Need a spare Trailer Tire

[Dale Finch]

Now that I have a dual axle trailer with brakes, I am looking for a spare tire for it. Not easy to find a good used one WITH a rim, though, and haven't really started looking at new ones. ($$$$$!)

Anyone have or know of a 235/70R15 tire and rim for sale or have suggestions for finding one? Just hate driving without a spare. Thanks

[Stanton]

Sorry, can't help you out with that. I bought new tires for my trailer earlier this year and ended up keeping the best looking one. Then found a tire dealership that had a bunch of used tires and rims. He fixed me up with the same bolt pattern rim, mounted my tire for $20. Seemed to be a good way to have a spare.

You might check around at some of your local tire guys. I'd recommend the independent ones first, not the national chain stores.

[Barnyard]

Craigslist for used, WalMart or TSC for new with rim.

[Steve Butram]

Lowes or Home Depot if you can figure out the bolt spacing.

[Mr Joshua]

I went to a junk yard for mine.

[Dale Finch]

Question: do I need the same rated spare tire as the rest, or just something I can get home with? This tire (235/70R15) is big and hefty with high load rating (don't remember for sure, but E?) and the regular tire places don't get many. I did call a couple local tire places, especially the one I get my tractor tires from, and they said doubtful many places would have them.

So, can I use a different size or rating as a spare? I know I should get ALL new tires (keeping the best old one as spare) since I bought it used, but just can't afford it now.

[Mr Joshua]

I bought a new tire for my father inlaws trailer for 70 and that was mounted. i got a rim from a junk yard for 10. I have heard of people using car tires but me personally i like to be safe.

[Rob in NH]

i bought a new trailer tire and rim from a tire place. dale, dont take a chance buy new and be safe.

[Dale Shaw]

Just a bit smaller
http://www.tractorsupply.com/carry-on-t ... n--3014040

[Dale Finch]

Just a bit smaller
http://www.tractorsupply.com/carry-on-t ... n--3014040

The problem with this is it is rated at 1820lbs and only 6-ply. Would that work carrying possibly 2 Cubs or a SA and Cub...about 5-7000lbs? That is what I need to know...what can be used safely as a spare?

[redfin]

Depending on what size , hub dia. and bolt pattern you have , these will generally interchange with some type of auto rim.

example 2001 - 2009 ford f 150.. Once you have that info. you will be better able to close in on your needs. Good Luck.

[Barnyard]

...what can be used safely as a spare?

The key word here is safely. Keep your spare the same as your other tires. Although a smaller tire will fit, you may be using the spare as your main tire longer than you anticipate. For a few bucks more you are better off having all one size. You also want to make sure the tire is rated for a truck or trailer. Most of these would have ST or LT in there size description.

[Jim Becker]

A lot of the 7K or so rated tandem trailers have a wheel bolt pattern that matches either a Ford or Chevy pickup (from when they had 5-bolt wheels). You can probably find one at a junk yard, just need to check bolt patterns. Keep as close to the other tires (size and rating) as possible. Minor differences, like a size smaller, aren't that critical. If you do need to use it, you can always take it a little slower for the rest of the trip.

I have also decided that if you have one tire of a set fail (as in fly apart, not get a puncture) it is time to replace the whole set.

[Dale Finch]

I have also decided that if you have one tire of a set fail (as in fly apart, not get a puncture) it is time to replace the whole set.

I agree with you, Jim, on this...I just had a very slow speed blowout on my 1990 F250, and since I had
no idea how old they were, I replaced them all. (One of the reasons I am now broke!!!) I just can't do that right now...maybe a few months down the road.

[Rudi]

Dale:

Would suggest as others have mentioned that you keep the same size/rating as what you either currently have or intend to purchase. I would then purchase the new spare - a rim is a rim - I have rims from my local recycler (tires too )that are just as good as a brand new rim or any of the rims on my 2000 DGC. For my trailer I have just purchased two new complete assemblies - at $100.00 apiece it was a little expensive but well worth it.

So my suggestion would be to buy the spare that will be the same as what you have now, but will also match the tires you will get when you replace the other 4. That way no questions, you will know what you have and what the ratings are. Safety first.