AT4s - Issues with a full-size spare?

[8x68]

Hello everyone!

I am running 17" method 704s with Baja Boss Ads in 285 70 r17 on the truck. Looking to replace the crappy spare tire that comes with the truck, as I spend a significant amount of time in the middle of nowhere, sometimes a good 120 kms from any highway. I had flat last year in that situation, with snow and ice on the logging roads, along with the sharp granite gravel we have up here in the PNW. Anyway, I was asking the dealership and directly to GM about placing a full size spare in the back, and I have been warned to NOT replace the tire as the pulley system may break, it is supposedly not designed to carry a heavier tire –although it seems unrealistic as doesn't the ATX have a full size spare? I doubt they would have a different pulley system.
Also, apparently, GM has no information about how much weight one can put on the pulley system.

Has anyone heard of this or encountered any issues replacing their spare tire with a full-size spare?

My only real concern is matching the overall diameter of the tire, and having a AT tire as a spare, something that I know would not give us any issues in the middle of nowhere.

Any insight would be immensely appreciated.

Thanks!

 

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[gemarsh]

What size does your truck have for a spare now? Are you saying it has some kind of space saver temp tire, otherwise known as a donut?

Of all of the gm trucks that I've own have come with a full-size spare hanging under the rear, except for one that was mounted in the passenger compartment of a '95 GMC 2500 Suburban.

 

[Viking Truck]

Yeah, all of my GM trucks and Tahoes have had full size, non temp spares. Might be a different wheel, might be a different tire, might be a different size tire but the part that means the most in a spare is the diameter of the tire, not the size of wheel.

 

[8x68]

What size does your truck have for a spare now? Are you saying it has some kind of space saver temp tire, otherwise known as a donut?

Of all of the gm trucks that I've own have come with a full-size spare hanging under the rear, except for one that was mounted in the passenger compartment of a '95 GMC 2500 Suburban.

Hey, it is a 255/70 R17; not an AT tire, but a tire "For Temporary Use Only". Definitely a street tire. A couple of things worry me about this tire: It is close to 2" shorter than the other 4, and it is not a tough tire at all. It will eventually get damaged of road. So, if I need to be travelling back to civilization on 4WD, say even 50 or 60 kms, that would generate bigger issues.

 

[Viking Truck]

Hey, it is a 255/70 R17; not an AT tire, but a tire "For Temporary Use Only". Definitely a street tire. A couple of things worry me about this tire: It is close to 2" shorter than the other 4, and it is not a tough tire at all. It will eventually get damaged of road. So, if I need to be travelling back to civilization on 4WD, say even 50 or 60 kms, that would generate bigger issues.

If you are that far out a tire plug kit should be with you and probably already is. I keep one in my Jeep. There are going to be times its easier to plug than put the spare on.

 

[phobby]

I wouldn’t worry about the weight.

Try putting the tires on the truck in the spare location. If it fits order the same tire.

Apparently a 35” fits but you never know with different exhausts or something.

I also suggest a tire repair kit and extra valve stems.

 

[Viking Truck]

I wouldn’t worry about the weight.

Try putting the tires on the truck in the spare location. If it fits order the same tire.

Apparently a 35” fits but you never know with different exhausts or something.

I also suggest a tire repair kit and extra valve stems.

Dont the HD AT4X AEV have an AEV wheel and matching tire there?

Asking a dealer about these types of things is a complete waste of time.

 

[bookemdanno]

Dont the HD AT4X AEV have an AEV wheel and matching tire there?

Asking a dealer about these types of things is a complete waste of time.

My HD AEV spare is the same Salta rim and full size tire.

 

[Viking Truck]

Yep. I am answering my own question. Here's a screenshot from a review. Thats a 35.

 

[Viking Truck]

My HD AEV spare is the same Salta rim and full size tire.

I saw an HD AEV at Home Depot today. There are some things I liked better and some not as much as my HD AT4. I walked away happy that I still have that $30,000 difference in sticker price.

 

[bookemdanno]

I saw an HD AEV at Home Depot today. There are some things I liked better and some not as much as my HD AT4. I walked away happy that I still have that $30,000 difference in sticker price.

It was my Happy Retirement gift! Rides WAY better than the old dually!

 

[20AT421]

Not sure what you haul with you but if you had the space something like this could be an option.

 

[8x68]

If you are that far out a tire plug kit should be with you and probably already is. I keep one in my Jeep. There are going to be times its easier to plug than put the spare on.

You got that right. But still, fully possible to get a sidewall damaged to a point of being unfixable.

 

[nabatron]

Yep. I am answering my own question. Here's a screenshot from a review. Thats a 35.

View attachment 8231

You think a 37 could fit under there or 35 at the most? Debating when I do my level if I go 35 or 37inch tires.

 

[Viking Truck]

If you have the truck you could slide underneath with a tape measure and find out. If not I can for you.