Spare tire and wheel question

[Robert1380]

I, like many others, purchased new Platinum models that didn’t come standard with the spare wheel and tire. I’ve bitched about this since I became aware Ford screwed folks on this much needed item.

I recently bought a Platinum wheel and tire to use as my spare but I wanted to know if anyone has knowledge of it fitting in the area under the rear of the truck bed? There seems to be hardware in place to hang it but I’m not so sure that 22” wheel/tire is gonna nest in that spot?

Any info would be appreciated.

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[Heliian]

The original spare is full diameter so I don't see why it wouldn't fit. However, the rim shape might make it tricky.
I'm guessing the crank lift assembly is also not there.
Most new vehicles aren't coming with a spare standard.

 

[Robert1380]

The original spare is full diameter so I don't see why it wouldn't fit. However, the rim shape might make it tricky.
I'm guessing the crank lift assembly is also not there.
Most new vehicles aren't coming with a spare standard.

When I found out that the spare wasn’t included, I popped my head underneath and it looked like the hangar and cranking assembly was there but I’ll take a closer look. I was so pissed that it didn’t come with the spare I didn’t investigate with much enthusiasm.

 

[RLXXI]

Same for my 25 Flash, no spare but the lift cable assembly is there. Have to buy a square drive crank rod for it. If you look under the rear seat you should find a small one time use air compressor filled with fix-a-flat.

 

[Robert1380]

Same for my 25 Flash, no spare but the lift cable assembly is there. Have to buy a square drive crank rod for it. If you look under the rear seat you should find a small one time use air compressor filled with fix-a-flat.

Yeah I’ll have to tear into a bit more and figure out what’s up. Appreciate the responses.

 

[Pacific.NW]

Having a full size spare is exactly one of the reasons I bought the Lightning. I’ve seen Flash trim models without the spare, but no idea they even decided to remove them from the Platinum trim as well! Crazy.

 

[Robert1380]

Having a full size spare is exactly one of the reasons I bought the Lightning. I’ve seen Flash trim models without the spare, but no idea they even decided to remove them from the Platinum trim as well! Crazy.

Yep, I’ve been complaining about it since I bought the truck last year. Not only did Ford cheap out on the spare tire but they didn’t include the damn Homelink garage door opener. 88 grand doesn’t seem to buy what it used to.

 

[MaintGrl]

When I found out that the spare wasn’t included, I popped my head underneath and it looked like the hangar and cranking assembly was there but I’ll take a closer look. I was so pissed that it didn’t come with the spare I didn’t investigate with much enthusiasm.

Ya, it's a TRUCK! I want a full sized spare, even if I never use it. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and NOT have it.
I can understand if your driving a Corolla or a Civic, But it is more likely to be found at a job site, than a sedan.

 

[Robert1380]

Ya, it's a TRUCK! I want a full sized spare, even if I never use it. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and NOT have it.
I can understand if your driving a Corolla or a Civic, But it is more likely to be found at a job site, than a sedan.

I agree. The fact that Ford wants to go cheap on safety items is a bit disconcerting.

 

[RickLightning]

I agree. The fact that Ford wants to go cheap on safety items is a bit disconcerting.

"Safety items"?

For years, car manufacturers have been putting in temp spares instead of full-sized spares, then removing those and going with nothing but a fix-a-flat kit. This is not new.

The F-150 went to temporary spares a few years back - my 2022 has a temp spare.

Many vehicles eliminated everything and went to a compressor and fix-a-flat years ago. Not surprising to see the F-150 / Lightning follow.

A temporary spare and wheel cuts significant weight, saving fuel. Maybe a driver doesn't notice, but Ford's fleet of millions of trucks notices, and that matters to them. Cutting out that temp spare saves more weight.

 

[Robert1380]

"Safety items"?

For years, car manufacturers have been putting in temp spares instead of full-sized spares, then removing those and going with nothing but a fix-a-flat kit. This is not new.

The F-150 went to temporary spares a few years back - my 2022 has a temp spare.

Many vehicles eliminated everything and went to a compressor and fix-a-flat years ago. Not surprising to see the F-150 / Lightning follow.

A temporary spare and wheel cuts significant weight, saving fuel. Maybe a driver doesn't notice, but Ford's fleet of millions of trucks notices, and that matters to them. Cutting out that temp spare saves more weight.

Yeah, I’d classify a spare tire on a 9k lb vehicle a “safety item” and especially a vehicle which has off road capabilities, although be it limited in scope. I’d consider traveling thru areas that have drastic temperature changes such as Goffs, near Needles Ca, and temps in the high 100s to be a safety concern if stranded due to a sidewall failure which would negate the purpose of a cheap ass air pump with some sealant.

