Tire rotation with spare

[D_JT]

I bought new tires and mounted them on a set of 5 JL XR take offs with the full intention of rotating all 5 tires. I'm running 315/70/17. I actually lost more rear clearance with front leveling springs vs a 35x12.5 spare.

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[Badunit]

Personally, I do front-to-back rotations only. I don't cross them to the other side or include the spare. I've never had a problem or poor wear doing it this way and it is easy to do with two jacks. At one time in the distant past there was something about it being bad for radial belts to swap sides and run the tires in the opposite direction. It was probably a myth.

If I go to larger tires, I'll likely buy a larger spare tire to match the set and end up selling or giving away my unused spare. The idea of getting a cheap used tire, or a less expensive new tire for the spare makes some sense for how I do rotations.

 

[Mr Miami]

Costs are roughly the same over TIME, but you spread the cost out over more years with the 5 tire.
I've had TWO instances where I was thankful I had a matching spare - and did a full rotation.

Consider you blow a tire and it can't be fixed - you'll buy a new matching tire - IF YOU CAN - but it will be unworn, or, you swap on the spare that has the same amount of wear and move on.
You can also just leave the spare on and have the tire with the boo-boo fixed and hang it under the truck instead of having to put it right back on.

I always do a 5 tire rotation bit - it doesn't cost you more at all, and it shoves the time you need new tires off into the future.
The miles are spread over 5 and not 4.

You're absolutely correct. Having 5 instead of 4 costs no more in the long run and makes it easier if one tire gets damaged (as happened on my JKU a couple of years ago). If you are left with 4 good tires, you have the same tires, same wear, and don't have to begin a search for something that matches.

To me at least, it's a no-brainer.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

You're absolutely correct. Having 5 instead of 4 costs no more in the long run and makes it easier if one tire gets damaged (as happened on my JKU a couple of years ago). If you are left with 4 good tires, you have the same tires, same wear, and don't have to begin a search for something that matches.

To me at least, it's a no-brainer.

And rotations are a lot easier - you don't have to raise 2 wheels at a time.

 

[rughboy]

I have a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, and I am running 5-35”x12.50” on the stock 17” rims. I really like the look of the stock rims … so I bought a fifth wheel of the same style. I also do the 5 tire rotation on my wife’s 2017 wrangler Rubicon. I have yet to wear out a set of tires on either of my jeeps. For me the amount of miles I put on my Jeeps (about 12 or 13 thousand miles a year max)when I have bought new rubber it has been to get a bigger size tire. And the old ones still had lots of tread left! yeah I took a hit buying five new tires at once, but I really like not worrying about having mix matched wheels or tire on my rigs!

 

[typejeepgladiator]

For the guys who do 5 tire rotation. Did you need to buy a new TPMS sensor for the 5th tire and does the jeep automatically recognize it?

 

[D_JT]

For the guys who do 5 tire rotation. Did you need to buy a new TPMS sensor for the 5th tire and does the jeep automatically recognize it?

If you buy a matching wheel, yes it will need a TPMS sensor. And yes it will pick it up when its rotated in. It wont show as a 5th tire on the screen if that's what you are asking. Its no different than the JL.

 

[Michael1950]

If you have 3- 35s and are running a shorter tire on one thats bad on the differential.

As for spare. I'm running 35s and went ahead on bought a cheap 35 for spare.

 

[Mr Miami]

For the guys who do 5 tire rotation. Did you need to buy a new TPMS sensor for the 5th tire and does the jeep automatically recognize it?

Well, obviously, if you buy a separate 5th tire/wheel you have to, or should ask, if there is a tire pressure sensor. Of course, from a dealer/tire shop or whatever, they will tell you if you need one. It's not a big deal and the last one I had at Goodyear was like $60 or so for a new one. And yes. the vehicle should recognize it after a mile or less.

 

[Janster]

Personally, I do front-to-back rotations only. I don't cross them to the other side or include the spare. I've never had a problem or poor wear doing it this way and it is easy to do with two jacks. At one time in the distant past there was something about it being bad for radial belts to swap sides and run the tires in the opposite direction. It was probably a myth. Nowadays, though, it is common for the spare to be a donut or on a cheap wheel so it truly is just a spare.

If I go to larger tires, I'll likely buy a larger spare tire to match the set and end up selling or giving away my unused spare. The idea of getting a cheap used tire, or a less expensive new tire for the spare makes some sense for how I do rotations.

That’s exactly what I’ve done on all my vehicles & trucks over the years. Front to Back only. Easier, quicker…. Never had a problem.

There was only one vehicle I had wear issues and it wasn’t from the rotations. - Let’s just say, the front end (IFS)of an old Tacoma came down hard on a boulder. Truck drove fine for years. Didn’t notice the wear until later …. Bought new tires, took to get it aligned and the shop said they couldn’t adjust it cuz of the damage. The truck was 8 years old and I sold it with those newer tires on it.
Shhhh…….Tires looked perfect when I sold it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There's a really really long thread on 5 tire rotations vs the other that's probably 3 years old - if one can find it...........

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-ga...ps "extend" the life,safe for use when needed.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-dont-recommend-or-do-5-tire-rotations.26413/

 

[Stan H]

I have a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, and I am running 5-35”x12.50” on the stock 17” rims. I really like the look of the stock rims … so I bought a fifth wheel of the same style. I also do the 5 tire rotation on my wife’s 2017 wrangler Rubicon. I have yet to wear out a set of tires on either of my jeeps. For me the amount of miles I put on my Jeeps (about 12 or 13 thousand miles a year max)when I have bought new rubber it has been to get a bigger size tire. And the old ones still had lots of tread left! yeah I took a hit buying five new tires at once, but I really like not worrying about having mix matched wheels or tire on my rigs!

Well now if I only did 12-15 a year it might make sense. But I drive about 2,900 miles a month. Thats why it does work for I wear a set of tires out every single year. So far I just get new rims each year to go with the tires. It gets rid of the scratches and bangs ,dings etc...

 

[rughboy]

Got ya! Your method seems sound, but Man that’s a lot of miles per month!!! Is your driving on and off-road? or mostly one or the other?

 

[Stan H]

Got ya! Your method seems sound, but Man that’s a lot of miles per month!!! Is your driving on and off-road? or mostly one or the other?

Mixed on and off . But the main drive to work is 64 miles. Used to drive 240-300 on some days. It was outrageous the amount of miles I would put 45-50 a year . So I took a new position that cut it to about 35k I literally have wore our a set of tires in 10 months. Several times .

 

[rughboy]

Yow … talk about king of the road!! You is a road runner man!!

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