Where to Put a Full Size Spare Tire | 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Why do I carry a tire on my roof? Why not just use the donut that comes with the car? I answer these questions as well as where to put the full size spare tire. This video answers these questions for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek but it could still be useful to other car owners.
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[@DavidMichaelKalman]

Raise up your rear cargo floor about 2.5 inches using some foam inserts. Store your full size spare face down, and use the large empty space on the inside of the wheel for your tools wrapped in a towel. You lose a little bit of cargo height, but it actually makes the rear cargo space more flat.

[@EliasDelvasto]

Not a bad idea 🤔

[@VibingViking]

This is what I was thinking of doing with my Crosstrek also. I think I have to cut the plastic along the hatch opening so the tire can fit better, because right now that seems to be what’s stopping it.

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

@@VibingViking I fit the full sized spare with no modifications on my 2017 Impreza with the 17" stock wheels and all season/all weather tires. Do you have all terrain tires? Maybe you could air down the spare if it's too tight... of course you'd then want to carry a compressor...

[@VibingViking]

@@DavidMichaelKalman yeah I ended up going with 215/75R15 so just a hair bigger than stock. They are all terrain tires as well.

[@TrilobitesRTasty]

AND....your solution doesn't cost the hundreds of dollars for crossbars and the cargo basket...or the basket could be used for Cargo.

[@m1kel]

i did not expect the answer but clearly makes sense! thanks

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thanks for watching!

[@LtSHAKEnBAKE]

Best thing to have imo would be a compact air compressor. Save the donut for complete tire failure. For a slow leak, just air it up and head straight to a tire shop. I also keep a patch kit incase I’m traveling to further avoid having to use the donut. The one time I ever had to put on my donut was beciase I didn’t have my compact compressor with me and I got a puncture in the parking lot at my work.

[@EliasDelvasto]

That’s a solid solution. The air compressor is helpful in multiple ways too.

[@WEEKENDWNDR3RS]

I’m digging the editing on this video lol. Well done my friend. Well done. From a fellow crosstrek build channel…. I salute you

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thank you! Nice looking channel and nice build!

[@cruiserpatch]

The most pleasant 2 minutes of my year 😂 Man that was GOLD. The hat, the multiple points of view. 10/5

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thank you dear friend

[@TheDramaScene]

this guy GETS it - entertaining and informative!

[@EliasDelvasto]

I do what I can

[@espi100]

Cool video bro! Continue on what your doing for the community of our crosstrek. 😁 your tire and wheel setup video is the first I watched, and still thinking about if I would go change the stock 😁

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thank you so much! Definitely a lot to consider with the wheels and tires. Best of luck

[@Zx6r_Boyd]

Brother I loved this!

[@EliasDelvasto]

Bro thank you sir!

[@zdoehling]

I loved every minute of this -idbel

[@EliasDelvasto]

All of this support is amazing

[@MehruneTV]

Nice video ! Thank you :)

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thank you!

[@brads.3674]

Thanks. Seems so obvious now that you say it. Last cross country trip, I threw the full size spare in the back cargo area. Of course, the problem then is that the spare then takes up most of the space back there (and it smells funky???). I think I'll try a roof basket this time. Thanks again. I really appreciate that you kept it short and to the point.

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thanks for the comment! I hope it works for you.

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

Throwing the spare in the back also requires you to tie it down securely... otherwise it becomes a dangerous projectile in a collision.

[@tomasferrier]

Just got some mudflaps for my 2018! Plan on getting some new tires and rims this year. Possibly a lift kit depending on tire size!

[@EliasDelvasto]

That’s super exciting! Enjoy!

[@Mark.Taylor.]

When I am tootling around town I don't worry about it, when I go on a longer trip I either put in backseat OR fold down.

[@EliasDelvasto]

I typically store the tire inside for around town stuff so we are on the same page

[@joek81981]

You're absolutely right about the odd sizes. Like, I DARE you to find a 215/75 15 - by chance - in Shitfuck, Utah. The noise and the economy is (just my experience here) more than noticeable. I had more peace of mind with the full size, and if I were on a trip, solo, for sure, chuck the 5th one on top. But gollydang, the whole rigmarole is heavy and noisy, so I risk it with the donut and drive around town without the basket. EXCEPT for christmas time. Christmas lights are like 50% the reason I got a basket, to be honest. Good video. You put time and care into your video and I like that.

[@joek81981]

Pardon my french.

[@joek81981]

Its a beautiful town, I'm sure.

[@EliasDelvasto]

Thanks for your comment! I enjoyed reading it 😂

[@Deix25]

lmfao this comment made me laugh

[@yooper7753]

A pair of pliers and a can of fix a flat will most likely get you back on the road. The donut spare has the same height as the original tires, so it will not damaged the drive train. The 50 MPH is adequate for getting you off the road.

[@burningkarma]

Donuts are dangerous. Every vehicle I've had that had one I would have a full size spare put together with a similiar tire and a steel wheel. If you're like me and drive a lot, donuts just aren't an option. Also, keep a portable air compressor in your vehicle as well.

[@drm109626]

The problem with this video is that it's inaccurate if you are using the stocktires that donut will not do any damage to your drive train.