There’s a reason all of our police cruisers have spares. If it wasn’t for “safety” we’d carry a can of “fix a flat” and call it a day. But, we can certainly agree to disagree.

 

[RickLightning]

I think comparing a police cruiser, where they need to get back in service ASAP, to a personal vehicle, is no where near the same thing.

You, the buyer, supposedly with a brain (I'm referring to vehicle buyers as a whole, not you or anyone else on the forum) has the right to do the following:

- Order a full-sized wheel and tire if an option.
- Add one after delivery.
- Not buy the vehicle.

I'm not defending Ford for doing this, but simply saying it's not new, not a surprise, and every auto manufacturer does it.

 

[Robert1380]

I think comparing a police cruiser, where they need to get back in service ASAP, to a personal vehicle, is no where near the same thing.

You, the buyer, supposedly with a brain (I'm referring to vehicle buyers as a whole, not you or anyone else on the forum) has the right to do the following:

- Order a full-sized wheel and tire if an option.
- Add one after delivery.
- Not buy the vehicle.

I'm not defending Ford for doing this, but simply saying it's not new, not a surprise, and every auto manufacturer does it.

Because every auto manufacturer “does it” certainly doesn’t make it right. If you want to wholeheartedly believe that they do it for the consumer for the sole purpose of weight reduction and fuel economy, god bless ya.

They omit items (all manufactures) for their own bottom line. Sure, there may be some level of commitment to making vehicles more fuel efficient but do you really believe that’s what it’s about? How much money do they save by chunking out on spare tires and garage door openers? I get that it’s the norm but with that being said, I don’t believe it’s for the consumers benefit.

The prices go up and you get less with every new model year. Walking into the dealer with a cashiers check for 88 grand and later realizing there was no spare pissed me off. Fords take is fuck it! If they want a spare they can buy one and I’m not ok with that.

 

[chl]

My 2023 Pro came with a full sized spare...apparently the more you pay the less you get sometimes?

And sometimes the higher trim options are a hassle, for example, I didn't get the leaking sun roof or leaking rear tail light problems.

My 2001 Ford Ranger XLT came with a full sized spare, but I never used it in the tire rotation routine.
Then when I finally got a flat, probably over 10 years later, the tire place said they couldn't use the spare because it was too old and had hardened and cracked too much.

Hanging there under the truck getting exposed to the 'elements' road salts etc. is apparently bad for longevity. But I didn't want to throw it in the bed and have to move it every time I needed the bed for something, and if I stored it in the garage it would not be there when I needed it out on the road.

If I never used the frunk I suppose that would be a better place for it.
Back seat? No.

AI solutions:

Effective methods include using specialized covers (e.g., Covermates Tire Covers), wrapping it in plastic, applying tire protectant spray, or using dedicated under-vehicle protectors. These methods significantly delay rubber aging and ensure the tire is functional when needed.

For what it's worth!

 

[Robert1380]

My 2023 Pro came with a full sized spare...apparently the more you pay the less you get sometimes?

And sometimes the higher trim options are a hassle, for example, I didn't get the leaking sun roof or leaking rear tail light problems.

My 2001 Ford Ranger XLT came with a full sized spare, but I never used it in the tire rotation routine.
Then when I finally got a flat, probably over 10 years later, the tire place said they couldn't use the spare because it was too old and had hardened and cracked too much.

Hanging there under the truck getting exposed to the 'elements' road salts etc. is apparently bad for longevity. But I didn't want to throw it in the bed and have to move it every time I needed the bed for something, and if I stored it in the garage it would not be there when I needed it out on the road.

If I never used the frunk I suppose that would be a better place for it.
Back seat? No.

AI solutions:

Effective methods include using specialized covers (e.g., Covermates Tire Covers), wrapping it in plastic, applying tire protectant spray, or using dedicated under-vehicle protectors. These methods significantly delay rubber aging and ensure the tire is functional when needed.

For what it's worth!

I hear ya. Spare tires are one of those things that you don’t need…….until you do. The last time I Had a flat was in a F350 Dually and something on the road cut the sidewall.

In regard to my Lightning; I’d be happy with a temp tire or something that could handle the trucks weight in lieu of a full size wheel and tire……..anything other than a small inflator that may or may not work. We used the inflator/sealant combo machine that came with my wife’s Toyota Crown a few years back to help a guy at Glamis and we couldn’t get the thing to work. It was total garbage so I don’t trust the one that came with my truck.

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