Second Spare tire--The why and why not?- US based

[HARDTRAILZ]

I have a second spare tire and rim, but it is slightly different sized, but functional in a pinch and I don't know that I would ever carry it or need it.

I was wondering who carries two and why? Also wondered if anyone has actually used more than one spare.

I do understand that some places may be remote, but if possible I would like to get some responses from US people since it seems that there is not a ton of truly remote areas left.

Any comments/ideas/thoughts would be appreciated.

[LR Max]

I did for a while but it was a waste of space. I have found that a plug kit (a REALLY nice kit, like the ARB one) and a compressor to be far more useful and compact.

[overlander]

I did for a while but it was a waste of space. I have found that a plug kit (a REALLY nice kit, like the ARB one) and a compressor to be far more useful and compact.

X2

[cgalpha08]

I have two spares on my truck , i haven't ever used both in one outing, but im going for the whole prepared thing.

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[HARDTRAILZ]

Seems I am on the right track with one spare/good plug kit/compressor plus a can of fixaflat I hope to never use.

[JPNCA]

I would take it if your going somewhere very remote and alone. Other then that a waste of space

[cgalpha08]

For me its not a waste of space, i have 2 designated locations, the rear door and the mount on my gobi rack, since those places cant be used for anything else really, i figured why not

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[brained]

Depends on where I'm going. Most of the time just one spare.

Certain locations known for slicing open sidewalls though and I pack my 2nd spare. I'd rather not have to depend on my sewing ability to stitch up and plug a sidewall.

[YukonRob]

When I go to Baja, yes, I take a second spare. Otherwise, no, concur that is mostly a waste of space and excess weight.

[downhill]

I've never carried two or needed two. I do the plug kit thing as my second failsafe. The biggest problem for me is the weight. I'm constantly trying to assess the risk/benefit with respect to weight. Everything that I carry increases my chances of something failing from the strain. In the end, I think weiight is the greatest enemy. Far greater than the prospect of being unprepared by not carrying everything imaginable. There was once that I blew a tire on the way to a remote area, and had to spend the next several days with nothing but a plug kit. That was a bit uncomfortable, but you adapt. Everybody has to make their own judgements though.

[Hill, Bill E.]

A good plug kit, source of air and one spare.

For 'extra insurance', I have carried a tube with. Compact and lightweight. If the gash is really big, it can be stitched with wire or bootlace, using either the reaming tool with the plug kit, or leather punch found on many knives/multitools to punch holes for the stitching.

Then use a chunk of tarp, a glove, floor mat, etc**. to protect the tube from the stitching, and reassemble and air up.

** I prefer using a chunk of rubber roofing. I carry a piece with to lay on when doing repairs/maintenance in the dirt.

Time consuming, yes, and i wouldn't hit freeway speeds with a stitched up tire, but it will get you to where you can get/do a proper repair.

And it's lightweight and compact. And would be only needed in the case of 2 flats, since your spare would take care of the first one.

[Utah KJ]

I guess it also depends upon what tires you have. Let me share my story... *shimery effect*...

Back in 2009 I was with a group of friends who where going to run Elephant Hill Rd. We arrived to the trail head in the late afternoon and we were approached by a man from the UK who asked us to contact the Ranger because he had a flat tire. After speaking with him for a bit, he told us that he's driving a rented Jeep Commander, he got a flat and the stock jack wouldn't work in the soft sand.

A few min later, the Ranger showed up, put him in her Jeep and they took off. We saw them a while later on the trail driving away. Several hours later as we were exiting through the switchbacks we saw the Commander sitting on one of the landings with another flat. Obviously, the Ranger drove him out in her Jeep.

[HARDTRAILZ]

A good plug kit, source of air and one spare.

For 'extra insurance', I have carried a tube with. Compact and lightweight. If the gash is really big, it can be stitched with wire or bootlace, using either the reaming tool with the plug kit, or leather punch found on many knives/multitools to punch holes for the stitching.

Then use a chunk of tarp, a glove, floor mat, etc**. to protect the tube from the stitching, and reassemble and air up.

** I prefer using a chunk of rubber roofing. I carry a piece with to lay on when doing repairs/maintenance in the dirt.

Time consuming, yes, and i wouldn't hit freeway speeds with a stitched up tire, but it will get you to where you can get/do a proper repair.

And it's lightweight and compact. And would be only needed in the case of 2 flats, since your spare would take care of the first one.
I really like this idea. Tools for the job if needed, but can be used elsewhere. Thanks.


I guess it also depends upon what tires you have. Let me share my story... *shimery effect*...

Back in 2009 I was with a group of friends who where going to run Elephant Hill Rd. We arrived to the trail head in the late afternoon and we were approached by a man from the UK who asked us to contact the Ranger because he had a flat tire. After speaking with him for a bit, he told us that he's driving a rented Jeep Commander, he got a flat and the stock jack wouldn't work in the soft sand.

