Can the spare tire housing accept an 18" wheel?

[Mr.Handsome]

So I’m new to Jeep’s and customizing them. I just noticed my spare is a 17”wheel while the others are 18”. I do want to make them the same so I can rotate all 5. Is there any way to have the spare accept an 18”? Or is my future selling and buying new ones?

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[DaioRider]

I too have an Overland and while I haven't yet looked at the actual spar, the owners manual says this;

" SPARE TIRE MATCHING ORIGINAL EQUIPPED TIRE AND WHEEL

Your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and wheel equivalent in look and function to the original equipment tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. Refer to an authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation pattern. "

Now it makes me wonder what they did when I just had my tires rotated. (?)

 

[kevman65]

You guys have a 17" steel wheel with a 17" tire on it.

If you want an 18" Overland wheel and tire for a spare, look through the classifieds here on the forum.

 

[Mr.Handsome]

But can the spare tire housing accept an 18”? That’s what I’m wondering.

 

[kevman65]

But can the spare tire housing accept an 18”? That’s what I’m wondering.

It accepts a 35/12.50R17 with room to spare. There are some 37's that fit.
Stock size 18" will be a hotdog in a hallway if you get my drift.

 

[Oil_Burner]

I'm totally ignorant on this one but my guess is that Jeep used a 17" spare steel wheel with a tire circumference that is approximately the same as the other 18" tires. The important factor is Revolutions Per Mile. If they are close, it's acceptable to use as a spare with different tires. If you want 5 identical wheels, you would have to ditch the 17" wheel and tire, and buy a matching 18" wheel and tire like @kevman65 said.

 

[Gladman]

I should easily accept the 18”. I have an 18” spare on Overland High Altitude even though the tires delivered are 20”. I also read that in the manual and plan to speak with the dealer about the discrepancy.

 

[kevman65]

I should easily accept the 18”. I have an 18” spare on Overland High Altitude even though the tires delivered are 20”. I also read that in the manual and plan to speak with the dealer about the discrepancy.

The circumference of the spare should be equal to the other 4 tires. That is the reply you will get. The 17" will bolt up just fine and get you to a tire shop.
To my knowledge, the only model that got the same rubber is the Rubicon. But it's still mounted on a steelie.

** Clarification: Rubicon is the only special trim model hat has the same rubber on the spare. Of course the Sport models have the same tire, as they are smaller in diameter than the Rubicon.

 

[Gladman]

That may well be true if the aspect ratio is different. I have not crawled under yet to check. Good point.

 

[Mr._Bill]

So I’m new to Jeep’s and customizing them. I just noticed my spare is a 17”wheel while the others are 18”. I do want to make them the same so I can rotate all 5. Is there any way to have the spare accept an 18”? Or is my future selling and buying new ones?

Personally, I have never found a five tire rotation to be worth the extra effort. My spare is for emergency use, and doesn't need to look the same as the others. I drive until the tires are worn, and then put on high quality replacements. I drove my last truck fourteen years, and never dropped the spare once. The original spare was still under there when I traded it in for the Gladiator.

 

[Mr.Handsome]

A tire dealer recommended rotating in the 5th tire. Says it will extend all the tires life 20-30%. Also if the spare sits never being used it may not be good when it’s time to use it.... so he said.

 

[Mr._Bill]

A tire dealer recommended rotating in the 5th tire. Says it will extend all the tires life 20-30%. Also if the spare sits never being used it may not be good when it’s time to use it.... so he said.

He is correct. Each person needs to determine their risk acceptance level. What is the cost difference between four tires, and running 20% longer on five tires? There are also other factors to consider, like age and mobility. I keep AAA roadside service, in case I have issues.

 

[Mr.Handsome]

Just came across this to avoid damage to the tire under the truck especially if it is rotation. So if the 18” defiantly fit it will have one of these on it.

https://spareprotector.com/

 

[NYC-4X4]

The height of the wheel will not matter in fitting in the spare location, just the total height of the tire, so yes you can get a matching 18” and it will work fine. As previously stated, a 5-tire rotation lasts about 20% (1/5) longer because you have an extra tire that you are paying for. I can’t justify the 5-tire rotation. Tires (ATs and MTs especially) are so tough that flats are rare and almost always a quick fix. As long as you have a spare to get you to get it fixed, you will be fine. Now, if you’re a hardcore rock-crawler or venture to remote places often, the peace of mind may be worth it for you.

To avoid the misinformation above, all models have the same 17” steel spare with a tire of the same diameter that comes with each model.

Lastly, the outside of the wheel faces upward. That spare protector looks like it only really protects the wheel and not the full tire. So, it seems like a waste just to be protecting the back/inside of the wheel.

 

[Mr.Handsome]

So if I added the protector on the bottom and a cover on the top. I guess I’d get a cover with a hole in it. Like the ones used for wranglers to fish a backup cam through. Right?

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