Can I Use a Smaller Tire for a Spare?

Updated 04/26/2024 | Published 04/24/2024

Question:

Would this work for an emergency spare for a Rove 14FL that currently has Apex Rainer ST235/75/R15 tires with 5x4.5 wheels? In case of an emergency blowout/flat, I am looking for a light weight option due to storage constraints that could help us get 50-100 miles at 55mph or less to a mechanic for a permanent fix. Tow vehicle is a RAV4 Prime. Going for an exact size ST235/75/R15 will take up a lot of room and weight, so we’d like to avoid that, but if that’s the only option then so be it. Thanks!

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

No, the smaller Loadstar ST205/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire w/ 15" Black Mod Wheel item # AM3S664DX would not be a viable option as a spare tire. It's almost 1-1/2" smaller then the Taskmaster ST235/75R15 Radial Off-Road Tire w/ 15" item # TA75RR you were looking at. Driving 50 - 100 miles with a lopsided trailer being pulled by a RAV4 Prime would be pretty dangerous.

Controlling your trailer would be next to impossible if you had any sort of wind because it would constantly be pulling to the shorter side. Plus one tire is going to be spinning quicker then the other so braking would be uneven.

expert reply by: Jerred H