Full size spare out of a Cooper WinterMaster

Plumonium · Mar 31, 2011

I'm planning a 15 000 km road trip in the US in May/June and figured I'd like a full size spare in case things goes bad far from home. Plus I go fishing every month+ during summer and got to drive on bad gravel roads.

I'm running 17" SR-A's during summer but I bought a 16" spare since it was easier and cheaper (the rim) to find replacement for a 28" tire. I got a 215/70R16 which is approx the same size as a 215/65R17. The thread is still in good shape and it fits well inside the spare compartment. When I replaced my SR-A's, I'll just find a new spare to match my new tires.

I got the black steel wheel 16x6.5 at Canadian tire for 56$ tax incl. and the tire 20$ cash mounted and balanced.

All in all, I'm happy and feel confident to take the road anytime, anywhere now.

How do you guys feel about the mismatch of the rim size? As a spare, nothing to really worry about?

goguadi · Mar 31, 2011

not to worry.
i used to have the small and narrow type spare wheel on two of my previous vw's.
the spare was just smaller than the alloys.
you drive max 80km/h (50 mph),as written on the wheel.
no problems.
so i'm guessing there shouldn't be any problem with yours.
you only drive a few miles to the repair shop anyway,so you should be alright.

miketmx · Mar 31, 2011

I think you made a very good choice. I use my winter tires 215/65/17 on aftermarket black steel 17 X 6.5 rims for a spare. I'm not sure about a diameter mismatch with the Patriot but many years ago we had a Dodge Caravan AWD and I got a flat on a long highway trip. I put on a new tire same metric size as the OEM tread worn tires but of course different diameter. After we got home I had to get the rear differential rebuilt because of damage caused by the replacement tire.

Plumonium · Apr 1, 2011

miketmx said:
I think you made a very good choice. I use my winter tires 215/65/17 on aftermarket black steel 17 X 6.5 rims for a spare. I'm not sure about a diameter mismatch with the Patriot but many years ago we had a Dodge Caravan AWD and I got a flat on a long highway trip. I put on a new tire same metric size as the OEM tread worn tires but of course different diameter. After we got home I had to get the rear differential rebuilt because of damage caused by the replacement tire.

Yes, my main concern was the diameter. Which is the same between the 215/65/17 and 215/70/17.

Hopefully, I'll never have to use it!

Full size spare out of a Cooper WinterMaster

Plumonium

goguadi

miketmx

Plumonium

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