Input on spare tire debate...

[BacktotheFuturePete]

I used a Goodyear all season 205/50R. Fits the rim,well and the cover fits. It only needs to be inflated to 35 lbs. as opposed to the original which I think was 60 so if it blows it won't be as bad. Plus I can drive more than 50 miles on if need be.

[hippy_mailman]

I used a Goodyear all season 205/50R. Fits the rim,well and the cover fits. It only needs to be inflated to 35 lbs. as opposed to the original which I think was 60 so if it blows it won't be as bad. Plus I can drive more than 50 miles on if need be.

we must have different brands of tire as I have same size on my spare with a regular rim and my cover fits but I had to shave two the buttons off of the underside of the cover to make it fit

[Alamobird]

I realize that when you need a spare, you need a spare. On the other hand, I'm curious as to how many of our members have actually taken the spare (of whatever size) out of the trunk and kept on driving for any distance farther than the nearest tire dealer to have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

[2K2BIRD]

I realize that when you need a spare, you need a spare. On the other hand, I'm curious as to how many of our members have actually taken the spare (of whatever size) out of the trunk and kept on driving for any distance farther than the nearest tire dealer to have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Fortunately, I haven't had to experience a flat in the almost 18 years of ownership. However, we and several other TN friends have driven in many areas of the country that the nearest tire shop and/or wrecker would be well over an hour away. In those scenarios cell service could be/was spotty or nonexistent. Relying on can of sealant or AAA likely would not be a good idea in those situations.

My last Taurus SHO did not have a spare. Luckily, I never needed one, but that fact was always in the back of my mind on long trips. Knowing that, I just like the peace of mind the spare provides.

[Mujiir]

image_50337.png

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...e-part-2/page3

Note discussion on page 3 of this thread...it might be helpful.

Thank you sir. This is a much better answer to the question than junkyard surfing. We are planning a long trip sometime next spring, and want to be ready for the unforeseen tire mayhem. Mucho appreciado!

[merlot4]

Very useful calculator, Jim, thanks for sharing it.

[AZTB]

My pleasure, guys. D.T. gave me the link when I changed out our spare earlier this year. We now have a new Kumho spare in the trunk plus the peace-of-mind that it's there if we need it.

[007Cruiser]

My pleasure, guys. D.T. gave me the link when I changed out our spare earlier this year. We now have a new Kumho spare in the trunk plus the peace-of-mind that it's there if we need it.

I never knew that you were friends with the POTUS.

[AZTB]

I never knew that you were friends with the POTUS.

(Yeah, now I see it - whoops!)
Yep, we're best buds - who do you think gave him all that advice on the new tax law?! ...gotta go, on our way to Mar-a-Lago.

[5bird7]

As I understand this topic, we need a source for 185/60R17 spare tires. I just looked at the spare in my 2012 mustang, and guess what. It's a 185/60R17. So a search of local junk yards may 'pony up' some newer options? Just throwing this out there. Hope it helps.

MAXXIS still carries the size for our spare wheels. https://shop.maxxis.com/ They even feature that size on their homepage. Just checked this morning. It comes and goes on their site when they're out of stock. Just give them a call if you ever find it not listed there.

[5bird7]

Exactly right. When something happens in the middle of nowhere, the compact spare won’t get you very far and forces you to slow down. Then there’s the problem of finding an acceptable tire in stock.

The spare is rated for 2000 miles but you are correct that you do have to slow down. That is assuming one has an in-date spare on.