RV Spare Tire: Do You Really Need One?

[@vinniedellasperanza8230]

Yes to spares. Like you, not having a spare would leave me feeling vulnerable. Important note to those who plan to swap a wheel and tire roadside. Do NOT use an impact driver to reinstall lug nuts! Some impact drivers are powerful enough to over torque which can weaken the lug bolts by stretching them. I know someone who lost a wheel on the highway. All of the lug bolts had snapped off. An impact driver is fine for removing a wheel. Reinstall your spare with hand tools to avoid this issue.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Well roadside assistance is generally a joke or you have to wait till next Tuesday for them to show up. Self reliance is your best option. We have a spare and I took a class at the Overland Expo on the sidewall repair kit, valve stem repair and plugging a tire. Definitely recommend something like that. Also it’s a good idea to do a dry run in your driveway to make sure you have everything and it works. An air compressor is a big plus too but make sure it’s big enough to fully inflate your tires, a cheap one won’t fill it up. 👍🏼

[@loriyoungs2098]

Thank you for this vid. I always have a spare & my first stop after using it is to get the flat tire fixed or replaced. (My flats come in pairs--the 2d one within days of the first) In the last 20 yrs: 4 flats on small class c's and one on a pathfinder...most road crap thru the sidewall.

[@rogerz8051]

My van didn't come with a spare. Every time this comes up in our FB van model group, lots of people say something like, "In X number of years of driving (usually 30-50), I've never had a flat tire, so there's no point in having one now." It just mystifies me as to how so many people think the past predicts their future! I for one will never be without a spare. In fact, I had to use ours less than 30 days after installing one when a bolt separated the right rear tire's steel belts, and the inside sidewall blew off. There was no fixing that! Having that spare was the difference between a day consuming tow (which has its own risks and costs), and getting back on the road in less than an hour. I had RA come out, and he told me straight up, "Good thing you have this spare. We're not in the business of sourcing tires for people"

[@philc.9280]

We went for years without a spare in our class B pleasure way but always carried tire plugs, liquid can flat repairs and air compressors. That would only work for a nail or screw. Any sidewall damage would be impossible. Now we have a new Travato there is absolutely no space underneath and both back doors have a ladder and bike rack. The only option was to use the hitch with a spare tire mount. It doesn't look the greatest and sticks out but it's very functional and gives up the peace of mind. Back doors swing out without interference too.

[@conchscooter]

We’ve had flats in Louisiana and Guatemala and never regret carrying a spare under our full time home, a Promaster. We have a compressor and a plug kit which means a flat is an annoyance not a disaster. Glad you are on the same page. Cheers from Ecuador with no flats. So far.

[@davidpearson2581]

With my Class C motorhome purchase, I received a year of complimentary roadside assistance, which required having a spare tire ready for replacement. Otherwise, there would be extra costs for obtaining a spare or fixing a flat tire. I'm uncertain about the specifics of other roadside assistance services. To prepare, I purchased a rim, tire, and mounting hardware for the spare tire, even though the designated space lacked the necessary hardware. My next step is to buy the required tool, a very large bottle jack, to change the tire if roadside assistance is unavailable.

[@barbaragrazerrobinson1207]

Owl van now has a door hinge mounted spare tire carrier. I have the same van and no problems with gaps. No need to remove the door to install. Video on how to. Enjoy your Alaska trip. Be safe out there

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks just be careful because the Transit and Sprinters can develop cracks along the point where the hinges mount to the door frame from the extra weight of the tire and rack

[@robertsurtees4380]

My STO / Flarespace spare sat in my garage for a year waiting for Owl to come out with their Transit spare tire carrier. Just picked it up last month and really like knowing it's back there. Got the Owl bike carrier and cargo box as well. Still carry a repair kit and compressor.

[@baitguru9197]

I don't know about a Ford Transit, but on the Ford E-350 chassis, I can mount a front receiver, and then a spare tire carrier, where I carry my spare tire, and cover it with a tire cover. I tow a boat, and I'm am concerned that they typical spare tire mount in the back (drivers side rear) allows the tire to protrude out, and possibly in the way of the trailer if making a very sharp left turn (example, backing the boat trailer into a tight area).

[@kellymcdonald6309]

I didn't know there were classes on tire repair we may look into this. I think having a spare for your AK trip is a good idea. We had less than 6,000 miles on our Sprinter last summer when we got a flat (small sharp rock) in AK. The roads and getting into and out of boondocking spots really does a number on the tread.

[@DonMorrow-m9c]

YES to carrying a spare. It gives us great piece of mind to have it ready to go, along with the H1 Hummer jack to raise our lifted Sprinter van. You offer excellent advice to our fellow travelers. Thanks so much!!