A few min later, the Ranger showed up, put him in her Jeep and they took off. We saw them a while later on the trail driving away. Several hours later as we were exiting through the switchbacks we saw the Commander sitting on one of the landings with another flat. Obviously, the Ranger drove him out in her Jeep.

Thats why I will only run tires with three ply sidewalls.

[Nonimouse]

Been there, tried it; went back to 1 spare, a spare carcass, a plug kit and a few spare tubes. I never run alloys though - only steels

[flintsghost]

For years prior to current tire technology I carried two spares. I never used more than one. At the time I had a '79 Ford short wheel base PU that used pretty much as a daily driver and also for off road hunting. While you may not feel that there are any truly wilderness areas left where you may need something, I would have to say that the prospect of my carrying a tire or even walking 25 to 30 miles to get help doesn't excite me much. You do need to do something. A plug kit and an air supply is probably a near necessity if you don't carry a second spare. At least I think so. Lots of people think it's not a big deal in this time of cell phone etc, but unless you have a satelite phone which is very expensive, you can go places in the Moab area of Utah where there is no reception. Places where I have hunted have zero cell tower availability.

[Nonimouse]

There's no phone reception in most of my house.... except maybe the kitchen on a good day

[Redline]

I have a second spare tire and rim, but it is slightly different sized, but functional in a pinch and I don't know that I would ever carry it or need it. snip...

I have a very similar set-up with my 4Runner. For a while I carried two spares, then didn't. I rarely seem to have tire trouble, but flat tires are the most common breakdown. Last year during a week long trip with several others I sliced a sidewall and was only carrying one spare. The only other guy running 33s (same bolt pattern too) had cut a sidewall and used his spare on the first day.

After needing your spare, it's a very nice feeling to have one more in reserve. Since I have a place for it under the car, it's only a matter of the extra weight. On my pickups, I don't have room for a second spare (no swing-away) and never plan to add one.

[colodak]

Really depends on tire size. I always carry one, recently put new tires and wheels on mine. I found that my new tire size may not be as readily available in some places as the old one. Hence, I will have two, alwasy carry one and keep the other on hand to take depending on where I go.

[maxama10]

I only carry one spare, but I also have OBA and a second small back up compressor and carry valve stems, a valve stem tool, plugs, and ether to reseat a bead. I need to get some patches.

[HillbillyfromAL]

With a tube, patch kit, a propane torch and the know how you'll be able to fix some mighty large sidewall gashes. Do while it may not be highway worthy it would still get you back to town. Fixing the tire should be the first choice though, not swapping in the spare. Save that for the trip home once you don't think that fixing the other is feasible anymore. Too many people just change them out and hope not to do it again. Be sure you don't forget the ether either;)

[Nonimouse]

http://www.belzona.com/prod2k.aspx top stuff as used by overlanders in far flung places; the liquid metal is damned good to

[stevo]

Several years ago I was in some far off spot in Arizona when a very sharp piece of scree cut a large gash in the sidewall of my 31-10.50x15 radial. As luck would have it, I was on a one track road going up the face of a mountain to check out a mine. Since the road was so narrow, I had to proceed about 1/4 mile to find a relatively level spot so as to put on my spare. I still had about another mile of scree covered switchbacks to go before reaching the mine. All the way back down I was very apprehensive about making it out without any more problems which, fortunately, I didn't run into. Ever since then, I've been a firm believer in carrying two spares. I suppose that if you go out in a group and another member of that group has a compatable spare you would probably be OK. Me, I often go out as a single vehicle and I now drive a Pinzgauer so trying to find a compatable spare could be difficult.
Cheers, Stevo

[maxama10]

Picked up a rasp/stitch tool and various sized radial patches from Napa today and a tire spoon from harbor freight.

also a junk tire and wheel so I can practice stitching and patching and breaking the tire down by hand.

[matt marquardt]

Can there be any doubt that two spares is a good idea when travelling to very remote places? That way you can focus on repairing one while the other is in service.

[adventureduo]

We run dual spares, but we also have 6 wheels on the ground on every trip.

[Redline]

Can there be any doubt that two spares is a good idea when travelling to very remote places? That way you can focus on repairing one while the other is in service.

I don't think there is much argument about carrying two spares being a good idea, but I do think having the space/capacity to carry two spares is a challenge for most vehicles. The exception might be a pickup with a mostly empty bed, running a moderate, OE size tire. It's not as common as it once was, but I still see a fair number of mining, forestry, and other commercial pickups with two spares mounted in the open bed.

[downhill]

Can there be any doubt that two spares is a good idea when travelling to very remote places? That way you can focus on repairing one while the other is in service.

Actually, it would be better to carry 4 spares. Like everything we load into the rig, it's a question of whether that space is best used for that, and also whether the added stress presented by the weight is offset by the potential value of the item. It is situational. I could easily justify pulling a trailer full of parts, lubricants, tires, tools, maybe even a portable garage to work in. For me, part of the challenge and satisfaction is seeing how little I can carry and how well I can manage. It is not foreseeing every eventuality and carrying every possible fix. It's accepting some risk and challenge.

