Spare tire thoughts - Montana Owners Club

Last2Die · 05-05-2019, 09:30 AM

This summer we will be on the road about 2 months coast to coast , I was debating on getting another spare tire holder, rim and tire, or just keep the 1 spare tire that came with the unit but carry an extra tire in the back of my truck, debating on pros and cons. Does anyone carry 2 full spares..?

Thanks

Tony

Montana Man · 05-05-2019, 09:38 AM

I wouldn't carry a second. Just adds weight and takes up space. But, if you need to put on the spare, fixing the main tire is priority.

Unless... you have a brand of tires known for failures. Then a second spare would be advisable. Sounds like a fun trip, enjoy!

waynemoore · 05-05-2019, 09:47 AM

I never found a need for a second spare. But do be sure to check the spare to be sure it has air. Don’t ask me how I know about this

Mudchief · 05-05-2019, 09:57 AM

We are on our 3rd Montana and put at lot of miles on them and have never felt I need a second spare.

Dave W · 05-05-2019, 09:58 AM

We have done 2 coast to coast trips plus 2 extended trips to Maritime Canada along with a trip all over Maine in the past 5 years, 22,000+ miles and our spare just sits quietly in the truck bed having never been on the 5er. Good, high quality tires are a must along with ensuring that they are correctly inflated. Use of a TPMS is also a good idea

In the past 45 years, probably over 100K miles we have had exactly one flat on the last 5er and that was an incorrect rubber valve stem the installer used

richfaa · 05-05-2019, 10:22 AM

Over 130K miles on 2 Montanas and never a flat tire. We of course have quality tires on the Montana and a TPMS to keep a eye on things.

TennTom · 05-05-2019, 10:51 AM

Coast to coast I don't think I would worry about it but if you're heading up to Alaska or something like that you may want to consider a second one. I have thought about it myself for there is room under mine where the spare sits for a second one, possible a third. I have three axles and thought what if there was something on one side of the road, but then it would affect the TV also so nix that. Wayne mentioned making sure your spare has air. I carry a portable air compressor for just that reason. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...4683305?pos=12

mlh · 05-05-2019, 10:59 AM

If you have good G rated tires and I think you do I wouldn’t carry but one. You don’t carry an extra for your truck why carry one for your camper. If you have tires that are known to blow out two stares may not be enough.
Lynwood

Slow Hand · 05-05-2019, 12:26 PM

I have been across the country twice and never had a flat. I inspect my tires carefully before set out on the trip. Doenn't mean I can't have a flat but the chances are smaller if you do. So don't buy another tire.

Last2Die · 05-05-2019, 12:30 PM

I have the sailuns less then 1 year old and less then 2500 miles. Just trying to prepare for what if’s. I also carry a compressor that can inflate over the recommended 110 psi just in case. Also carry plugs. I do need to look Into a TPMS.

mtlakejim · 05-05-2019, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Last2Die

I have the sailuns less then 1 year old and less then 2500 miles. Just trying to prepare for what if’s. I also carry a compressor that can inflate over the recommended 110 psi just in case. Also carry plugs. I do need to look Into a TPMS.

The TPMS and a compressor are a far better idea than the second spare. That TPMS is a great peace of mind!

mazboy · 05-05-2019, 02:14 PM

waste of money. one tire for trailer, one tire for the truck will cover you needs.

Texan · 05-05-2019, 04:11 PM

I guess I will be just the opposite of everyone else. An air compressor would not have done me any good for what happened to me. I have had 2 wheels go bad in the last 3 years with one spare. Notice I said wheels as the Sailun's were not a problem. I was 500 miles from home when the 1st wheel cracked. I installed the spare and came on home as I was planning on making the trip that day. The 2nd one cracked o the way home from the National Rally in 2017. I hit a very rough seam in the road in Cincinati Ohio and the TPMS alerted me shortly afterward. Being a thousand miles from home I wanted a spare for the spare I installed on the rv before going further. A spare wheel is harder to come by than a wheel. I ordered one at a tire shop and received it the next day. So while everyone worry's about there tires they should also worry about there wheels. Yes I carry a spare for the spare in the bed of the truck for the rv now. I bought me a set of Hi-Spec wheels for the rv that don't have the spokes like the factory wheels so hopefully they are stronger. I know you can't cover all bases but I now have more peace of mind with an extra spare. No I probably wouldn't have a extra spare if this didn't happen to me but it did. If I was traveling to Alaska on some of the rough roads they have it would be a no brainer. An extra spare is not that much for peace of mind.

**DQDick** · 05-05-2019, 07:47 PM

In over 80,000 miles weve only had one tire problem. A 614 blew and a strip of tread took out the TST on the wheel behind it. Both tires were shot before I could pull over. Called Coach-net and told them I would need another tire. Service truck came out with the extra tire and we were good. Once in 9 years of full timing isn't worth trying to carry an extra spare to us.

chandy · 05-12-2019, 02:42 PM

I carry 2 spares, one under the 5ver and one between the cab and hitch; fits nice and snug and does not require any additional hardware/brackets. When your only spare is already on the ground your pucker factor elevates somewhat as you adjust your trip to include the next closest repair shop. CHANDY

Rollingthunder · 05-12-2019, 03:20 PM

Just a word of caution! Make sure the spare under the rig is securely attached. We had taken a long trip. 2500 miles with no issues. Left for a 150 mile trip and got chased through the campground after checking in as other campers noticed the spare hanging on by a thread. Now we have added this to our pre-trip checklist. As we always have checked our lights before pulling out each time, we now check the spare tire as well!!

phillyg · 05-12-2019, 03:35 PM

I've never had a second spare nor have I ever needed one. If I ever make that bucket list Alaska trip, I think I'd carry two for the RV and two for the TV.

laverdur · 05-12-2019, 06:03 PM

Since 2006 we have logged 150,000 miles on local and cross-country trips. Only had one flat and I gave that to myself when a screw fell out of the truck mud flap and the trailer wheel picked it up. That was on SOB and that was the only time the spare was on the ground - long enough to get the failed tire fixed. Closing in on 90,000 miles on my Monty and the spare has only been dropped to make sure it has enough air in it. Good tires and a TPMS lessen the probability that you will need a second spare.

druryg · 05-12-2019, 06:04 PM

I needed one and did not have. It was a tough ride home. I keep a second in the bed of the truck now.

Sometimes you push the limit on main tires as who wants to replace every 5 years when the still look great. It happens and the one time you may need it you decided there was no reason.

Golfmedik · 05-12-2019, 06:12 PM

I carry two spares for the fact that if you are traveling and blow out a tire at highway/interstate speeds, before you can get the rig stopped you may have damaged the remaining tire on that side as it has carried the load designed for two until stop the rig. The tire may not be visually damaged, but you just may find out a little farther down the road. It's happened twice in the group we travel with.

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