Full Size Spare in '09 Pilot?

[AcuraDude]

Has anyone put in a full size spare in an '09 Pilot (Touring if it matters)? I've seen posts for the '03 - '08 pilots, but nothing for the '09. TIA

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally posted by AcuraDude
Has anyone put in a full size spare in an '09 Pilot (Touring if it matters)? I've seen posts for the '03 - '08 pilots, but nothing for the '09. TIA

I have a full size OEM spec tire and matching OEM alloy wheel w/TPMS on my 09 touring. Pulled off the donut and spacer bracket and it mounted up just fine. Currenly in the middle of a 5000 mile SW USA roadtrip through the Rockies and UT, AZ and NM TX and OK countryside and wanted the added security when traveling in areas where the signs say" No Services Next 250 Miles".
The Pilot has been exceptional in comfort, performance and handling.

[AcuraDude]

Originally posted by RSQ Pilot

I have a full size OEM spec tire and matching OEM alloy wheel w/TPMS on my 09 touring. Pulled off the donut and spacer bracket and it mounted up just fine. Currenly in the middle of a 5000 mile SW USA roadtrip through the Rockies and UT, AZ and NM TX and OK countryside and wanted the added security when traveling in areas where the signs say" No Services Next 250 Miles".
The Pilot has been exceptional in comfort, performance and handling.

Thanks. Good to know it fits. Now, I need to find a matching wheel and tire.

Do you worry about the finish of the alloy wheel getting screwed up under the car?

[moda_way]

Originally posted by AcuraDude


Thanks. Good to know it fits. Now, I need to find a matching wheel and tire.

Do you worry about the finish of the alloy wheel getting screwed up under the car?

Definitely put a healthy coat of polish on it. I use Zainos and then a routine checkup of the wheel on a yearly basis should prevent discoloration.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally posted by AcuraDude


Thanks. Good to know it fits. Now, I need to find a matching wheel and tire.

Do you worry about the finish of the alloy wheel getting screwed up under the car?

I stow the tire face down, it hasn't collected any more gunk than the 4 on the ground. Besides, the spare gets washed whenever the Pilot gets a bath, doesn't take much to reach under and wash it off. Like Moda Way mentioned a good wheel protectant also helps on all 5.

[moda_way]

Originally posted by RSQ Pilot

I stow the tire face down, it hasn't collected any more gunk than the 4 on the ground. Besides, the spare gets washed whenever the Pilot gets a bath, doesn't take much to reach under and wash it off. Like Moda Way mentioned a good wheel protectant also helps on all 5.

I use Zaino polish on all the wheels and a yearly coating. It has 2 benefits. Makes the wheels stay looking good and makes brake dust removal easy.

Just to clarify, the wheel face is facing down, correct? I wonder if there is a wheel cover that might fit over, yet not create too much drag.

Can you post a picture as to what a full size looks like up in there?

[AcuraDude]

Thanks everyone. Just picked up a spare Touring wheel on ebay for $75. Now I need to go find a tire at the local shop.

[moda_way]

Originally posted by AcuraDude
Thanks everyone. Just picked up a spare Touring wheel on ebay for $75. Now I need to go find a tire at the local shop.

Hahaha... I was going to PM you about that one. I was watching it too. I have a clutch job going on with my TSX at the moment, so I will wait for the next good deal.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally posted by moda_way


I use Zaino polish on all the wheels and a yearly coating. It has 2 benefits. Makes the wheels stay looking good and makes brake dust removal easy.

Just to clarify, the wheel face is facing down, correct? I wonder if there is a wheel cover that might fit over, yet not create too much drag.

Can you post a picture as to what a full size looks like up in there?

This is another thread on this issue with pix:
Full size spare (steel wheel) vs compact

[moda_way]

Funny, I guess the guy has more than one b/c I just bought one from the same guy. YEAH!!

[AcuraDude]

Originally posted by moda_way
Funny, I guess the guy has more than one b/c I just bought one from the same guy. YEAH!!

The seller mentioned that he had 1 more available. Glad you were able to snag one. $75 seems like a good deal for an OEM Alloy wheel.

[moda_way]

Originally posted by AcuraDude


The seller mentioned that he had 1 more available. Glad you were able to snag one. $75 seems like a good deal for an OEM Alloy wheel.

For such a new vehicle, it is an decent deal. The best deal I have seen is $300, local pickup, but that is a tough one to get. I'm not sure what tire I'll put on it at the moment since it will be a spare. Evidently Goodyear and Michelin are OEM tires on the vehicle, but since this wheel will see little to no action (hopefully), I'm tempted to get the cheaper Goodyear. Thoughts from anyone?

[AcuraDude]

Originally posted by moda_way


Evidently Goodyear and Michelin are OEM tires on the vehicle, but since this wheel will see little to no action (hopefully), I'm tempted to get the cheaper Goodyear. Thoughts from anyone?

I ordered the Michelin tire and plan to include the spare in the tire rotation process.

[moda_way]

Originally posted by AcuraDude


I ordered the Michelin tire and plan to include the spare in the tire rotation process.

I was thinking of doing that as well, but I wondered how much difference there would be in tire tread depth.

First off, I've heard of stories (yeah, I know, grain of salt) that contribute differential wear to tire tread depth differences. Point being, most SUV tires get replaced out of age and not wear, so why rotate a tire in.

My goal is to provide a full size spare when needed, then to get the flat fixed. If it is a side wall issue, well, then I've got a case to slide a new tire of the same type (i.e. getting the Michelin) and the opposite tire of the flat becomes the spare. Either way, the spare stays a spare until the flat is non-repairable or an entire axle set needs replace or the whole set needs to be replaced.

[RSQ Pilot]

Originally posted by moda_way


I was thinking of doing that as well, but I wondered how much difference there would be in tire tread depth.

First off, I've heard of stories (yeah, I know, grain of salt) that contribute differential wear to tire tread depth differences. Point being, most SUV tires get replaced out of age and not wear, so why rotate a tire in.

My goal is to provide a full size spare when needed, then to get the flat fixed. If it is a side wall issue, well, then I've got a case to slide a new tire of the same type (i.e. getting the Michelin) and the opposite tire of the flat becomes the spare. Either way, the spare stays a spare until the flat is non-repairable or an entire axle set needs replace or the whole set needs to be replaced.

If you rotate full size in a 5 tire pattern at every MM recommended oil change (or +/- 7000-8000 miles) you will not have a problem with tread depth-differentail spin differences. If you use the full size spare for emergencies as a temporary spare then replace it with the repaired original that shouldn't present a problem either.

I guess it depends on how long you intend to keep the Pilot. A full size spare used occasionially would allow you to buy three tires ("assuming" that brand/pattern still exists)-saving an old one as a spare and rotating the "old" spare into the mix.
I plan on using a 5 tire rotation because I trade/resell at 5 years/60-75K intervals and might as well use the extra 20% total treadlife (w/ 5 tire use)rather than trade it away unused. At that point I'll put the donut back on and sell the OEM alloy rim on e-bay or in the HP-org classifieds.

YMMV