There are a number of posts on various RV websites with the question of whether or not you should carry a spare tire in your RV. This is not a “technical” issue, but one that has several questions you need to consider. Those are: (1) your physical capabilities; (2) your knowledge; (3) the space availability in or on your RV; and (4) your finances.
Basically for Class C, Class B and towables with 14″, 15″ and 16″ tires, most of us can probably do the job if we have the required tools and the basic knowledge of how to change a tire. If you have never changed a tire or do not have the required jack or lug wrench or socket and bar, then you probably will need to plan on calling for “road service.”
Road service
There are a number of programs you can pay for so all you need to do is call for road service and pay the fees. The costs should be identified when you contact road service insurance companies, so you can plan accordingly. If you have a Class A with 19.5 or 22.5 size tires, then road service is the most likely option. Remember, a mounted Class A tire can weigh more than 200 lbs.
If you feel you are physically capable of changing a 14″ through 16″ tire for a trailer through Class C, then we are back to the question of having the required tools and experience. I would suggest that you test yourself while at home and with a knowledgeable person observing for safety reasons. You need to confirm you can do the job with the tools you normally carry.
Issues to consider regarding changing a tire
There are a number of issues you need to consider, so do not attempt this job if you have not changed a tire in the last few years. Be sure you know the proper location for the jack under the RV. Do you have chocks to keep the RV from moving while you are replacing the wheel & tire? Do you have the strength and tools to generate the 75 to 200+ foot-pounds of torque to loosen and tighten the lug nuts? Are you strong enough to get the spare tire from its storage position to the ground? Can you reattach the flat tire back into the storage location? Do you know how tight the lug nuts need to be after you change the tire?
Where to carry a spare tire
Regarding carrying the spare, not all RVs have a good place to store a mounted spare tire. Is it hanging under the RV, or is it in an inside a storage location? If inside, can you lift the mounted tire and wheel back into the RV? If it is hung under the RV, when was the last time you confirmed the “crank” still worked? I have seen the driver of a small Class C-type vehicle discover that the crank that held the spare tire under the RV was rusted tight and would not turn.
Here is an old video (when my blog ended with .com not the current .net) regarding RV spare tires:
There are other details to consider. I will post more next week.
Roger Marble
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If you have tire questions, check out Roger’s Blog as well as his posts on RVtravel.com. There are hundreds of posts covering everything to do with tires.
If you still have a question for Roger after searching the above posts, send your inquiries to him using the form below.
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##RVT1201
21′ single axle TT – Won’t leave home without the spare. Glad I checked when we first bought the TT. My lug nut socket wasn’t deep enough to get the spare off the mount. The OEM used long studs (for spares) with lug nuts to hold the spare in place. I have to use a deep socket for the mount! For what it’s worth, I also carry tools to swap bearings and adjust the brakes.
And yes, I remove the cover to inspect and check pressure before every trip.
My TT has the spare mounted underneath and uses a cable to secure it, like a lot of pickups have. I can use my cordless drill to lower and raise the tire and then slide it.
We made space in our class A for a spare. It would need inflating, but at least we have a tire of the right size if we need it in a pinch.
Thank you for the discussion, Roger! We are looking, ideally, for a used tire to take with us to Alaska this summer. It will be unmounted and used in an emergency, if at all. We will lash it to the roof rack of the Jeep. Our tire size is 305 70R 22.5, so likely well over 100 pounds even unmounted. Have a great week and safe travels!