What to do with my unused spare tire?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 61
Likes: 37
What to do with my unused spare tire?
So, my truck is in the 45k mile range, and it's time to swap out the tires. I've decided to go with Michelin Defenders because I'm just not that happy with the stock Bridgestone Duelers.
Given how much I tow, that means swapping out the full sized spare as well, which leaves me with a completely unused (if slightly dusty) tire with full tread.
I've listed it on marketplace, but there doesn't seem to be much demand for an LT 275/70R18 even at half price.
Does anyone have any ideas on what to do with this thing? Or should I just bite the bullet and let the tire shop charge me $16 to "dispose" of this basically new tire.
Given how much I tow, that means swapping out the full sized spare as well, which leaves me with a completely unused (if slightly dusty) tire with full tread.
I've listed it on marketplace, but there doesn't seem to be much demand for an LT 275/70R18 even at half price.
Does anyone have any ideas on what to do with this thing? Or should I just bite the bullet and let the tire shop charge me $16 to "dispose" of this basically new tire.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 302
Likes: 208
I've had 100% success putting things like this next to the driveway with the word FREE. And its gone before sunset.
Got rid of 3 trailer tires, still good tread, but over 6 years old this way.
FREE is a powerful motivator.
Got rid of 3 trailer tires, still good tread, but over 6 years old this way.
FREE is a powerful motivator.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 539
From: Florida
Why do you need to swap out the spare? Are you changing sizes? Heck a lot of Super Duty trucks with 20" wheels/tires came with an 18" spare.
I'm in the same boat... 51k and 40% of that towing, new tires this summer (likely Nittos or Falkens in OE size) to replace the Duelers, but the spare is staying until the next tire change. Based on my current consumption rate, the spare will be six years old then and time to go. If I had a flat, the spare will be on there only as long as it takes to patch the flat.
Now if I was intent on a 5-tire rotation and had a matching aluminum wheel (+ TPMS), I'd totally buy a fifth new tire to match the other four. Otherwise, seems like a waste to put a new tire on a steel wheel just to sit under the bed. YMMV, good luck.
I'm in the same boat... 51k and 40% of that towing, new tires this summer (likely Nittos or Falkens in OE size) to replace the Duelers, but the spare is staying until the next tire change. Based on my current consumption rate, the spare will be six years old then and time to go. If I had a flat, the spare will be on there only as long as it takes to patch the flat.
Now if I was intent on a 5-tire rotation and had a matching aluminum wheel (+ TPMS), I'd totally buy a fifth new tire to match the other four. Otherwise, seems like a waste to put a new tire on a steel wheel just to sit under the bed. YMMV, good luck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 1,629
Why do you need to swap out the spare? Are you changing sizes? Heck a lot of Super Duty trucks with 20" wheels/tires came with an 18" spare.
I'm in the same boat... 51k and 40% of that towing, new tires this summer (likely Nittos or Falkens in OE size) to replace the Duelers, but the spare is staying until the next tire change. Based on my current consumption rate, the spare will be six years old then and time to go. If I had a flat, the spare will be on there only as long as it takes to patch the flat.
Now if I was intent on a 5-tire rotation and had a matching aluminum wheel (+ TPMS), I'd totally buy a fifth new tire to match the other four. Otherwise, seems like a waste to put a new tire on a steel wheel just to sit under the bed. YMMV, good luck.
I'm in the same boat... 51k and 40% of that towing, new tires this summer (likely Nittos or Falkens in OE size) to replace the Duelers, but the spare is staying until the next tire change. Based on my current consumption rate, the spare will be six years old then and time to go. If I had a flat, the spare will be on there only as long as it takes to patch the flat.
Now if I was intent on a 5-tire rotation and had a matching aluminum wheel (+ TPMS), I'd totally buy a fifth new tire to match the other four. Otherwise, seems like a waste to put a new tire on a steel wheel just to sit under the bed. YMMV, good luck.
The spare tire is meant to get you somewhere where the flat tire can be fixed or replaced. Even being a full-size spare, that's its intent, which is why OEMs generally put a steel wheel there that doesn't match (unless it's something where the spare is exposed like a Bronco or a Jeep).
If I were in your shoes, I'd save the money on the spare tire and leave it alone.
Trailering
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 5
Offer free or pay the disposal fee after you are sure the new spare fits and if using a new rim, it won’t scratch when stowed under the truck.
I have a few things listed for my old truck that are not selling. A workshop manual, alternator, and a couple other things. The workshop manual I’ve offered to sell for the cost of postage to me, no takers.
Locally, the market is flooded with alternators and who wants a paper copy of a workshop manual if you can get an electronic one from eBay for the same price?