[@Weretherussos]

Absolutely!

[@brandonsailor5303]

We carry a spare and a simple plug kit with a compressor. I’ve been able to pull a nail and a screw out of two tires and fix them myself in the last year. It’s much quicker than changing to a spare.

[@Weretherussos]

Agreed!

[@jabreck1934]

2017 59k… sound familiar? I purchased two extra tires and a rim. I also had a motorcycle on the back. Combined with tools and “ hunting“ Supplies… would overload the van. I pull 6 x 10 interstate aluminum cargo trailer. This allows me to carry everything I need and want including Self extricating tools, fuel, water, food etc. I am a van prepper. I pick locations that have the most perks. Currently parked on 20 acre horse ranch in the hills above Santa Barbara. No expenses in exchange for horse care. Also has a well👍

[@robertlibby9716]

Just my 2 cents as they say but Transferflow has apparently come out with a 45 gallon Transit replacement tank. For me that's a huge reason to get a Transit as opposed to the Sprinter. I just prefer 3.5 liters with 100 more horsepower and about 80 more pound feet of torque. Now one can have a range of almost 700 miles- YAY! I'm figuring 15mpg on the highway so a safe 600 miles on the road.

[@anitasimmons3599]

I'm in your camp. I drove City vehicles in the heavy construction industry for a career, and I carried plug's as well. I was informed after plugging a tire in the field, mechanics are the only people that are supposed to fix the City's vehicles or tires...😅. I called it in, but when I was told it would be after 7pm before they could get there, it was just before noon, I repaired it and drove it to the shop. They took all the spares out from under our City vehicles in the 1990s, because of theft. Being a verticality challenged female, I always felt it was a personal safety issue for me, to be left stranded either in the urban core, or at the intersection of cornfield and pasture. My plan is to drive to AK, next year too. I have started working through my older class b, and getting the knowledge I will need, to pull it off. Who knows maybe our paths will cross somewhere out on the road, but it is doubtful, because AK and western Canada are big. Thank you for another informative and useful video. Safe travels. ❤😊

[@Vantravel411]

I don’t have a spare, do carry an inflater/compressor, watch my tire pressure carefully, and have tow service. I don’t have the strength to change a tire myself. I drive a Class B Midwest auto design - 43,000 miles in 2 years… one tire issue I caught early and had repaired (nail).

[@Weretherussos]

Good job on keeping an eye on things and knowing your limitations.

[@darylmiller8911]

I never knew they had a kit to repair a sidewalk slash. You should link to the kit you bought.

[@Weretherussos]

The link is in the description

[@MovingForwardAdventures]

I don't think I have ever been this early to one of your video's. I'll have to come back later to read the comments and see what others do. Sabrina and I do not travel with a spate in our Class except for the times we drive into Mexico. Knock on wood, in 7 years & 140,000 miles in our Class A we have never needed a spare. I think in a B van like yours where you off road, I would definitely want a spare, just like I carry one on my Jeep. As always, great video!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Kenny - so do you have a spare specifically for Mexico?

[@MovingForwardAdventures]

​@Weretherussos Yes, we have. Apparently that we just keep at our home base, then when we take a trip to Mexico (1 to 2 times a year) we put the spare in our rear cargo bay. It's heavy and takes up a lot of room. I like the carrier you showed on your class A especially since it worked with your tow bar.

[@ronhowes7948]

I had a blow-out last Summer as I was passing Custer Battlefield with our 30' Class A. Fortunately, it was in the back on a tandem axle and only a couple of miles to the RV park. I've had a spare with all of my RVs, but there is no changing a tire yourself on a 15,000 pound Class A. Fortunately, roadside assistance fixed us up the next morning.

[@Weretherussos]

It’s good you had it because it can be difficult to source and mount those wheels

[@sandrab.5065]

I am in the camp of getting a full size spare tire, carry an air compressor, and learn how to change or temporarily fix your own flat tires. Plus get star link so you call for a tow truck if necessary. 👍🌻

[@Weretherussos]

Great call

[@George-kn3nc]

Every vehicle I've driven and actually owned, I definitely had a spare.

[@maxineoliver7404]

Thanks for sharing, and Happy 4th!🎉🎉

[@Weretherussos]

Same to you!

[@cherbear1996]

Ive been riding with a spare "inside" my van bc the hook that held it under the van rusted n broke off n another mechanic wont touch it..new to me van coming next month..hated having that tire in here but knew as soon as i took it out I'd need it..

[@richardpedersen9189]

Good video, Joe! AND good advice 👍

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks! 👍

[@marthameyer7918]

Excellent video about spares for RVs as well as cars! Thanks!

