Spare Tire Life Span

[Jhollowell]

I keep a set of factory lug nuts just in case

 

[Irregular F150]

Oh crp. I didnt even think of that since my came with methods already and a factory spare. Guess i either buy some lugs or another method lol.

Probably lugs since its cheaper LOL.

 

[raptorman]

Interesting timing. I bought my 2012 133,000 miles ago and have never even lowered the spare, let alone used it. Using the valuable members of this Forum, I decided to change my rear diff cover and oil, and upgrade the cover to a Dorman unit ($130). Much easier to replace the cover with the spare out of the way. So down it came yesterday! Valuable learnings: 1.) lowering the spare can be done using the Ford supplied kit hidden under my rear seats. 2.) the access hole and guide are not parallel with the truck; you actually need to push the rod toward the driver's seat to access the spare tire winch (duh!) 3.) spare lowered easily in my driveway, but it reminded me that I'd hate to do this in the snow, at night, etc. 4.) really should have done this much sooner 5.) spare looks brand new, minus the pressure point stains on the sidewall from the bed support rails. Tire cleaned up nicely (still had the factory "no TPMS" sticker on it!). I plan to have my local tire guy take a look at it, but after washing and shining it up it looks pretty good!

I'll keep the spare in the bed until I receive my Ford Performance catback system, as having access to the tailpipes with the spare out is nice. Then reinstall the spare.

 

[TomDirt]

The factory "no TPMS" sticker? I don't recall what that looks like.

 

[Louisiana Barefoot]

I have a 2011 and as far as i know the spare is original

The date of manufacture is usually noted on the tire after the DOT stamp. In this case, under the R, is 4022 embossed into the sidewall. This means the 40th week of 2022. It's only done on one side usually, so you may need to check the other side for the stamp. Hope this helps. ( And no, this is not my Raptor tire)

 

[MDJAK]

I thought there was no TPM nor balance weights on the spare. Is that right? 50 percent right? 100 percent wrong?

As to tire age and wear, I have a 16' enclosed trailer, 4 tires, parked for the past 3 years, unused, on my grass/dirt in backyard. Tires are looking a bit low. Wonder if I need it I can just fill and use. Is there something better to have the tires on than dirt?

 

[TomDirt]

The date of manufacture is usually noted on the tire after the DOT stamp. In this case, under the R, is 4022 embossed into the sidewall. This means the 40th week of 2022. It's only done on one side usually, so you may need to check the other side for the stamp. Hope this helps. ( And no, this is not my Raptor tire)

Pro Tip:
You can grind off that date if necessary

allegedly .

 

[grleon65]

How long do you guys keep your spare? I have a 2011 and as far as i know the spare is original so its 13+ years old and has spent the last few years in the bed. I have aftermarket wheels and tires so the spare is just a "get me home" tire but I'm wondering if i should chance it on a 13 year old tire. I've been reluctant to just get a matching spare due to cost plus i don't think they make my wheel anymore so I'd have a mismatched set (although i have that now). I've also thought about getting a cover to protect it from UV but I've never seen anyone with a covered spare in the bed. Is it not worth worrying about. Maybe I'll just get a new tire and keep the stock rim and cover it. thoughts?

I cover my spare in the bed. Bought a cheapy cover from 4WP, figured I could replace it as needed. I've yet to rotate the spare in, but it's been on my mind.