Maximum Spare Tire Size

[jspa]

One of the first upgrades that I did to my Maverick was a 2in level/lift and put larger tires on. The tires I put on are 245/70/R17 BFG KO2s.

As part of that upgrade, I wanted to add a spare that is the same size as the rest of the tires. When I measured the spare tire well, It was going to be close, so I took a chance. I ordered a steel wheel off ebay that was 6.5 in wide and the correct lug pattern (roughly $85). I then went to a local used tire shop and found a used 245/70/R17 ($45 installed and balanced on the rim).

Then the moment of truth. . . IT FITS . . . Well, sorta. I did have to re-locate some wires that were getting pinched towards the front of the vehicle. I think it is safe to say that this is the largest tire size you can fit in the spare tire well. And it would probably be close if you had a new AT tire with more tread.

Hopefully this info and the attached pictures will help answer some questions out there. I tried to document the sizes, tolerances, and the wires that needed re-locating.

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[numike]

interesting and informative ty

 

[My1stFord]

It is good info for those looking to do the same.

For me, I think I'd the donut spare. As I don't plan on off roading this thing.

 

[gagonoy]

Great information. I also upgraded to 245/70R17 tires. I payed for a full size spare, so i think all i need to do is change out the tire size. Some key points to know is to get a used tire to make sure some of the treads are worn down a bit and the re-routing of some wires. But it’s great to know it is possible to to have a 245/70R17 spare in the spare well.

 

[jayrx7trbo2]

that means i should be good with 245/65/17 for a spare if you can fit the 70 series

 

[Lynyrd Skynyrd]

Maybe I missed it. Did you cut off or bend the points that are there for rear end collision? I couldn’t fit a 225 in that spot and let it go as I’m not a fan of the gas tank blowing up incase some moron hits me

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Maybe I missed it. Did you cut off or bend the points that are there for rear end collision? I couldn’t fit a 225 in that spot and let it go as I’m not a fan of the gas tank blowing up incase some moron hits me

I'm glad you asked, considering we just had this conversation a couple of weeks ago,,,,

HRG

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Maybe I missed it. Did you cut off or bend the points that are there for rear end collision? I couldn’t fit a 225 in that spot and let it go as I’m not a fan of the gas tank blowing up incase some moron hits me

@jspa, Can you jump in?

HRG

 

[jspa]

I did not make any structural changes to the vehicle, all I did was relocate a wiring harness.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I did not make any structural changes to the vehicle, all I did was relocate a wiring harness.

Thanks! HRG

 

[Lynyrd Skynyrd]

Maybe mavericks are built different. Could not fit a 225 under mine.
That and others had to lop it off for a 235. Amazing

 

[Nw_adventure]

Maybe mavericks are built different. Could not fit a 225 under mine.
That and others had to lop it off for a 235. Amazing

I need to sort this out- Will measure things out tomorrow- Would like a 245/65/17 spare to match-

 

[NoVaJimmy]

Maybe mavericks are built different. Could not fit a 225 under mine.
That and others had to lop it off for a 235. Amazing

I finally got around to testing one of my 235/65R18 wheel/tires in the spare tire area and no way it could fit without cutting out the serrated sheet metal part designed to pop the tire in a rear end impact. No thanks. Seemed like you could also do something janky and wedge the tire in front of that piece but the engineers designed and placed it there for a reason. Not sure how other people are getting larger spares to fit there without cutting that piece out. Maybe it's a tow hitch thing? Does the 4k tow package have a more beefy hitch? Maybe the larger spare tires fit without the tow hitch in the way?

 

[thevol]

I did not make any structural changes to the vehicle, all I did was relocate a wiring harness.

Can you take another pic showing the clearance between those teeth and the tire?

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