Full size spare tire

[Kenster]

Went use my full size spare tire the other day and found out it is not the same size as the 18 inch tires on my truck. Shouldn't my full size spare tire be the same size as the rest of my tires?

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[TrailMaster]

Yes, it certainly should be. Unfortunately, Ford didn't see things that way when they slapped together our Mavericks. Lotsa threads on this subject, BTW.

 

[Blue_Max]

Ford changed the terminology from "full size" to "conventional" spare.

 

[SafetyGuy]

Ford changed the terminology from "full size" to "conventional" spare.

But, for the sake clarity, this is what Ford says what your spare tire should be, if towing.

My truck tire and spare...

I was going to start a thread to discuss it, but there are enough already

Therefore I will just add this info to my towing thread as good to know information for towing!

I am still in discussions with Ford dealer re the small tire on my tow pkg Lariat...it is not appropriate.

Of course, I don't expect satisfaction, but seeing how they handle it.

Right now is a good time to feel out your dealer, when a serious repair is not on the line.

One of my favourite sayings relates to this exercise...

"What you do with little, insignificant things, indicates what you will also do on big, important things".

So, ball is on their court, and I will "press" forward!

Andy

 

[Blue_Max]

A true full-size spare will not fit in the spare storage space unless the junk that holds it in place is modified. There are topics in this forum where people have shown the modifications they've made.

The spare Ford provides will get your Maverick to somewhere that you can get your damaged tire repaired. Of course it's not safe to tow something if you're using a different-sized tire.

I guarantee you that Ford is not the only manufacturer to make such compromises regarding spare tires.

 

[SafetyGuy]

A true full-size spare will not fit in the spare storage space unless the junk that holds it in place is modified. There are topics in this forum where people have shown the modifications they've made.

The spare Ford provides will get your Maverick to somewhere that you can get your damaged tire repaired. Of course it's not safe to tow something if you're using a different-sized tire.

I guarantee you that Ford is not the only manufacturer to make such compromises regarding spare tires.

If needed, I have the tools to modify the toothed securing device, a tape measure to try to ensure I don't start trimming with a wild look on my eyes!

But, now that you mentioned it...why reinvent the wheel when others have provided potential solutions for my own evaluation.

Thanks!

Andy

 

[jimbabwe]

I bought a rim from Ebay and a full-size tire matching the 4 on the truck. Full tire works fine with the existing storage on my 2025 XL hybrid. I guess the only other thing is I should think about rotating the spare to ensure it wears with the other tires, but then again, maybe not...

 

[SafetyGuy]

I bought a rim from Ebay and a full-size tire matching the 4 on the truck. Full tire works fine with the existing storage on my 2025 XL hybrid. I guess the only other thing is I should think about rotating the spare to ensure it wears with the other tires, but then again, maybe not...

I do a 5 tire rotation on our ProMaster 3500 class B van. I monitor the tread wear like a hawk and rotate them after every trip...the front wheel drive with a 9000 lb-ish van wears them down quite quickly.

I have my tread guage with me at all-time when travelling as well as my portable pump, bright flashlight for inspecting and the tools to self recover if I have a flat in areas of no cell service.

I use top quality Michelin tires, designed for the heavy loads and higher pressures that the van has.

I also record my tire measurements and where I move them...that is just what I do to save money (by efficiently using all 5 tires), and driving more safely (I inspect my tires every stop and stay on top of tire pressures and their even-ness. It all adds up.

Cheers

Andy

 

[2024_xl_hybrid b&w]

A true full-size spare will not fit in the spare storage space unless the junk that holds it in place is modified. There are topics in this forum where people have shown the modifications they've made.

The spare Ford provides will get your Maverick to somewhere that you can get your damaged tire repaired. Of course it's not safe to tow something if you're using a different-sized tire.

I guarantee you that Ford is not the only manufacturer to make such compromises regarding spare tires.

Sorry but I disagree, I switched out the spare with my oem continental 225/65r17 take offs yesterday with no modification to the shark jaw. I did let out about 2 psi but I carry a Dewalt jump starter/air compressor under my rear seat. I snugged it up tight so the teeth fit in the tread groves. Those without a hitch will have more room so there's no need to reduce psi. It's tight but it fits.

 

[Blue_Max]

Sorry but I disagree, I switched out the spare with my oem continental 225/65r17 take offs yesterday with no modification to the shark jaw. I did let out about 2 psi but I carry a Dewalt jump starter/air compressor under my rear seat. I snugged it up tight so the teeth fit in the tread groves. Those without a hitch will have more room so there's no need to reduce psi. It's tight but it fits.

I haven't tried it. I merely repeated what I've read in other topics. Looks like you have a good workaround.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Sorry but I disagree, I switched out the spare with my oem continental 225/65r17 take offs yesterday with no modification to the shark jaw. I did let out about 2 psi but I carry a Dewalt jump starter/air compressor under my rear seat. I snugged it up tight so the teeth fit in the tread groves. Those without a hitch will have more room so there's no need to reduce psi. It's tight but it fits.

Will folks who have 18s or 19s and would like a full size spare.
Have to grind down the teeth in order to make those size tires fit underneath the truck in the spare carry area?
I'm guessing those teeth are there next to the spare tire for some type of safety reason?? If the teeth are a safety device. Will removing them affect possibly the next owner, who may never tow with the vehicle. Yet a safety device has been permanently removed.
Perhaps the "safetyguy" can answer this.

My recommendation is that you leave all safety equipment intact on the truck. If you have a tire that needs to be replaced. You replace the tire with the spare. Ubhook the trailer so that it's "safe" to drive the truck and get yourself a replacement tire.
Personally I would just drive the truck with the trailer attached using the spare tire at a lower speed until I can get it replaced.

 

[2024_xl_hybrid b&w]

I haven't tried it. I merely repeated what I've read in other topics. Looks like you have a good workaround.

I understand as I read conflicting things about this too. I'll be keeping an eye on it just to take sure the teeth are rubbing.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

I'm guessing those teeth are there next to the spare tire for some type of safety reason?? If the teeth are a safety device.

Correct, in an accident the teeth would POP the spare so there's more crumple zone room.

 

[SafetyGuy]

Will folks who have 18s or 19s and would like a full size spare.
Have to grind down the teeth in order to make those size tires fit underneath the truck in the spare carry area?
I'm guessing those teeth are there next to the spare tire for some type of safety reason?? If the teeth are a safety device. Will removing them affect possibly the next owner, who may never tow with the vehicle. Yet a safety device has been permanently removed.
Perhaps the "safetyguy" can answer this.

My recommendation is that you leave all safety equipment intact on the truck. If you have a tire that needs to be replaced. You replace the tire with the spare. Ubhook the trailer so that it's "safe" to drive the truck and get yourself a replacement tire.
Personally I would just drive the truck with the trailer attached using the spare tire at a lower speed until I can get it replaced.

I find it a good idea normally, not to mess with safety equipment.

But, I haven't done any measurements or had a sit down to go over all pertinent information before getting at it in any permanent kind of way.

As for another owner, I always let them know, when I sell or trade a vehicle, of any non standard repairs/changes.

I keep a copy of any and all repairs/work done on my vehicles and pass it on to the new owner for their information. I dont like surprises...no one does.

I will try to post my thoughts and findings once I decide on a course of action.

Cheers

Andy

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