Full-size spare

[djohnson64]

Has anyone put a full-size spare tire where the compact spare tire is for long duration? Since the former is several times heavier than the latter, I'm kind of concerned about the extra weight on the holding mechanism. Just don't want to have a flat and then find out that my full spare is no longer there.
I believe the Canadian models come with full size, but I don't know if there's any difference in the strength of the holding plate, bolts, etc.

[humanoid]

Securing a full size spare under there should be no problems now and in the future. It was designed for a full sized spare storage. I think ALL models come with the donut from the factory as a cost cutting measure.

[Samuel2003]

I put a full size OEM spare (alloy + integrity) under there maybe a few months into owning my 03 (IIRC). The last couple of years, I've had an aftermarket wheel/tire combo (~ +15 lbs over full size OEM) under there. So far, knock on wood, no problems whatsoever.

[djohnson64]

That's good to hear.
With the speed limit 75mph, it's ludicrous that a compact spare tire is the only option on most vehicles in the US. I'm surprised that no class action suit has surfaced as this is really a safety issue.

[humanoid]

Originally posted by djohnson64
That's good to hear.
With the speed limit 75mph, it's ludicrous that a compact spare tire is the only option on most vehicles in the US. I'm surprised that no class action suit has surfaced as this is really a safety issue.

No lawsuit because it states right on the tire that speeds should not exceed 55 MPH when using the donut spare.

[djohnson64]

Originally posted by humanoid


speeds should not exceed 55 MPH when using the donut spare.

This is exactly my concern.
Driving at 55mph would be unsafe these days and for sure, I would get a lot gestures, not to mention the risk of being rear-ended.

[mmmmark]

Originally posted by humanoid
Securing a full size spare under there should be no problems now and in the future. It was designed for a full sized spare storage. I think ALL models come with the donut from the factory as a cost cutting measure.

Correct. It is designed that way because you need to have a full size spare if you tow a trailer. The owner's manual even states that you should never tow with the donut spare.

[djohnson64]

I don't tow anything, but I just don't feel safe, not able to keep up with traffic. In fact, at 55 mph, I believe I'm a hazard to others and to myself, especially at night or on deserted stretch.

[Roger]

I've had a full size spare with an EX wheel since day one (bought from a member here who was upgrading wheels). It works fine and there is no interfearence with the factory Honda hitch.

The space saver spare must have been a way to keep cost down but to me it's ridiculous that they ship a full sized SUV with that stupid tire. I wonder how many people realize for the first time while on a trip and need the tire that it's a dougnut? They should read the manual but how many really do?

[alexasha]

I read somewhere on this forum that I can use a steel rim from Honda element on 06 EX Pilot. Are there any limitations of those rims?

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Roger
. . . .The space saver spare must have been a way to keep cost down but to me it's ridiculous that they ship a full sized SUV with that stupid tire. . . .

I would bet it is much more about saving weight then money.

I have heard those high pressure space saver spares are not cheap to replace.

[mmmmark]

Originally posted by N_Jay


I would bet it is much more about saving weight then money.

I have heard those high pressure space saver spares are not cheap to replace.

If they are so expensive to replace, how come you can't give one away, let alone sell it?

[djohnson64]

What matters more than weight or money is the fact that on most, if not all freeways, 55 mph is no longer the norm.
Don't mean to be an instigator, but I'd be more than happy to accept a donut spare if it could run at 75 mph. If such a thing could save the weight, that's even better. Sometimes I just wonder about the designers/engineers for our cars. What world do they live in, or do they just not care about how their products work in real life?

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by mmmmark


If they are so expensive to replace, how come you can't give one away, let alone sell it?

Because no one ever wears one out!

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by djohnson64
What matters more than weight or money is the fact that on most, if not all freeways, 55 mph is no longer the norm.
Don't mean to be an instigator, but I'd be more than happy to accept a donut spare if it could run at 75 mph. If such a thing could save the weight, that's even better. Sometimes I just wonder about the designers/engineers for our cars. What world do they live in, or do they just not care about how their products work in real life?

The issue is that tires today are so much better then they were before that a spare tire is much less a necessity. There was a time when cars came with spare fan belts and even a plug wrench.

So the whole thing is s trade off between size, weight, cost and need.