without a spare tire is like gambling, but people must be doing it since I see things like the vent cover for sale. So, what are the advantages? Significant gas mileage increase? Better view out the rear window?

I'm toying with with removing my spare and keeping it in the garage while using the Jeep as my daily driver and then throwing the spare back on during trail runs. Anyone else doing that?

 

[goin camping]

The only times in my life I have had flat tires is when I didn't have a spare with me. I think it's Murphey's Law.

 

[Comanche Scott]

We are definitely spoiled (in a good way) by the quality of tires these days. :thumb:
I'd be willing to bet it would be less physically demanding to make a tire repair with a plug kit, then swap to a spare on 35" and up tires.

What works even better is a spare tire, a good road service plan and a ten spot for a tip.
Help cover the Road Service Techs Preparation H costs...

 

[Omar Brannstrom]

One of the reason I bought the Jeep is for the Spare tire, so mostly for the cool look. I had a Suzuki Jimny before in 12 years with a rear spare tire, sadly I could not get a new Suzuki Jimny as there were no import anymore, so then I was looking for a Suzuki Vitara, but found out they new model lacked the rear spare tire so I could not buy that model. Where I live I think Jeep Wrangler is the only model with a rear spare tire.

I think I love rear spare tire without any covers :wings:

My former suzuki Jimny, awesome spare tire

 

[PetitFrereArmada]

LOL, nice. I also like having a spare tire on the back.

 

[fog cutter]

you could always locate the spare on the hood, LR, style. that way, instead of not seeing where you've been, you could not see where you're going.

 

[unkamonkey]

Just my opinion. Don't even think about traveling without a spare. A friend flattened both right side tires on his LC. in Moab. By luck, a friend had two spares for his Chevy PU. that fit. I've had to change four tires on my Mitsu Fusu camper due to flats or blowouts, not a lot of fun when it's over 100 degrees out there and you are on the side of an interstate highway. At least I had a spare with me.

 

[hedmisten]

So I've done this for a while-- once when I had sticky comp tires on my long arm TJ years back. It was easier to plug and fill with my Oba than to mount the spare. On my JKU, I don't run a spare in town. Everything is within 10 miles, I have a plug kit, and road service. I DO carry it on anything outside of town.

 

[IndyRubicon]

Thanks for all the input.

My issue with just having a plug kit is that I would still need to be able to find the leak (not always easy to do), and a way to air up the tire again (which I don't yet have). Still, it's an option I may continue to ponder.

Without significant fuel savings, I think I'll just leave my spare tire on the Jeep for now. That's more convenient, not to mention the piece of mind I have by having a spare with me. Plus, with my tires being stock, it's not as though I'm having to mount and unmount a 37" tire from the mount.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

Sorry, but if out wheeling and you rip out a sidewall and don't have a spare because carrying one is "inconvenient", ****, you aren't getting mine. Better problem solve your way out of that expensive problem on on your own. If we're out wheeling and you're on your second tire change for whatever reason I'd be happy to help you out and loan you my spare.

 

[IndyRubicon]

Sorry, but if out wheeling and you rip out a sidewall and don't have a spare because carrying one is "inconvenient", ****, you aren't getting mine. Better problem solve your way out of that expensive problem on on your own. If we're out wheeling and you're on your second tire change for whatever reason I'd be happy to help you out and loan you my spare.

What's with the attitude? I seem to recall mentioning if I drop the spare it would only be when using the Jeep as my daily driver and I'd put the spare back on during trail runs. I'm not an idiot who's going to head out in the middle of nowhere with no spare. Perhaps you mistook my post count for my IQ.

 

[fog cutter]

it's an internet forum. these things happen from time to time.

 

[siebermd]

Some auto manufactures are not even including spares in their new cars. A friend has a new Kia and was stuck on the side of the road with a blowout for several hours until a tow truck showed. What they have done to exclude a spare is to install a small aircompressor kit in its place. Saves $$ and weight for fuel economy. I disagree, you need to have a spare with you.

 

[SamM]

Leaving the house without a good spare is not an option for me. That was not always the case and it cost me. Of course, that was when I was young and had other more important things on my mind. I had muscle cars back then, (when they were cheap to buy) the Jeeps and large trucks were my Dad's. He was usually the one coming after me too. That's why it cost me! This was a few decades before cellphones.

These days my spare is the newest tire on my Jeep and it stays that way. Living off-road and 25 miles from town helps to keep that in perspective. People here are great and willing to help. But I'm not going to be 'that' guy.

Just my 2 cents.

SamM

 

[GetOutThere]

Most people I see that don't run a spare do so out of a tight budget. Four tires/rims are cheaper than five, and its not often you will find a deal on five used after market rims. Also if you go big, you need an after market carrier, which is another additional expense.

I would never consider running without a spare, and I don't understand why anyone would run without if they actually have the spare.