VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS > Tires, Wheels, and Suspension

Do we need a spare tire for overlanding/off roading?

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Flyin6:
OK, allow me to ask a good question:



Do we need a spare tire?



So in all my days off-roading and on several different continents, in Jeeps, Land-Rovers, Hummers, Chevies, Fords, Dodge and Ram trucks and Ramchargers, in Blazer K-5s and Broncos, in a Tundra and a Tacoma, in a Landcruiser FJ-40 and some Hap thing I can't pronounce. Well in all of those in all "adventures" I have had, I have had almost no flats, and none that I didn't fix, and I never once had to bolt the spare onto the vehicle to be able to drive out.

So, with all this weight savings, I am asking myself, why carry that huge chunk of rubber around when the chances of my ever needing it approach zero?

I have popped a bead, just like most of you, but I just reseated it. Actually, three times in one day once. I even gashed a tire and I just loaded it up with tire plugs, like a dozen of them and the lumpy thing held air and drove to the tire store.

So why do I need anything other than a mini compressor and a good tire repair kit?

Opinions?

Bob Smith:
Well Sir I have not done much off road driving, but having a spare while up hunting and driving on 2-4 inch or larger rock I make sure my spare is with me and has proper air pressure. Maybe a smaller wheel tire would get you by but I wouldn’t roll without something.   

stlaser:
My opinion, you should have one. Whether it’s on trailer at camp or otherwise. I’ve gutted more than one sidewall and you don’t fix those….

Farmer Jon:
I don't leave my house to go to town without a spare. I would not go overlanding without at least one. I would probably throw another tire that fits my rims in there for good measure. If you have it you wont need it. If you leave it at home you will need it.

Flyin6:
I posed the question on another forum as well. There are twenty-odd, good responses there. Not a single one recommends leaving the spare home.

I was just airing an idea, with this being a decision quality check. The spare remains.

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