Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire?
| [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331952] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 11:09  |
BobDunahugh
Messages: 2465
Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karma: 11
|
Senior Member |
|
|
We've had a GMC since 2003. Have never used our spare tire. Can't remember when I ever used a spare tire on anything in the last 35 years. With the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpler then getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEAVEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have removed the mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you say out there? Bob Dunahugh
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331953 is a reply to message #331952] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 12:01  |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331954 is a reply to message #331953] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 12:10 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Many GMCers go spareless. I personally am a belt and suspenders kind of
guy, so I buy 7 tires at a time with the same date code. B.F. Goodrich,
load range E. Never had a blowout on the coach, but road hazards abound on
the highways of the West. Can't predict them, so I come prepared with a
spare. Just me. Your experiences might vary.
Jim Hupy
On Fri, May 11, 2018, 10:04 AM kelly stockwell wrote:
> I was just wondering this myself this morning! Trying to figure out some
> additional outside storage and that thought occurred to me. There are
> certainly coaches out there that aren't sporting a back tire. Or, my
> other thought, can it be mounted underneath like they do in minivans?
>
> kelly
>
>
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331957 is a reply to message #331952] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 12:46 |
rvanwin
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
BobDunahugh wrote on Fri, 11 May 2018 11:09 We've had a GMC since 2003. Have never used our spare tire. Can't remember when I ever used a spare tire on anything in the last 35 years. With the Quad bags. I can run a bit with one rear tire flat. Or if I had a front tire go flat. Relocate a rear tire to the front. That's simpler then getting the spare off that high spare tire mount. That spare is HEAVEY to get down. Then having it land on ME. Seen some GMC's that have removed the mount/spare tire. Looks great. And dumps a lot of weight. What you say out there? Bob Dunahugh
Been without the spare since 2012 when I had the coach painted. Had one flat but when I was in a campground. Loaded in the toad and to local tire guy who found a broken/cracked valve stem. Haven't missed having the spare - knock on wood. I figure that is why I carry the AAA card.
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331959 is a reply to message #331952] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 13:22 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
If you've a toad and you can det it out and in it roadside, even the bare minimum risk of a flat miles from anything is covered. Eschew the spare.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331965 is a reply to message #331963] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 13:57 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
No, you do not - If you have 16" wheels.
The last time I bought 16.5 tires, the only one in stock locally was 4 years old and offered at a new price. That was 8 years ago.
In 12 years and 70K miles, I broke one non-radial rim (that was 16.5), got one flat that we never figured out (took it to a tire shop for repair and he couldn't find anything to fix) and lost one wheel (this is not common, we lost the wheel, tire and brake drum in Arkansas). I carry a spare now mostly because we go to some way out of the way places and I am paranoid. (Old and paranoid, the two go together in my book.)
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331968 is a reply to message #331965] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 14:22 |
kstockwell
Messages: 367
Registered: May 2016
Location: Putney VT
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have new Sully bags. How would the quad bag mean you don't need a spare? If a front tire blows, you move a rear up to it's place and drive on with 3 rear wheels- and you're OK doing that with quad bag but not single bag? I just want to understand why, and that sort of sounds like a PITA.
We have no towd, but have AAA, because of that I assume that I would drive off the side of the road; call AAA, have them come, take the rim, bring back the rim w/tire.
This is an interesting thread; I have 6 alcoas, the spare is steel- and a very old tire. Not sure how I would feel about driving on it anyway so I have been considering removing it. What does the steel wheel with tire weigh? The PO commented that I could knock 20 pounds off if I ever got an Al spare (he builds airplanes and every pound is important)
thanks for starting this conversation and keeping it going
kelly
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331970 is a reply to message #331968] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 14:41 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The way I drive and the open roads in the Western part of USA, I have used
the spare tire on numerous occasion.
Like the generator, it is great to have when things go wrong.
On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 12:22 PM, kelly stockwell wrote:
> I have new Sully bags. How would the quad bag mean you don't need a
> spare? If a front tire blows, you move a rear up to it's place and drive
> on with
> 3 rear wheels- and you're OK doing that with quad bag but not single bag?
> I just want to understand why, and that sort of sounds like a PITA.
>
> We have no towd, but have AAA, because of that I assume that I would drive
> off the side of the road; call AAA, have them come, take the rim, bring
> back the rim w/tire.
>
> This is an interesting thread; I have 6 alcoas, the spare is steel- and a
> very old tire. Not sure how I would feel about driving on it anyway so I
> have been considering removing it. What does the steel wheel with tire
> weigh? The PO commented that I could knock 20 pounds off if I ever got an
> Al
> spare (he builds airplanes and every pound is important)
>
> thanks for starting this conversation and keeping it going
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331972 is a reply to message #331952] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 16:09 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag system
which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at least
on a 26').
Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each wheel
bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach to
almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331974 is a reply to message #331972] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 16:53 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken,
I do not advocate running on 5 wheels for any length.
Have witness some that ran that way for almost 20 miles and never touched
the wheel bearing that was overloaded.
I know if I ever did, I would replace the bearing and put the tire as a
spare only.
On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 2:09 PM, Ken Henderson
wrote:
> I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
> the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag system
> which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
> ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at least
> on a 26').
>
> Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
> trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
>
> Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
> Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
> remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
> that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each wheel
> bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach to
> almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331977 is a reply to message #331974] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 18:04 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jim,
I agree with you; I certainly didn't intend to seem to be endorsing the
practice when I tried to explain it.
Ken H.
On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 5:53 PM Jim Kanomata wrote:
> Ken,
> I do not advocate running on 5 wheels for any length.
> Have witness some that ran that way for almost 20 miles and never touched
> the wheel bearing that was overloaded.
> I know if I ever did, I would replace the bearing and put the tire as a
> spare only.