After two months, I’ve decided I am going to give these to the base auto hobby shop or throw it away if they don’t want it. I’ve spent at least 20 hours listing across five platforms, monitoring the listings , and answering messages.
I have a few things listed for my old truck that are not selling. A workshop manual, alternator, and a couple other things. The workshop manual I’ve offered to sell for the cost of postage to me, no takers.
Locally, the market is flooded with alternators and who wants a paper copy of a workshop manual if you can get an electronic one from eBay for the same price?
After two months, I’ve decided I am going to give these to the base auto hobby shop or throw it away if they don’t want it. I’ve spent at least 20 hours listing across five platforms, monitoring the listings , and answering messages.
Last edited by Ford6.7ski; May 21, 2026 at 07:16 AM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 633
From: McKinney, TX
The Bridgestones are crappy tires... but having said that, it makes a great spare tire...
You don't mention how old your truck is... that's really the determining factor, and you don't mention your locale. I would be more inclined to replace the spare if I was in the hot, dry southwest, than I would be if I lived up north. I usually swap my spare tires out every 5 years, and if I lived in Phoenix, for example, I would do it every 4.
I understand the desire to have matching tires, even the spare... I'm OCD like that, too... but it's really unnecessary as long as the tire is in good repair, and it's not age cracked. Besides, you are paying ~$400 each for new tires, what is another $16? If you are frugal, and as was mentioned, just keep discounting your price on your advertised tire until it sells, or give it away. Many local municipal dumps also take tires for free if you are a resident. Barring that, a midnight run to a tire store... they usually store the used tires destined for disposal out back somewhere... just throw your tire up on the stack, or leave it outside the area.
You don't mention how old your truck is... that's really the determining factor, and you don't mention your locale. I would be more inclined to replace the spare if I was in the hot, dry southwest, than I would be if I lived up north. I usually swap my spare tires out every 5 years, and if I lived in Phoenix, for example, I would do it every 4.
I understand the desire to have matching tires, even the spare... I'm OCD like that, too... but it's really unnecessary as long as the tire is in good repair, and it's not age cracked. Besides, you are paying ~$400 each for new tires, what is another $16? If you are frugal, and as was mentioned, just keep discounting your price on your advertised tire until it sells, or give it away. Many local municipal dumps also take tires for free if you are a resident. Barring that, a midnight run to a tire store... they usually store the used tires destined for disposal out back somewhere... just throw your tire up on the stack, or leave it outside the area.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 535
From: DFW
The Bridgestones are crappy tires... but having said that, it makes a great spare tire...
You don't mention how old your truck is... that's really the determining factor, and you don't mention your locale. I would be more inclined to replace the spare if I was in the hot, dry southwest, than I would be if I lived up north. I usually swap my spare tires out every 5 years, and if I lived in Phoenix, for example, I would do it every 4.
I understand the desire to have matching tires, even the spare... I'm OCD like that, too... but it's really unnecessary as long as the tire is in good repair, and it's not age cracked. Besides, you are paying ~$400 each for new tires, what is another $16? If you are frugal, and as was mentioned, just keep discounting your price on your advertised tire until it sells, or give it away. Many local municipal dumps also take tires for free if you are a resident. Barring that, a midnight run to a tire store... they usually store the used tires destined for disposal out back somewhere... just throw your tire up on the stack, or leave it outside the area.
You don't mention how old your truck is... that's really the determining factor, and you don't mention your locale. I would be more inclined to replace the spare if I was in the hot, dry southwest, than I would be if I lived up north. I usually swap my spare tires out every 5 years, and if I lived in Phoenix, for example, I would do it every 4.
I understand the desire to have matching tires, even the spare... I'm OCD like that, too... but it's really unnecessary as long as the tire is in good repair, and it's not age cracked. Besides, you are paying ~$400 each for new tires, what is another $16? If you are frugal, and as was mentioned, just keep discounting your price on your advertised tire until it sells, or give it away. Many local municipal dumps also take tires for free if you are a resident. Barring that, a midnight run to a tire store... they usually store the used tires destined for disposal out back somewhere... just throw your tire up on the stack, or leave it outside the area.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,940
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
Why do you need to swap out the spare? Are you changing sizes? Heck a lot of Super Duty trucks with 20" wheels/tires came with an 18" spare.
I'm in the same boat... 51k and 40% of that towing, new tires this summer (likely Nittos or Falkens in OE size) to replace the Duelers, but the spare is staying until the next tire change. Based on my current consumption rate, the spare will be six years old then and time to go. If I had a flat, the spare will be on there only as long as it takes to patch the flat.