[@Weretherussos]

Our pleasure!

[@LauraTippit]

Love your content

[@jamestiberiuskirk5994]

Very well presented and comprehensive info. Thank you

[@Weretherussos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robert7365]

Danke für Deine Info

[@dondouglas3431]

We carry a spare- same wheel and tire you have from Flarespace. Also, air compressor which we do use on all vehicles we own and looks like the same one you have. I haven't checked the jack to see if it goes high enough though. did you get a jack other than the Transit OEM one? Will check out the book and class you linked for us. Thanks for another informative video!

[@rebeccamaloney4343]

Spare tire was my first mod. I’m heading up to Alaska, on the Cassier Highway this coming May and June 2025. Would love to cross paths and meet you both. I have a 2023 Storyteller Ford LT!

[@Weretherussos]

That’d be awesome - if we see you we’ll make sure to say hi!

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

I lost a brand new spare tire and aluminumn wheel while on the road. I have the new tires for say 6 months. My tires also were bigger and the place put the tire in the same place as the original one. I don't think they fully put the new tire back on the van. I was driving one day and I thought maybe I hit something in the road like a board, but I didn't actually see one. I look in the mirrors and didn't see anything that I might of hit or even the spare tire. I was lucky no one was behind me, yet I never saw the spare tire or even realized it fell off. I ordered a new tire and wheel, but I refused to put it back in the same place. I'm curreltly without a tire on my van, while I wait for a rear tire tire ladder rack for my van to come it.

[@nealrcn]

The car I drive does not have a spare. All was fine until Christmas eve about 2am downtown Jacksonville Fl. About 80 miles from home I had a flat. $1000 later I was home at 6am. The car now carries a spare.

[@billhaynesjr15]

Excellent video. Thank you for the info.

[@Weretherussos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@salvesed.o.c.4154]

Well done video like always, we own an LT Mode because of your videos, quick question, if you would drive 100% on paved road and always in cities, never remote areas, would you change the tire to OEM specs, maybe having an aftermarket better looking rims (just saying), and carrying OEM wheel and rim mounted underneath as original placement for the OEM spare tire. Thanks again for all you suggestions.

[@Weretherussos]

I don’t know if the stock tire will fit on the LT rims (due to the width of the rim) so I’d suggest checking with a tire shop. There are other non-all terrain tires you can get they just need to be “LT” light truck rated with the appropriate carrying capacity. I also wouldn’t mix rims as I would rotate the spare in with the others. The STO rim will fit underneath with a smaller diameter tire

[@salvesed.o.c.4154]

@@Weretherussos Thanks a lot for your reply, yes basically would be fun to test a "Regular" Transit, (non-all Terrain) tire mounted on the LT / Flarespace rims (if possible), and as you said having spare tire with same Flarespace rim located in the OEM spot for spare tire. Thanks once again.

[@Weretherussos]

If you haven’t seen it I did a comparison video with the stock wheels kzbin.info/www/bejne/opindICbns2or5Ysi=LAAeuEJDkSJTx_CD

[@salvesed.o.c.4154]

@@Weretherussos yes yes I watched thanks for mentioning, anyway i did some "investigation", Michelin - Agilis CrossClimate - 235/65R16C tires (OEM Specs), can be mounted on LT/Flarespace golden Rims as they are 7"x16". So as you mentioned in the videos the OEM Ford rims they are not the best looking, but would be interesting to test, Storyteller LT rims with OEM specs tires.

[@willarn1]

Great vid, thanks Joe

[@Weretherussos]

You bet

[@lazysmurf420]

I love your videos. I will say that I enjoy them at 1.5x speed though lol.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks! That’s how I watch all videos too

[@captainpaddy1524]

The trip to Alaska will probably take you through British Columbia (BC) which has a land mass larger than Washington Oregon, Idaho, and California combined. However, BC has a population slightly over 5 million people mostly living in the south near the US border. North of Prince George, all the way to Alaska, services will be very spread out. Be self sufficient. I have made the trip many times and can recommend sites and side trips. Planning to go the Arctic Ocean? The Canadian side has better services, is more scenic and is much safer than the US side. Two specific points: Crossing the massive Mackenzie River on a ferry is really impressive and you can actually drive right to the Ocean itself which you cannot do in Alaska because of the oil facilities (which TBO are really ugly!!!)

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the advice. Still TBD on our route.