>
> On Fri, May 11, 2018 at 2:09 PM, Ken Henderson
> wrote:
>
>> I've used the spare several times in the past 20 years; most recently on
>> the way to Tucson. I won't give it up, even though I have the 4-bag
> system
>> which might allow me to drive the 23' a few miles with 5 tires on the
>> ground (some claim Harrison's 4-bag isn't strong enough for that, at
> least
>> on a 26').
>>
>> Fortunately, I acquired an Alcoa for the spare some years ago -- I'd have
>> trouble hefting the 85# (?) steel spare these days.
>>
>> Re: How one can run on 5 wheels with the Quad Bag (and maybe the 4-bag):
>> Those systems have a pedestal fixed to the frame of the coach so that the
>> remaining bag can bear the entire weight of the tow rear wheels. Without
>> that pedestal, the OEM, and similar, single bag systems rely on each
> wheel
>> bearing 1/2 of the rear weight ALWAYS. They allow the back of the coach
> to
>> almost touch the ground with a single flat time.
>>
>> Ken H.
>> Americus, GA
>> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
>> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
>> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>>
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331979 is a reply to message #331952] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 18:49 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
First rule of breaking down or having a flat in a gmc is the same as real-estate. Location-Location-Location.
Most places you could be fine driving on 5. Other places not so much, you could have hundreds of miles of bad roads before you can find a tire shop. Same with roadside assistance. Some locations you have help in short time, others you end up having to help yourself. I am happy hauling a spare that I never use. As soon as I would decide to remove it,
I am sure I would instantly regret it.
For Kelly- steel rim/tires are heavy. I hate lifting and manouvering them. Plus steel lugnuts take more might to remove. For your purpose, your sully bag setup will not allow you to drive on 5 tires. 5 tire driving is for the quad bag system.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Fri, 11 May 2018 18:50] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331980 is a reply to message #331978] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 18:49 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
G'day,
Below you will find an email e-mail I wrote years ago which provides information regarding driving a GMC on less than four rear
wheels.
OPERATING A GMC ON LESS THAN FOUR REAR WHEELS/TIRES
REFERENCE: GMC Motorhome Operating Manual X-7821A Page 1 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VEHICLE LOADING.
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7821A.zip
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) represents the maximum permissible loaded weight of the vehicle.
26 foot GMC GVWR = 12,500 lbs
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) the maximum weight that an axle can carry.
26 foot GMC GAWR
GAWR = 4,500 lbs Front Wheels
GAWR = 8,000 lbs Rear Wheels
REFERENCE: Tire Load Range: http://gmcmotorhome.info/tires.html
Tire Load Range: The max load a tire can carry and the pressure required to carry that load.
D load range max load @ 65 PSI = 2,235 pounds
E load range tire max load @ 80 psi = 2,680 pounds
REFERENCE: Alcoa Light Truck, SUV, RV and Motorhome Wheels Fitment Guide
http://www.southwestwheel.com/pictures5/LTFitment-Screen_10-18-01.pdf
P/N: 160231
Style: Classic
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
P/N: 160251
Style: LTS 5
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2440
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
P/N: 161251
Style: Hot Shot
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial
COMMENTS:
The weight distribution per tire would be dependant on the how much pressure was supplied to the air bag supporting the remaining
tire. For ease of calculations we'll divide the rear GAWR of 8,000 lbs as noted above by four which results in a load per tire of
2,000 lbs. Operating the GMC with one wheel removed the load on the remaining tire would double; going from 2,000 to 4,000 lbs. This
is an overload of 1,765 pounds (~79%) on a D range tire at the maximum pressure of 65 psi and an overload of 1320 pounds (~49%) on
an E load range tire at the maximum pressure of 80 psi. If the tires are not inflated to the pressures noted in the previous
sentence the overload would be even higher.
CONCLUSION:
If you drive your GMC with less than four rear tires supporting the load you WILL be operating the GMC with OVERLOADED TIRE(S) and
OVERLOADED WHEELS!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Fred
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2018 6:40 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire?
GMC2000 wrote on Fri, 11 May 2018 13:45
> according to Jim Bounds, if you have the quad bags, you can get along without a spare OK. I wouldnt want to leave out the spare on
a traditional
> suspended coach though.
to be clear, Jim B. was saying (in one of his videos) that you could move the coach to a safer position if needed with the quad bag
system so you dont
have to work on it on a busy roadside. he wasnt saying to just drive on it like nothing happened.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Do we need a spare tire? [message #331986 is a reply to message #331983] |
Fri, 11 May 2018 23:45 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have a friend with a FORD Ranger that never has a spare tire. His gas gauge also quit years ago and he refuels by mileage. Over the years he has called me 5 times because he is stuck somewhere with a flat tire. He has also called me several times because his truck "quit" running.
On the last flat tire it was cold and snowy. All I did was hand him a full air tank and told him to fill it up while I waited my warm truck. I do not carry spare tires and wheels for a FORD but he still calls me and I go bail him out somehow.
The last time his truck "quit" running, his truck was parked in a Lowes parking lot next to a Costco gas station. I started to take a 5 gallon can of gas with me. I switched to a one gallon can and off I went. When I got there I made a few checks and handed him one gallon of gas. He started the truck and went on his way.
My point is If I get a Black list call for help, I always go help. I went out on one 3 weeks ago. He was a new owner and out of gas due to a selector valve not working. We got him some gas and off he went. I did not mind doing this because he was new to the coach and did not know his reserve did not work.
Now if you call me because you have a flat or blown tire without a spare, I will find some excuse not to come assist. I do not mind helping any GMCer but if you intentionally do something stupid like not carrying a spare, DO NOT CALL ME.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Wed Sep 25 01:34:37 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01292 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
