Put new spare tire into rotation of old tires?

[belmontjoe]

I currently have 4 35x12.5x17 BFG KO2 tires with between 10-11/32nds remaining on each. I am purchasing a new spare tire that will have 15/32nds of tread. At this point, would you put the new tire into the rotation or not?

 

[studawg]

Yes. Because you will end up wanting a different size, brand or tread of tire when this set wears out, then you will have either a non matching spare, or one new/old tire that matches nothing. You will then try to sell it on craigslist, but nobody wants one new/old tire. So it will sit and rot, or you will sell it for like $20. Might as well get some use out of it now. Even in the remote chance you replace your current set with the same exact tire, your spare will have been sitting out on the tire carrier in the sun getting baked all day everyday and deteriorate, then it will puncture on the trail 25 4LO miles from civilization, or from a pothole downtown during rush hour. Sucks either way. Then you would have 3 good tires, two flat tires, and end up back here in the classified section looking for two used tires that match the current wear on your other three.

 

[Markuson]

I think what he’s asking is more related to the difference in circumference between a worn set...and an effectively larger spare that is significantly “taller” due to lack of tread wear.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

I currently have 4 35x12.5x17 BFG KO2 tires with between 10-11/32nds remaining on each. I am purchasing a new spare tire that will have 15/32nds of tread. At this point, would you put the new tire into the rotation or not?

I would not.

I would wait till those 4 worn tires are replaced with new, then the new spare you’re buying could be rotated in. Just try to shoot for your spare tire not getting older than 7 years, regardless of mileage. BFG themselves say their tires are good for 10 years if stored inside. Being exposed the the elements, the spare will break down quicker.

 

[Dan Higgins]

I faced this situation about 6 months ago. I don't remember how much tread was on my 285/65 R18 KO2s but I had about 41K on them. I decided to make the new tire the spare and not include it in the rotation. I expect to replace the 4 older tires next March/April. By then I will have over 50K on them (they are at 46K now) and will be moving from snow tires back to the KO2s. (I don't mind not getting every last mile out of tires.)

 

[studawg]

Guess my sarcasm font wasnt on.

 

[Romer]

or you could by two tires and put them on the front, put your next best two on the rear, next on spare and then save the old tire in case you slash a tire

 

[Markuson]

Guess my sarcasm font wasnt on.

Nah, I was chuckling.