[@GregsTurtleHaven]

I have the same color trek and same basket. I need to pony up for an extra wheel and tire, or at least throw one of the stock wheels up there

[@EliasDelvasto]

It took me a while to get a spare too. Just don’t get a flat 👍

[@YTRulesFromNM]

I wish they made the well big enough.

[@darrylguise8493]

I have been told but have not tested - that a full size spare will fit the Crosstrek if deflated. You will need a compressor but it may be the safer option. Last trip rain was so heavy that the highway suffered some damage and I saw several cars with flat tyres due to hitting potholes. Imagine rejoining the highway in the wet with a skinny tyre with much less grip and having to go much slower than the heavies.

[@EliasDelvasto]

That’s why I like my full size spare. Definitely gives me peace of mind. I haven’t heard that deflating it would help it fit in the back. Could be worth a try. Thanks for sharing!

[@altrujillo3566]

I like the rack but haven't found a locking mount. What did you do??

[@EliasDelvasto]

I’ve been using a ratchet strap but hope to get a locking mount eventually. I might consider attempting a DIY version if I can’t find anything

[@l.ashleygarr6537]

I have a question, what do you do with the spare tire well since you won’t need it with a full size spare on the roof? Is their a storage well mod that can replace it?

[@EliasDelvasto]

That’s an excellent question. I actually haven’t done anything with it to be honest. The donut is still in there but I have brainstormed a few ideas. I can’t say any of the ideas that I’ve had have been amazing so far. I have seen some people make dividers for the space so they can keep different items in there. I’m always curious to hear different solutions though!

[@enriqueroman62]

Some small camping gear, or tools,, even dry food !

[@zdoehling]

Also your hat is cute -zee

[@EliasDelvasto]

Hehe :) thanks

[@briannevoodoo]

So I know you said you can't fit the full size spare in the well where the donut fits, but what exactly about it doesn't fit? Is it the diameter, or the width (as in, it's too tall once you put it in)? Just asking because if it fits (diameter) but the width is too tall, I can totally make it work with slightly reduced cargo space. Thanks in advance!

[@EliasDelvasto]

From what I can tell it was both. The diameter was too wide to fit. It was close but you might have to cut some things if you really wanted it to fit and even then it still might not work. The width was also an issue. If the tire had fit in the spot then it might have stuck up a few inches or so but it never was able to fit to really see. If you can, I’d suggest testing it yourself to see if you can think of a cool solution. I hope it goes well for you

[@briannevoodoo]

@@EliasDelvasto Thanks so much for the reply! You were right. I went to the dealership (and bought a 2023 limited!), and while I was there, I whipped out the tape measure and it indeed did not fit 🤕 Looks like I'm going to have to do the roof rack thing like you, too!

[@EliasDelvasto]

I’m glad you measured! Best of luck and congrats on the new car!

[@ricohernandez4248]

Do you chain up the tire to the roof cargo basket? In case someone steals it 😅

[@EliasDelvasto]

You’ve predicted the very video that I am working on next. I decided to go with a steel spare tire carrier which has an option for a lock to be added. I was afraid of someone stealing it too 😂

[@oingoboingo71]

Hi. Do you do 5 tires rotation? Do you include your full size spare tire on the rotation?

[@EliasDelvasto]

Good question! I currently do not but I plan to in the future. I actually got the spare later than the original four tires. I wanted them to wear evenly so I decided that when it comes time to get new tires then I’ll do a 5 tire rotation. I hope that helps

[@oingoboingo71]

Thank you so for the feedback. 🤙

[@keilmillerjr9701]

​@@EliasDelvastothat brings challenges with the tire air pressure monitoring system.

[@EliasDelvasto]

@@keilmillerjr9701 I have recently learned this so you are very right.

[@chuck4546]

I feel your pain! 😜😜 but nice vid.

[@enriqueroman62]

Only thing is, if you go to death valley during summer, like i do....youll need two spare tires, just in case.

[@EliasDelvasto]

😂 I guess you’ll be carrying one on the roof and one on a hitch carrier

[@zvijer2960]

I zoomed in and it looks like the tire size is 215/75/R15, so these tires should be the same height or circumference as the stock. My guess is the new tread is a little thick which should wear down in a few 1,000 miles. To the point the factory spare should be fine. Rick Hutton has a video on it.

[@BBQm8]

Wow, where did you get that hat

[@EliasDelvasto]

Hey thanks for noticing. It was a gift

[@bernchyu1181]

I disagree, most auto makers design your wheel well space to have the ability to carry a full size spare. The reason that they don't give you a full size as standard is for economic reasons. You can very much drive on a highway doing 60 mph without damaging the drivetrain. Obviously, you need to let people know you're slowing down or are driving slow by turning on your hazards. Driving a vehicle shouldn't be rocket science. It's sad that people make such investments not knowing a thing about cars. Putting a tire on the roof is definitely not the brightest move,. Even if you covered the tire and secured it, not worth the hassle and expense. Either put a full size that fits the wheel well inside your vehicle or use a spare correctly. To those reading, Im not trying to be negative but facts are facts. Such as, there's ways to disable AWD if you really needed to. So many things you can do in "emergency" situations if done correctly. Whenever I see tires on a roof, I can't help but hold emotions inside.

[@NIVO95]

I also disagree, most cars I've come across the spare storage is purposely made to fit the spare which in my experience 98% is smaller than full size. 1 for weight and 2 for cost