I have a hidden hitch, can I fit a 31" spare tire?

[WannaXP8]

I was wondering if anyone with a hidden hitch has put a 31 under their explorer for a spare? Or will it even fit at all?

 

[Alec]

Only way to know for sure is to try. Most likely it will not fit though.

 

[WannaXP8]

Man, I hope it fits, cause I dont want to run the stock size tires if I get a flat, cause it will mess everything up wont it??

 

[greenhornet3147]

my tire just fits

I have a hidden hitch with stock tire and the tire just fits.
so i don't think so but try it you might get lucky.

 

[espnfreak]

You might be able to get it to fit if you deflate it a little bit and keep a air compressor in your truck to pump it up when you get a flat.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my 95 EB w/ 16" rims has 31" wheels, correct? If so, I would think it would fit, as I have my spare (same size as my other tires) in the normal spot and it fits just fine.

 

[WannaXP8]

I had to move the tire back alittle bit when I put on my hidden hitch, and thats with the 235/75/15s.

 

[WannaXP8]

Then where do you guys keep a spare if you run 31's I know all of you dont have racks to put the spare on..

 

[JDraper]

Mine is under the rear. I have a Valley Class III hitch on my X and it just fits. A lot of people put them on the roof rack too. Best thing is to try and fit it. If it's close, you may be able to loosen the hitch and move it a little to gain room, or as mentioned above, keep it partially deflated and carry a compressor.

 

[WannaXP8]

jd, do you have a hidden hitch?

 

[JDraper]

Mine is not made by Hidden Hitch, it's a Valley hitch, but it does conform to the shape of the rear bumper and is not very noticeable at all. You can see a pix of it in my signature. Go to "Jeff's Truck" and look at the pix called "out rock climbing at paragon"

 

[WannaXP8]

see mines not like that, I have the one that tucks up under the bumper..

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by AdamsGuitar
Correct me if I'm wrong, but my 95 EB w/ 16" rims has 31" wheels, correct? If so, I would think it would fit, as I have my spare (same size as my other tires) in the normal spot and it fits just fine.

The 16" tires are 255 70R16 which are 30" tires. Are you sure your spare is also a 255 70R16 spare? I didn't think Ford started including a 16" spare until they redesigned the hatch in '98 that gave them some more room. My '97 came with a dinky 27" spare to accomidate my 30" stock tires.

 

[Robert]

What about removing one of your current 31" tires and test fitting it first?

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by AdamsGuitar
Correct me if I'm wrong, but my 95 EB w/ 16" rims has 31" wheels, correct? If so, I would think it would fit, as I have my spare (same size as my other tires) in the normal spot and it fits just fine.

Yea, your spare is a typical steel 15" with a smaller tire on it, well, that is what my 95 EB had.

Robb

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Isn't that going to kill your differential using a smaller size tire on it? I thought trucks always came with a full size spare...

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by AdamsGuitar
Isn't that going to kill your differential using a smaller size tire on it? I thought trucks always came with a full size spare...

Well, it is only supposed to be temporary, so no real harm done. You think that is bad.......the wife got a flat in her GCL this week, so I put the spare on..........it is a real "donut" POS. At least the X uses a real tire under there.

Robb

 

[WannaXP8]

I have a AWD though, so if I run the smaller size tire will that mess everything up? Say Im out on a trail or on the way to the lake pulling the boat, and I get a flat, and have to use the spare, how long before it messes up the diff, or tranny?

 

[JDraper]

With the AWD you must have the same size tire.

 

[WannaXP8]

so theres no way I can run a smaller size?