[@captainpaddy1524]

@@Weretherussos A little advice then: Take the Stewart-Cassiar highway instead of the Alcan. It is much more scenic. Be sure to visit Hyder Alaska (and the glaciers north of there) as well as the Grand Canyon of the Stikine which is bigger than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado (which you have visited). You should also go down the Stikine to Telegraph Creek for the smoked salmon. At Dease Lake, you will find (some say) the world's largest deposits of black and green jade. Great craft beer in Whitehorse. Anchorage? It is just another big city. But, some of the small villages along the Alaskan coast are wonderful. Fairbanks? Worth the trip so that you can say that you visited the town. However, the Dalton Highway to the north is (IMO) not very well maintained, not very scenic and less than safe for a non-commercial vehicle. Deadhorse, at the north end, is simply an ugly oil town and you need to book a tour to get to the Arctic Ocean. Major let-down. However, on the Yukon side, Dawson City was the target of the Klondike Gold rush. Lots of history. And, the Dempster Highway north to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean is scenic and safe. You also cross the massive Mackenzie River on a ferry so make sure the ferry is running because the river must be ice free. At Tuktoyaktuk, you can camp right next to the Arctic Ocean plus I suggest that you take 2 inflatable paddle boards and paddle along the coast. You can't do any of that at Deadhorse because of all the oil industry. On your way back, a lovely side trip would be to take one of the roads east towards the Yukon/Northwest Territories border. It is possible to drive at least part way into the headwaters of the Nahanni. Yet another suggestion. Circle around to Ford Simpson NWT and take a tour of the Nahanni from that side. Google Nahanni tours and you will find quite a few. Stunning. You have never seen anything like it. Oh!Oh!Oh! On your way home, head for Drumheller Alberta. The Dinosaur Museum has relics of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Legendary, it was a massive and fierce animal. That was where it lived. You can thank me later. And, in Alberta, there is a craft brewery making "Big Rock Traditional English Ale". It is really good. One more thing: In the north, you will drive for great distance without services. Be self sufficient. Choose good gravel / cut resistant all terrain tires.

[@captainpaddy1524]

@@Weretherussos Two KZbinrs in the north right now (I think). On the Dempster. This is what you can expect. Be prepared to be blown away. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaCkZaVmpduiZ5o

[@locomotivebreth1910]

I always carry a spare on my silverado. I wonder since you carry an air compressor if you could carry the over sized spare tire deflated so that it would fit under the van? You could inflate it if needed.

[@Weretherussos]

I thought about that but unless I had a way to keep it compressed it would still be too big

[@stuartstuart866]

Joe, what would happen if you installed a smaller tire on a non 4WD van? Isn’t that basically the same as a using a “donut” spare for a regular vehicle? I don’t carry as much equipment as you do, but I do carry a repair kit and air compressor

[@Weretherussos]

If you put it on the front axle it’s fine but if you put it on the rear with a limited slip differential it can damage that. You also would not want to be in 4wd with the smaller tire up front. And I mean like if you have 29” spare and a 35” tire

[@ericmed]

My Travato doesn't have a spare ✊🏻🪵 57k miles across the country

[@yangchan8002]

I had AWD Honda and got a flat tire I want the flat one replaced with a new tire but tire store will not do it 😅 I ended up getting all four new tires 😢 Honda came with a doughnut spare but that thing is limited to 55 miles per hour 😂😱 It was fun driving on the freeway under the limit and see all the car passes by 😢 but I made it home took longer than usual 😅 I once got this tire repair can I was supposed to use it when people get a flate the can have some type of glue inside and enough air to inflate the tire It didn't work I drove the car to a tire store when technician took down the tire and take the tire off the rim the whole thing just exploded on him he got those gooey stuff on him he was not happy he asked me did I use one of the tire can I said yes he said I should let him know first 😢

[@Gemstone71977]

A spare is kind of hard to do for a class A with 22.5 inch wheels.

[@bonniepwtf]

👋 Hi guys

[@Weretherussos]

Hey Bonnie 👋

[@andrewhill1251]

I'm putting my money on an externally mounted spare. Plug a nail hole in the field, no problem, but do you really want to try to remove a tire from a wheel in the middle of nowhere. Sounds like a great way to ruin an outing.

[@robertb2468]

I have changed my own tires for years, it's not as hard as you might think.

[@andrewhill1251]

@@robertb2468 you're talking about removing a tire from a rim? I've never tried it. Maybe just my ignorance

[@Weretherussos]

It’s not too bad to take a tire off of the rim and get it back on. It takes me about 5 minutes depending on how stubborn the tire wants to be. This comes in handy if you have a flat, mount your spare and then that goes as well.

[@hilarykatambira4189]

🙂

[@Homested_Happenings]

Mount that spare tire to the front bumper

[@SunshineAllDaywPugs]

That’s what I would like to do. I have promaster 3500 and my rear hitch has a stowaway2. I need recommendations for installation of front hitch for spare?

[@BradSavoie46]

What an idiotic question.