Is a trailer spare necessary?

[rubicon327]

The overland crowd debate one spare versus two. I’ve had several tire issues over my years of towing trailers. Will never be without a spare.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

It’s overkill n takes up some weight but I carry 2 spare tires for our 21 one on the back n one in the truck bed Been thinking of mounting the 2nd under the tongue of the 21. Any thought on that approach for my 2nd spare

Here is how I did it on a 21 under the tongue with winch when I relocated the spare for a mini-split condenser...
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post292144

[escape artist]

Hi: Globetrotter... A spare is not necessary... until you have a flat!!! Kinda like A/C isn't necessary... until it gets hot. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Oldtimer]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Here is how I did it on a 21 under the tongue with winch when I relocated the spare for a mini-split condenser...
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post292144

Ty

David

[Jim Bennett]

Your likelihood to get a flat on the trailer is extremely low, that is of course unless you don't have a spare, then the odds of getting one go up a lot.

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

What else would you carry on the rear end?

See quote below. "_

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I believe Jim Bennett mounted his up front using a kit and winch down, similar to what is on trucks. He then installed a big box in the rear.

Yes sir, that is what I used, a tire winch from Lippert which can be raised or lowered with my ratcheting 3/4" wrench from my X-Chocks, though have not had to yet.

[alanmalk]

One word:
Murphy's Law

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

One word:
Murphy's Law

Hi: alanmalk... That's two!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Nindy]

I had only had my trailer for three years when I had a blowout on the highway and needed the spare. Turned out the other tire also had a nail and I ended up buying two new tires before continuing down the road.

[oreo]

It's only necessary if you get a flat .

[DanandDaphne]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

I’ll second that. I wouldn’t use it in a bicycle tire. I might use it on a riding mower/lawn tractor because the likelihood of injury when it fails to work properly isn’t very high on slow moving yard maintenance equipment.

I carry a can of fix a flat in all of our vehicles, I don't plan on using them but they are there for emergencies. I had a friend killed changing a tire on the side of I 70 probably twenty five years ago. In those kind of dangerous situations I would use fix a flat and try to get to a safer spot. It's not worth loosing your life over a tire.
Dan

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

if I didn't carry a spare I be sure to have a flat

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by DanandDaphne

I carry a can of fix a flat in all of our vehicles, I don't plan on using them but they are there for emergencies. I had a friend killed changing a tire on the side of I 70 probably twenty five years ago. In those kind of dangerous situations I would use fix a flat and try to get to a safer spot. It's not worth loosing your life over a tire.
Dan

Using "FixAFlat" along the highway is just as dangerous, you have to position the tire valve vertically down and stand there holding the container while the contents enter your flat tire, all the while exposed to oncoming traffic. With the advent of cell phones, it is safer to remain inside your vehicle and wait for assistance. But you still need a spare tire for road service to change.

[DanandDaphne]

Its just as dangerous while you are standing there on the side of the road that is correct. it just takes less time. I can't change a tire anywhere near that fast as I can put in a can of fix a flat. You can also use the can upright and use it to just add air in a pinch if you have a slow leak. It's also so when Daphne is driving alone, it could get her home instead of sitting there waiting for roadside assistance.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by DanandDaphne

I carry a can of fix a flat in all of our vehicles, I don't plan on using them but they are there for emergencies. I had a friend killed changing a tire on the side of I 70 probably twenty five years ago. In those kind of dangerous situations I would use fix a flat and try to get to a safer spot. It's not worth loosing your life over a tire.
Dan

Sorry for the loss of your friend. A good reminder to all of us to be very careful along any roadway. Some may not be comfortable with this but those of us with dual axles always have the option to travel a short distance on three tires to get to a safer spot. Also one can try to pull over to the median or the opposite shoulder on a non-divided road to put an otherwise outboard driver’s side tire onto the more protected side of the trailer.

[Mike G]

I can't afford a trailer spare. I only have money for one trailer.


I do carry a tire/wheel spare, though...

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by DanandDaphne

I carry a can of fix a flat in all of our vehicles, I don't plan on using them but they are there for emergencies. I had a friend killed changing a tire on the side of I 70 probably twenty five years ago. In those kind of dangerous situations I would use fix a flat and try to get to a safer spot. It's not worth loosing your life over a tire.
Dan

Exactly why I've had a TPMS in all of my trailers. Lots of warning to get to safe spot to deal with an alarm. No blowouts in 40 years............

[Allan Bornestig]

Coming up from Anza Borrego, stopped at Adelanto, did a circle check of the rig.One sheetmetal screw in trailer tire.Did not seem to loose air.The screw was at the edge of the tire.Drove to River Run RV Park at Bakersfield.Changed the tire there.Nobody will repair a damaged trailer tire, some liability issue.Drove home to Vancouver without incident.
Heading home from a hunting trip, one tire one my sons car hauler trailer had a bulge.
We stopped at a pullout, watched the tire explode shooting gravel at us.
I will never leave home without a spare.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Allan Bornestig

One sheetmetal screw in trailer tire.Did not seem to loose air.The screw was at the edge of the tire.
...
Nobody will repair a damaged trailer tire, some liability issue.

I doubt there's any issue with repairing trailer tires in general, but regardless if tire type repairs are only done in the tread area, and not at the edge of it or in the sidewall. That is a safety and liability issue.

[Iowa Dave]

I do not know if it’s the flexing of the sidewall, the thickness, the composition or whatever but even years ago when we used to fix tires, sidewall repairs did not hold. For customers who Severely damaged a tubeless tire in the tread area we would use a very heavy duty patch called a “boot”. The boot was applied with an adhesive and then sealed with a electrically heated c clamp looking device and was said to be Vulcanized in place. Then a tire tube of the correct size was put inside the tire for additional strength and air holding capability. It was pretty difficult to balance that combination so the admonition was usually, “it might get you by for a spare but I wouldn’t get too far out of town.” This was before the term “litigious society” became commonplace. When a buck was still silver and a joint a bad place to be.
Iowa Dave

[cpaharley2008]

I remember my dad's first set of radials. Being used to bias ply tires, I thought they were flat, and added 60 psi to make them look unflat. My father caught my mistake and lowered the pressure to the door sticker. Dave, your comment about vulcanizing reminded me of the recap tires being sold as vulcanized to the casing. Used to carry a set of recap snow tires in my trunk.