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

[Robert]

Well there is a way, but it would mean that you would be limited to snow or sand.

 

[Robert]

Ford first introduced the 255 70R16 tires on the '95 Explorer. Unfortunately the spare compartment wasn't big enough on the '95-'97 to fit a 255 70R16 under there (so says Ford). AWD wasn't a problem since it didn't come with 16" tires. One thing I found odd was that if the Explorer was equipped with 235 75R15 tires, Ford included a 235 75R15 spare. When they equipped mine with 255 70R16 tires, they included a much smaller 225 70R15 spare. I would have expected to have at least gotten a 235 75R15 spare. Maybe they only had 225 "temporary use only" spares and not 235 temps. They were probably concerned with people driving too far on the spare. I have seen some posts though from people getting a slightly larger temporary spare with their 16" tires than I got.

Regarding whether or not it will mess up the differential or transfer case with a smaller spare, my manual makes no claims on restrictions of where I put my smaller spare. The only note in my manual is that some vehicles may be equipped with a smaller than stock, temporary use only spare tire. In '98 Ford redesigned the back end which provided enough room for a 255 70R16 spare. Coincidentally, the '98 Owner's Guide has a statement to the affect that not only is it unsafe, but could cause damage if running different size tires on your vehicle. Having read this and having a limited slip, my intentions are to put the spare on the front if I ever get a flat. I did put my 30" spare on the front once with my 32"s on the other three and went for about a 5 mile drive to see how it would behave. Except for the noticeable lower front corner handling seemed fine and no damage was caused. I don't know what would happen if I had to use my smaller spare if I was miles away from service. Hopefully, I'll never have to find out.

I did everything I could to try and get a 32" spare under mine. I even deflated it to 5PSI but still couldn't get it under there with my hitch. My hitch is more important than a full size spare so it has to stay.

 

[WannaXP8]

this really sucks, cause I dont want to screw anything up if I get a flat, cause Im running 31s, not 32s though, and I dont want to run a rack cause I cant get in the garage then, I do like the rear rack with the spare tire mount on it, but I dont like the bumper part, I want to keep my bumper...and I need to tow a boat too...

 

[01EB5.0]

It's an easy solution...do as jason said and as I have done and deflate the darn tire and cram it up there. Carry a 12 volt air pump under the rear seat and you'll be set. i do a 5 tire rotation and have never had a problem with the tire getting "flat spots" from being crammed in there. It has worked very well for me. it takesa little jockying to get it up there, but it's better then blowing a diffy if you get a flat.

 

[Alec]

The only thing about using a 12V air pump to fill up tires larger than 29" is that 1) they frequently have to take a break so you don't burn them up and 2) they're really slow.

 

[01EB5.0]

Last yeah when I went offorading i deflated my 31's to 15 PSI and filled them back up to 36 PSI with my 12 volt pump. It took about 10 mins per tire and I just left it run to do all 4...didn't seem to have any problems....plus what is the chances you'll get a flat and need to even use the pump? If your stranded on the road, 10 minutes to wait for the spare to fill is better then waiting for a tow truck or better yet risking blowing a differential.
The pump was the cheapest one i could find from Track Auto..it was like 15 bux or something nothing special

 

[Alto]

Your Answer is Here !

OK just a few options then...

I have a Hidden Hitch and what I have found is that a NEW 31" spare will not fit. Deflated to 5psi and then later aired may/may not.(depends on particular Truck & tire tread)

What I found out was that my 31" spare fit fine no problems. I replaced it with a new tire, then it fit but with a little lift here first, then crank, then lift, let a little air out. Since the new one was a pain in the Arse. I got one slightly worn. It fit but need a little help.

I just went back to using a worn 31" it fits no problems. If I got a flat then I was just going to buy a new one anyway.

Now that I'm running 33's I still have my worn 31" as my spare for around town. But when I go playing in the Desert I take TWO 33's one goes up on the Rack and the other goes on my Hitch Carrier. My 31" stays put.

Just go to a Tire shop and find a used 31" they are cheap and will last longer than everyones favorite Econo-Spare. Plus if your out wheeling and needed 4 WheelDive to get in then chances are you'll need 4 WheelDrive to get out.

 

[WannaXP8]

Alto, do you have the hitch that tucks up under the bumper?? PICS would be a plus too..

 

[WannaXP8]

alto, where did you get that rear bumper guard at?? you got any pics??

 

[Alto]

Yes I have the hitch that tucks under.

Look at my signature *MEET TRINITY* I have alot of pictures in there. I'll try to find a close up of the rear and post it.

The Rear Guard I had custom made over here. I mounts to the rear just like the front brush guards do. It bolts directly to the frame.

 

[WannaXP8]

Alto, how did you make the extra light mounts on your front grill guard?? I need those..

 

[Alto]

The Front Brush Guard is a Go-Rhino Guard it comes like that.

It would be really easy to weld a triangle on any guard.

I'll get a few pictures from the top.

 

[WannaXP8]

so it has a place to put 4 lights??

 

[Alto]

No, I had to drill the outer holes. I'll get some pictures tomorrow its 1:30 am over here now and I'm about to get some shut eye.