Some spare tire questions

[Krayziekid]

So after stupidly putting it off for a long time, I want to finally figure out my spare tire situation and I have a few questions.

Right now I run 17x8 Level MK6s that have 4.5" of backspacing with 275/70R17 KO2s. I want to get a spare wheel and tire, but I don't want to shell out for another MK6 if it is just going to sit under my car and get all beat up. I am looking at a steel rim for my spare, but this one only has 4.25" of backspacing. Is that a serious problem? Is running alloy rims with a steel spare stupid?

My other question revolves around actually carrying the spare. I'm not looking to get a full on rear bumper. I would like to fit the 275/70 in the stock location, but I can't find a definitive answer as to whether it would fit or not with the factory V8 tow hitch. I could air it down to fit it because I have a compressor on board. Are there any other options to look at? I know CBI and Tiregate make rear hitch tire carriers, but is that even worth it?

Finally, my stock spare tire carrier is completely rusted and going to have to be removed and/or replaced depending on my previous question. I can't get it to budge at all. Should I just try to cut the wire, drop the wheel, and wrench the carrier out and completely replace it?

Thanks for any insight you guys have!

 

[having fun]

Spare is a spare as far as the rim being the same design fit. Wether 17 or 18 ect.
As far as the fit.... Me having v6, did have aftermarket hitch, and 265/70, a little smaller. I had about .25" clearance from hitting my track bar. So that might answer your fitment?
All post I've seen, all have just cut the cable to replace.


You mean one of these.
This one hasn't gotten thrown away yet, I'm surprised.

 

[Krayziekid]

Spare is a spare as far as the rim being the same design fit. Wether 17 or 18 ect.
As far as the fit.... Me having v6, did have aftermarket hitch, and 265/70, a little smaller. I had about .25" clearance from hitting my track bar. So that might answer your fitment?
All post I've seen, all have just cut the cable to replace.


You mean one of these.
This one hasn't gotten thrown away yet, I'm surprised.

View attachment 208450

Ok thats good to know. I might just keep my stock 17" rim then and get a 5th KO2 for a spare tire. Thanks for all the info.

And hmmm, only .25" of clearance. After comparing the size of the tires I don't think it will work unless it is aired down. Bummer. Thanks again

 

[BaconHound]

Piggybacking onto this thread and hoping for a quick reply...

I got my 4Runner late last year and I'm getting around to rotating the tires for the first time. People seem divided on whether or not to rotate in the spare, but I'm one of those that thinks it makes sense to do it.

So imagine my surprise when I discover that my spare is a Dunlop AT20 Grandtrek vs the other 4 Bridgestone Dueler H/L tires. All are 265/65/17.

Is it a problem to rotate in a mismatched (but theoretically same sized) tire?

My other concern is that they don't really look the same size (sorry for the huge images - I forgot to resize before uploading):

 

[Trail Wonka]

All 265/65/17's are not the same size. For me I never rotate in my spares.


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[BaconHound]

Thanks for the reply! The spare needed air anyway, so I'm glad I pulled it out and checked on it. I guess I'll go ahead and just rotate the 4.

 

[AKmoney]

Check the date code on your spare. It could be the original spare tire that came with your truck. If that's the case, you should probably replace it anyway.

I always do 5-wheel tire rotations. The downside is you have to buy 5 tires at once to make it happen. The upside is your tires last that much longer, plus you don't wind up in a situation with a 10+ year old spare tire that won't be safe to drive on - especially if you're off road.

 

[m85476585]

As a solution to the 10+ year old spare tire problem, has anyone ever gotten a used tire that would otherwise be destined for the trash? I'm sure tire shops throw out old tires all the time because they are worn out, and you don't need much tread on a spare, you just need it not to fall apart due to age.

 

[Wallace]

Spare is a spare as far as the rim being the same design fit. Wether 17 or 18 ect.
As far as the fit.... Me having v6, did have aftermarket hitch, and 265/70, a little smaller. I had about .25" clearance from hitting my track bar. So that might answer your fitment?
All post I've seen, all have just cut the cable to replace.


You mean one of these.
This one hasn't gotten thrown away yet, I'm surprised.

View attachment 208450

Would you be interested in selling that spare tire hoist? Assuming it works of course...The cable on mine recently broke and I would really rather have a spare tire than not.