So, I have a question for you all.

When buying new wheels and tires, would you recommend getting a fifth wheel/tire combo to use as a matching spare?

How many people have had to use their spare?

I guess the question is, is it worth the expense, Can the stock spare act as a donut, or should one just count on a tow through AAA or some other road side care assistance?

I am about to make a purchase, and I am curious if I should be looking at the extra expense for a matching spare

 

I would find a used tire and wheel that would match up with your current set up, because nothing sucks more than having to buy something that you don't want long term.

 

Not so much to have as a matching spare so you still look good when you get a flat, but as a matching tire to work into your rotation schedule makes it a lot easier if you don't have a proper lift. You pull the "spare" out start the rotation process and put the last one off back into the spare tire spot. Personally I always liked having a matching spare for that set of reasons.

 

Agree 100% with FLO98. I run a rotation of 5 tires.

 

You should increase the life of your tires by 20%. Last time I rotated all 5 I got 88,xxx miles on OEM BFG.

 

I've recently done it both ways. Did not see a big gain on wear. IF your going with B.*** tires THEN you have to. I have 2 spares for the 37"s. Not a tire you can just pick up at the 7-11 & the tires are directional

 

It also might depend on how much you like your wheels. I currently have a set of 3 that I have been looking for a 4th for about 3 years

 

I plan on buying all new wheels and tires at the same time, just trying to determine if the extra cash on a fifth setup is worth it. I think I may just have to bite the bullet and get the fifth one...

 

I think it depends on if you are going to be out of range of quick help. You may want to just buy a spare tire and have it mounted on the road by a tire rig. This is what plan on as I can't lift a wheel / tire combo to the roof.
You can't run different sizes on LSDs and doing so in the front will probably cause steering issues.

 

Good point about the LSD issue. I am just going to spring for the full five, and shoehorn the fifth into the inside spare location. I have seen posts where others have been able to get a 35 wedged inside.

 

I ordered 5 wheels when I got mine and was able to re-use the OEM spare tire on it due to the cost being to high for me at the time. I personally would buy 5 wheels and buy the tire later if money is the issue.

 

Good plan USCG. Will think of you when I see the Finest Hour !
My company made the film and I have not seen the whole thing yet.

 

It was an OK movie, I wish they had done a different beginning of the movie. If they had, it would have been WAY more powerful. If you want to talk about it after you have seen it, just give a shout!

 

Good choice to buy the spare. I did so because I tow heavy and didn't want to stuck somewhere or have someone's hand in my wallet. I have used the spare twice in 120K, so to me it was worth it!

 

If you use your rig enough to actually wear out the tire's tread then yes, absolutely go with the 5th tire/rim, especially if they are oversized or an uncommon size/model that you wouldn't be able to easily match if on the road away from home.
A 35" will fit in the stock spare location without much drama at all, just take out the little filler piece at the bottom of the cradle section.
With our rig being our dedicated tow vehicle and having the 35"s on it I have been saying a little prayer before our trips, so far so good with that tactic but I don't want to push my luck too far with the Big Guy! Jeremy05 just recently hooked me up with a matching '04 lariat 18" rims so hopefully before our Summer long tows I will have a matched spare. With the rear locker I would have to put my stock spare up front and deal with the fun steering till a replacement could be found, looking forward to getting that 5th into the rotation!