Hey everyone,

When I purchased the 14' SR5 its came with 285/65r18 wheels and I always intended on upgrading the spare tire to match, but time went on and I changed my mind. I wanted to get 17's all around instead, but before I was able to pull that trigger I got a good deal on fox suspension kit and now I'm stuck. Should I just get new 17in wheels and tires or stick with the 18s and the offset spare? Anyway, for the time being Im gonna stick with the offset spare. (Money dont grow on trees)

I wanted to purchase a hitch mounted tire carrier but the pricing on some are almost like full bumpers. I do have a roof rack but lugging the tire up and down just sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I could always place the spare inside as well, but didnt want to sacrifice the space. That being said I wanted to get some opinions on ​if in an emergency pinch, could I mount the small sized spare in place for the larger sized tires? Ill break it down below.

It is my understanding that the onboard computer recognizes any discrepancies in the diameter of the tire and will immediately apply VSC/TRAC to correct. (Computer thinking a tire is slipping) As long as I am in 2wd and install the off-sized spare up front instead, I should be fine enough to get to a tire shop so long as I turn off VSC/TRAC. Now getting the best matched diameter tire that fits the stock location is my next hurdle.

Current Wheels Diameter.
285/65r18 32.6in
Grabbers

Current Spare.
265/70r17 31.6in

Some options I am contemplating .
255/75r17 32.1in
285/70r17 32.7in (My choice) But does it fit?

I know that in the long run 17's are easier to find and have a much larger selection of tires and wheels, but since I am already on 18's I'm thinking of just rolling with it for now. Is this an option I can exploit without causing too much wear and tear on the vehicle?

Appreciate the responses. Also I listed my upgrade below... SUPER EXCITED!



Suspension upgrade:
Fox 2.5 all around with RR in the rear.
X-Joint Camburg UCA
HD Sway bar links/extended rear
Durabumps
Icon 2in rear spring

Been too busy to install right now, but will update once on.

First - you don't need to replace the spare at all. It will work just fine with the slightly smaller 17" spare tire to get you to a tire shop if you have a flat. You'll probably not even be able to tell from inside the vehicle. VSC will not do anything. It is not dangerous. I have done it myself. Also you probably won't ever use it and if you do it will be for a short distance in most cases.

Is a matching spare better? sure.

WRT to the question of 285/70/17 - yes it will pretty easily fit in the spare tire location and if you are going to buy a larger tire to use as a spare, that would probably be the best choice to match your other tires. One consideration is that the wider spare will hang down lower. Another size that is similar in height is a 255/80/17 that is a bit narrower so will not hang down quite as low. I'm not sure it'd make much difference in real world use, but it's just another option to consider.

A tire plug kit and an air compressor is all you need in most cases.

Yup, already have those in the trunk, just wanted to keep all my options open!

Thanks.

@Jetboy said it all. Also a 33" tire is about the largest you'll be able to fit in the stock spare location give or take a few tenths of an inch.

my 2 cents on this. I run LT285/70R17 Load E Falkens, so 33" diameter. I buy 5 and the spare fits in the stock location until I pull the trigger on a dual swing rear bumper. I mounted my spare on the OEM 17" steel wheel.

While a tire kit and compressor are always in my rig while offroading, they are useless if i slash the sidewall of a tire while on the trail. A full size spare gives me peace of mind when I'm a day or 2 away from a highway or more populated areas.

If it was only a daily driver doing daycare pickups and trips to walmart, I'd have a different opinion.