Now if I was intent on a 5-tire rotation and had a matching aluminum wheel (+ TPMS), I'd totally buy a fifth new tire to match the other four. Otherwise, seems like a waste to put a new tire on a steel wheel just to sit under the bed. YMMV, good luck.
I'm in the same boat... 51k and 40% of that towing, new tires this summer (likely Nittos or Falkens in OE size) to replace the Duelers, but the spare is staying until the next tire change. Based on my current consumption rate, the spare will be six years old then and time to go. If I had a flat, the spare will be on there only as long as it takes to patch the flat.
Now if I was intent on a 5-tire rotation and had a matching aluminum wheel (+ TPMS), I'd totally buy a fifth new tire to match the other four. Otherwise, seems like a waste to put a new tire on a steel wheel just to sit under the bed. YMMV, good luck.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 42
Likes: 16
So, my truck is in the 45k mile range, and it's time to swap out the tires. I've decided to go with Michelin Defenders because I'm just not that happy with the stock Bridgestone Duelers.
Given how much I tow, that means swapping out the full sized spare as well, which leaves me with a completely unused (if slightly dusty) tire with full tread.
I've listed it on marketplace, but there doesn't seem to be much demand for an LT 275/70R18 even at half price.
Does anyone have any ideas on what to do with this thing? Or should I just bite the bullet and let the tire shop charge me $16 to "dispose" of this basically new tire.
Given how much I tow, that means swapping out the full sized spare as well, which leaves me with a completely unused (if slightly dusty) tire with full tread.
I've listed it on marketplace, but there doesn't seem to be much demand for an LT 275/70R18 even at half price.
Does anyone have any ideas on what to do with this thing? Or should I just bite the bullet and let the tire shop charge me $16 to "dispose" of this basically new tire.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 1,629
Off subject but man, Bridgestone must have pissed in your cornflakes or something. Any time they come up, you crap all over them. But, the facts are, there are literally thousands of Super Duties running these tires out there, worry-free and working them. I can only assume you had a terrible experience. Like I've said, would I buy them off the rack, no, they are boring tires. But did I get 60k+ on the factory set, sure did - and they were a fine OE truck tire. They don't make crappy tires.
They were fine other than that, but it was enough that he felt unsafe crossing bridges with them, and swapped them for General Grabber ATx's. His issue with bridge grating went away. From that aspect and with that experience, I will argue that the Bridgestones aren't a good tire too.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,940
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
Depends on the usage. My FIL has basically your truck except it's an XLT not an STX. He got rid of the Bridgestones because many of our bridges nearby have grating on them because of the wind we see, and his truck would move INCHES side to side when going over the grating on those.
They were fine other than that, but it was enough that he felt unsafe crossing bridges with them, and swapped them for General Grabber ATx's. His issue with bridge grating went away. From that aspect and with that experience, I will argue that the Bridgestones aren't a good tire too.
They were fine other than that, but it was enough that he felt unsafe crossing bridges with them, and swapped them for General Grabber ATx's. His issue with bridge grating went away. From that aspect and with that experience, I will argue that the Bridgestones aren't a good tire too.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 535
From: DFW
Yeah - that's no fun. I can't believe a truck tire would make that much difference but maybe the tread pattern or compound does. This was not my experience - I never had them walk anywhere without input from the steering wheel. But that's the beauty of personal testimonies.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 1,629
Yeah - that's no fun. I can't believe a truck tire would make that much difference but maybe the tread pattern or compound does. This was not my experience - I never had them walk anywhere without input from the steering wheel. But that's the beauty of personal testimonies.
From that standpoint, that would be a major concern if I were looking at those tires. They're likely decent in all other categories, but if you have to cross bridges like that often, would you want to be on tires that feel that unstable on that kind of surface?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,819
Likes: 3,453
From: Uh oh, CA
I agree with the others about keeping the spare... When I switched from the stock 275/70/18 GY Wranglers w/Kevlar (which I found to be horrible by the way) to 295/70/18 Falken Wildpeak AT4's, I kept the spare GY under the truck. It's only a small bump in size, and since the spare is still brand new, it should be closer to size as my Wildpeaks wear down. I do carry plugs, and if possible, I would plug the tire before putting the spare on (I also have onboard air), but if not able to repair it, I would only run the spare until I got a new tire(s). I will eventually replace the spare too, but not even sure if I will replace it when I get my next set of tires... I will just inspect the spare at that time. Also, for a spare, I would even be happy to pick up one of these basically new pull offs if they were cheap enough to install rather than paying full price for a 5th tire.