I started backpacking when I was 14. My very first 5 day trip was carrying a homemade pack frame loaded with 70 pounds of crap. I weighed 120. It was a bitter lesson in excess. Since then I have learned that the greatest comfort and the greatest security comes from a self reliant spirit and a light pack. My 5 day pack today weighs 19.3 pounds including food, shelter, and 2 liters of water. Weight is a silent enemy to man and machine.

I'm currently looking for ways to reduce my vehicle load, not find justifications for adding more. That's just my personal mindset.

[zimm]

ive used the arb plug kit more than once and the spare more than once.

id say two spares in the US is a bit pretender.

funny thing is, i never had a flat that i could plug until after i bought the plug kit. bad voodoo.

[Wyowanderer]

Depends on what I'm doing. If I'm away from syphilization, I'll take two. Nearer, I leave the extra at home.
I also have a plug kit a patch kit, and a spare inner tube.

[gabepari]

A couple of trips to DV in my 1/2 ton Chevy (2wd), I took 5 spares :) I had a full set of extra wheels and tires in the garage, didn't need the space in the bed of the truck, SO I figured WTH :)

Didn't need a single one, BUT I think the extra weight in the bed helped smooth out the washboard on Racetrack Road!

If given the option, I would much rather change a tire than fix a tire. Unless I have Martyn with me, then HE can fix the tire all he wants :)

[Redline]

snip...

If given the option, I would much rather change a tire than fix a tire. Unless I have Martyn with me, then HE can fix the tire all he wants :)

Exactly, Martyn can do it! ;)

[LACamper]

I hit a piece of steel I-beam on the interstate one night in New Orleans. I was surrounded in fast moving traffic in the left lane. I had no where to go and couldn't stop in time. I rolled over it with both drivers side tires. It blew both tires and totaled the front rim. I wish I'd had a second spare!

That being said, my Xterra doesn't have room for a second spare. The inner tube is a good idea though.

[charlieaarons]

If one has an odd tire size a 2nd and even 3rd spare tire (not necessarily mounted to a wheel) is a good idea. This doesn't just apply to Unimogs - 8.25R16, 9.00/11.00R16, 325/85R16, even 255/100R16 can be hard to find. Also things like big Swampers, etc.

Charlie

[Caoboy]

What happens when you blow the spares on your trailer, or use them as spares for your vehicle?

I notice many people who run with trailers often match the tires up with their vehicle so that way they have spares. Do you guys just leave your trailer there until you can come back and get it?

[STAGE 2]

Anytime I'm going on an expo trip (as opposed to local wheeling where you can get to a starbucks in under a 20 minute walk) I take two. It really doesnt take up any room either, or shouldn't if done properly. Every rig comes with a factory spare underneath. An aftermarket bumper fits the 2nd without taking up any interior space. Compressors and fixitkits are ok if the tire is salvageable but they are useless beyond that. A 2nd spare is a guaranteed fix that will get you going in minutes and will allow you to fix the other tire in the comfort of camp.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Every rig comes with a factory spare underneath.

My larger tires wont fit in the factory location and hoping to repurpose that area for spare parts storage.

[craig333]

After doing this offroad I really thought about a second spare.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk132/craig195/tire.jpg
Instead I just added a tube to carry along with the plug kit. Still, if I was doing something like the white rim I might consider a second spare, but only for certain trips.

[Redline]

After doing this offroad I really thought about a second spare.

Instead I just added a tube to carry along with the plug kit. Still, if I was doing something like the white rim I might consider a second spare, but only for certain trips.

Nice road trophy, and your picture reinforces a point. Some road debris is so sharp, nasty, or unusual that you will have a tire failure if its hit just right.

[mowerman]

I carry a roof mounted spare, but when we are away in groups (mostly LRs) I carry another spare on the rear door.
I have loaned this to someone else on three occasions when they have had a flat and used their spare, as a spare for them for the trip home.
This is that advantage of travelling with people who have the same make of truck

[Redline]

snip...
This is that advantage of travelling with people who have the same make of truck

Yes. Last year was the first time this almost became a need for me. Traveling with a large group, only two of us running 33s with 6-lug Toyota pattern, and we both had flats on that trip (at different times).

In the past I ran lots of full-size American heavy-duty trucks (Ford & Dodge), which had the same 8-lug pattern for years, until Ford decided to make a change.

[angelmir]

I usually carry one spare tire.. It's really a waste of space. You said you have another spare with different size? It won't be helpful if time comes for you to use it. Get a spare tire with the same size.

[HARDTRAILZ]

You said you have another spare with different size? It won't be helpful if time comes for you to use it. Get a spare tire with the same size.
Got a same size spare, but the 2nd would be an inch different. How would a tire close in size not be helpful vs a flat? I could not use it on the rear with my locker, but it would roll on the front to get back to pavement...