Spare tire delete vs. keeping used spare

[JessicaJeeper08]

I’m going down from 17s to 15s. Tires are on there way and wheels will be ordered soon. I’m at a crossroads of rather to run without a spare and installing a spare delete kit or buying a cheap used tire to go on a matching wheel?

I had already planned not to do a five tire rotation like I have been so a used tire would be just for aesthetics. I also don’t off road anymore so a spare would hardly ever be needed. But to me, a Jeep just looks better with a spare (wheel has to match )

What say ye?

 

[KennethS]

I always keep one of the old tires for a spare, so my vote is yes, get a spare. Can you use one of the 17s for a spare and put a tire cover on it to hide the difference from the other wheels?

 

[B1Toad]

I'd keep a spare if for nothing else the added security for the rear lift window.

 

[JMT]

Personal preference based on use and life situation.

Many new cars don’t come with spares anymore.

If you have a good tire repair kit like Safety Seal you can fix most flats in the tread and some in the sidewall (rare for onroad). Must have air pump too.

If you are always driving in town within a half hour of loved ones help is readily available.

A nice thing about spare delete is visibility out the rear window, less weight hanging off the back, and light tailgate.

If you do keep a spare, is it aired up properly or do you have a way to inflate the tire? Is the tire still good/within date use? Right size to match other tire diameters?

 

[JessicaJeeper08]

I always keep one of the old tires for a spare, so my vote is yes, get a spare. Can you use one of the 17s for a spare and put a tire cover on it to hide the difference from the other wheels?

I’m a little ocd. I have to have matching wheels But don’t think I’d care if my spare wasn’t the same brand as I don’t plan on ever putting it on the ground.

 

[JessicaJeeper08]

I took my spare off today so I’ll drive around without it for a couple weeks to see which I prefer. Waiting on the wheels I want to go back on sale.

 

[KennethS]

I’m a little ocd. I have to have matching wheels

That’s why I said use a tire cover.

 

[JessicaJeeper08]

That’s why I said use a tire cover.

Meant to address that in my previous answer. I personally think tire covers look ugly so I won’t be going that route.

 

[KennethS]

That’s valid. I use a tire cover to shield the spare from the brutal desert sun. When I need a spare tire, I don’t want to find a dry rotted tire that won’t hold air.

 

[B1Toad]

That’s valid. I use a tire cover to shield the spare from the brutal desert sun. When I need a spare tire, I don’t want to find a dry rotted tire that won’t hold air.

Same here. In fact I rotated my cover last year because the top was starting to rot.

 

[taylormade73]

That’s valid. I use a tire cover to shield the spare from the brutal desert sun. When I need a spare tire, I don’t want to find a dry rotted tire that won’t hold air.

How does the spare dry rot any more than the tires on your axles?

 

[B1Toad]

How does the spare dry rot any more than the tires on your axles?

Because depending on where you park, the spare can get full sunlight all day unlike the mounted tires which are shaded on top and don't get full sunlight as the sun moves to the other side. So the spare can easily get twice the sun exposure of the mounted tires.

 

[KennethS]

Because depending on where you park, the spare can get full sunlight all day unlike the mounted tires which are shaded on top and don't get full sunlight as the sun moves to the other side. So the spare can easily get twice the sun exposure of the mounted tires.

Exactly. And my spare is the best tire from the old set, so it’s already had more sun exposure than the tires on the axles.

 

[suicideking]

I always like to have a spare. Though if you're never going offroad again, I guess it makes sense. Though I'd still want to at least have it sitting in my garage at home.

 

[KennethS]

The last flat I had was coming home from work. Got off the interstate at my exit and noticed the left front of the Jeep was getting lower than the right side. Pulled into a parking lot and had to put the spare on to make it home 2 miles away.

 

[JessicaJeeper08]

If I decide to do the spare delete, how do you plug the holes that are left behind from the bumpers and tire carrier? Or any harm in leaving them exposed?

 

[John Cooper]

If I decide to do the spare delete, how do you plug the holes that are left behind from the bumpers and tire carrier? Or any harm in leaving them exposed?

You can leave them open, or you can go to any parts store and get rubber plugs that fit.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I personally think tire covers look ugly so I won’t be going that route.

I agree.

 

[bucky]

Sun damage is not always the cause of tire failure. Lack of use is a culprit also. I own a RV storage lot and have seen and personally experienced never used spares exploding on the back of a RV. While the tires on the ground are fine. Sitting in one position is detrimental to a tire. They need to run up to temp regularly to last.
Personally I wheel far out in the desert and down in Baja and would never travel without a spare. I cut a tire on a piece of shale 200 miles from the border in Baja and was grateful that I had it. Of course if you never leave civilization with your TJ help is just a phone call away. Rear visibility has never been an issue for me. Removing the spare does not increase distant viewing but it can help with seeing low objects closer to the back. I think it’s more cosmetic and has a cost reduction than anything else. It’s a personal choice.