Should I remove my spare tire or not?

KSwanson

KSwanson

Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2022
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55
Location
AZ
As most of you know I’m knew to the Jeep family!
I have another silly question;
The spare on the back is stock and is definitely not the size of the tires that are on it now. Should I just take it off or is it best to leave it on?
 
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Couple thoughts:
1. If the existing isn't the same as the wheel/tire combo you have, would you, in the event of a flat, use that spare? If not, remove it.
2. If you were to add the same wheel/tire combo as a spare, do you know what the weight of that wheel/tire combo is? The reason I ask, if you're in the middle of nowhere, do you have the physical ability to hoist that spare off the tailgate, lift it onto the hub and hoist the flat into the rear of your JK?

Case in point, I was working on my tailgate/spare mount a couple years ago and had to remove the spare (Toyo MT with Moto Metal 962 wheels). The wheel/tire combination was around 108lbs. I told my wife if she ever flatted my JK to call AAA because there's no way she is gonna manhandle the existing tire off the hub or be able to remove the spare.

I'm not the guy saying, "girls can't do it," I'm just trying to be realistic and focus on practicality. I'd say the same thing if you were a guy asking the question. I also happen to think it's a matter of personal preference if you want to carry the extra weight of a spare or you prefer a different aesthetic for your JK.
 
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Everybody has such huge tires on this forum. I am fit but need my wife to help me remove our 225/75/16 spare for its yearly touch up (steel wheel) from winter salt. If you do need to put the smaller spare on remove J6 fuse ( track control gets confused) in the case of our 2010, and care full of your drive train at high speeds.
 
Anybodyhome said:
Couple thoughts:
1. If the existing isn't the same as the wheel/tire combo you have, would you, in the event of a flat, use that spare? If not, remove it.
2. If you were to add the same wheel/tire combo as a spare, do you know what the weight of that wheel/tire combo is? The reason I ask, if you're in the middle of nowhere, do you have the physical ability to hoist that spare off the tailgate, lift it onto the hub and hoist the flat into the rear of your JK?

Case in point, I was working on my tailgate/spare mount a couple years ago and had to remove the spare (Toyo MT with Moto Metal 962 wheels). The wheel/tire combination was around 108lbs. I told my wife if she ever flatted my JK to call AAA because there's no way she is gonna manhandle the existing tire off the hub or be able to remove the spare.

I'm not the guy saying, "girls can't do it," I'm just trying to be realistic and focus on practicality. I'd say the same thing if you were a guy asking the question. I also happen to think it's a matter of personal preference if you want to carry the extra weight of a spare or you prefer a different aesthetic for your JK.
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108lbs yikes, my sister in law weighs less then that. And I gave picking her up 25yrs ago when we were horsing around. ( Yes, some drinking was most likely involved) LOL
 
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Anybodyhome said:
Couple thoughts:
1. If the existing isn't the same as the wheel/tire combo you have, would you, in the event of a flat, use that spare? If not, remove it.
2. If you were to add the same wheel/tire combo as a spare, do you know what the weight of that wheel/tire combo is? The reason I ask, if you're in the middle of nowhere, do you have the physical ability to hoist that spare off the tailgate, lift it onto the hub and hoist the flat into the rear of your JK?

Case in point, I was working on my tailgate/spare mount a couple years ago and had to remove the spare (Toyo MT with Moto Metal 962 wheels). The wheel/tire combination was around 108lbs. I told my wife if she ever flatted my JK to call AAA because there's no way she is gonna manhandle the existing tire off the hub or be able to remove the spare.

I'm not the guy saying, "girls can't do it," I'm just trying to be realistic and focus on practicality. I'd say the same thing if you were a guy asking the question. I also happen to think it's a matter of personal preference if you want to carry the extra weight of a spare or you prefer a different aesthetic for your JK.
Click to expand...
Thank you! All of that makes complete sense! I’m strapped for any extra’s at the moment so buying a whole new matching tire/rim is not feasible at the moment so I’ll just remove the existing spare. It is teeny tiny compared to the others and doesn’t serve a purpose at all, would not do a damn thing in case of a flat.
When I’m not strapped getting a matching one would be great, and I have experience changing and man handling tires/changing them and what not..on full size pick ups and trailers. I had to learn to do all of that myself and I’m pretty strong so I could do it!
Thank you for all of that info. I appreciate you!
 
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TROY66/68 said:
108lbs yikes, my sister in law weighs less then that. And I gave picking her up 25yrs ago when we were horsing around. ( Yes, some drinking was most likely involved) LOL
Click to expand...

image.jpg
 
I had a pretty cool tire cover over the spare… but I was just feeling like it serves no purpose and just adds weight… but now it looks weird with it off? Should I remove the entire spare tire holder??
 
Will the tire carrier you have hold the 35 (weight, size and depth) when you do get it? If so, just leave it alone- we (the Jeep family) understand.
If you're going to have to upgrade the carrier to hold a 35, you're going to have to remove it sooner or later. If you do remove it, you're going to need a spare tire delete plate to cover all the bolt holes and vent, which will run you about $80. I'd just leave the existing carrier.
 
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Anybodyhome said:
Will the tire carrier you have hold the 35 (weight, size and depth) when you do get it? If so, just leave it alone- we (the Jeep family) understand.
If you're going to have to upgrade the carrier to hold a 35, you're going to have to remove it sooner or later. If you do remove it, you're going to need a spare tire delete plate to cover all the bolt holes and vent, which will run you about $80. I'd just leave the existing carrier.
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I never thought about that!
I highly doubt it would hold a bigger tire. Good idea. I’ll leave it on until I can get a delete plate.
What are these?? They’re like big rubber tubes??

image.jpg
 
Anybodyhome said:
Will the tire carrier you have hold the 35 (weight, size and depth) when you do get it? If so, just leave it alone- we (the Jeep family) understand.
If you're going to have to upgrade the carrier to hold a 35, you're going to have to remove it sooner or later. If you do remove it, you're going to need a spare tire delete plate to cover all the bolt holes and vent, which will run you about $80. I'd just leave the existing carrier.
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Also; is it necessary to leave it on until I get a delete plate? Because I could keep the bolts in to block the holes, the vent would just be a bit more exposed than it is already.
 
Funny, If any body lives near me I have 5 OEMs in my basement for the last ten years for free. I Just leave my 16in All Weathers on. Too much work flipping twice a year.
IMG_20220203_111018 (1).jpg
 
Anybodyhome said:
Will the tire carrier you have hold the 35 (weight, size and depth) when you do get it? If so, just leave it alone- we (the Jeep family) understand.
If you're going to have to upgrade the carrier to hold a 35, you're going to have to remove it sooner or later. If you do remove it, you're going to need a spare tire delete plate to cover all the bolt holes and vent, which will run you about $80. I'd just leave the existing carrier.
Click to expand...
I found these on Amazon… I’m assuming you would use these to plug up the holes after removing the long rubber tubes?

51D6ABF5-6372-4755-AA80-4D141B944128.png
 
KSwanson said:
I found these on Amazon… I’m assuming you would use these to plug up the holes after removing the long rubber tubes?

View attachment 121967
Click to expand...
There ya go!
And I honestly do not know if your spare carrier will handle a 35", I simply brought it up as something to be aware of.
I have 35 x 12.5 tires and my aftermarket spare carrier has a telescoping or adjustable hub to accommodate the deeper wheels.
 
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