Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Spare Wheel on Towcar

Page: 1 2

Alan Chilestone

10/12/2014 at 7:47pm
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Adria Sportline 532 UP

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2013

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 453

Site Reviews Total:	36

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi Everyone
Most cars seem to come these days with at best a space saver spare wheel or at worst, one of those repair kits that once use make it impossible to repair the tyre properly. My understanding is that it is not advisable to tow with either a space saver or a tyre that is temporarily repaired. Am I correct in thinking this or do members know otherwise. I am sure even if you could use either, it would not be good to go too far on them. What do other forum members do? Do you buy a steel wheel and put a tyre on it? All advice gratefully received.

-------------
Alan

2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder

WOBBLE

10/12/2014 at 8:45pm
Location: sunderland
Outfit: lunar zenith 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/9/2006

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 178

Site Reviews Total:	28

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	5
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	4

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	23
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	4
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	6

when I have bought a new car I always ask for a full size spare ,or I walk away from the deal .never been refused one yet , as for space saver wheels they are only so you can get to a garage ,they are not for towing and are usually only for a max speed of 50 mph .

kpnuts81

10/12/2014 at 8:51pm
Location: Warwickshire
Outfit: Gobur Clubman

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/7/2009

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 816

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	7
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	14
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	14
Site Nights 2018:	1

Alan I bought an antara in may and purchased a steel wheel and tyre at the same time
Keith

camcroft

11/12/2014 at 9:00am
Location: Lincolnshire
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 SE 2011

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 21/7/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1893
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Alan. you should have rather sold a Three wheeled folding camper and kept the other wheel

Octavia4x4

11/12/2014 at 9:58am
Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/10/2012

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 618

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

When I ordered my car from new the standard fit was a tyre repair kit, a can of gunk and a 12v tyre inflator. I had 2 options, a skinny spare wheel or a full size steel spare wheel, which is what I ordered for £75. The wheel has a yellow rim and still limited to 50mph because the tyre size is 195/70 and the standard tyres on alloy rims are 205/65 but with the correct tyre pressure in can be used for towing, but is still classed as a temporary spare and it does fit in the wheel well.

-------------
Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)

oxter

11/12/2014 at 10:08am
Location: NE Scotland
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix + CRV

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/10/2003

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3894

Site Reviews Total:	83

Site Reviews 2024:	3
Site Reviews 2023:	2
Site Reviews 2022:	7
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	2
Site Reviews 2019:	6
Site Reviews 2018:	8

Site Nights 2024:	14
Site Nights 2023:	14
Site Nights 2022:	47
Site Nights 2021:	14
Site Nights 2020:	11
Site Nights 2019:	36
Site Nights 2018:	8

I looked at it this way. The chances of a car tyre failure are rare these days. My space saver would surely get me a few miles to a fitting bay and if it's a rear tyre I could swap a front to back.
Caravan tyres on the other hand ...
Keep them up to date and always carry a spare.
Perhaps I should worry more?

-------------
playing at tinkies

664DaveS

11/12/2014 at 11:40am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4383

Site Reviews Total:	55

Site Reviews 2024:	2
Site Reviews 2023:	8
Site Reviews 2022:	6
Site Reviews 2021:	6
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	3
Site Reviews 2018:	4

Site Nights 2024:	16
Site Nights 2023:	55
Site Nights 2022:	54
Site Nights 2021:	56
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	20
Site Nights 2018:	41

Our Kia came with a full size alloy.
In the pastwhen I towed with a Saab we bought a steel wheel and tyre from a break ers.They had spacesavers.

My current Saab has a spacesaver but I don't tow with it.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!

freeatlast

11/12/2014 at 1:51pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Mitsubishi ASX4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/3/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2135

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

My last car had a full size alloy spare. I sold it at 4 years old and 36000miles with the original tyres and an unused spare.

Big Roy

11/12/2014 at 2:32pm
Location: Southport
Outfit: Mondeo Titanium Swift Challenger 580

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/7/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 638

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I had a puncture a few years ago while on holiday in looe Cornwall in the caravan. It was a Friday evening and we were due to leave the site the following morning for a site in Devon so there was no chance of getting it repaired, I fitted the skinny spacesaver and towed to Ilfracombe without any problem at all

RogerGoff

11/12/2014 at 3:26pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/11/2014

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 271

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

It would depend on weight rating of spare. I would have thought any skinny spare or temporary spare of different size, supplied with car as original equipment would be safe on fully laden car within speed & distance limits stated in car handbook so should be safe even when towing caravan. Same would be for temporary repair.

If you want to be able to continue journey at normal speed after changing a flat tyre then a spare of same size/type as road wheels would need to be carried.

listerdiesel

12/12/2014 at 4:37pm
Location: Rushden Northants
Outfit: Mercedes 614D Conversion

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/7/2011

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 581

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We've always maintained 'proper' spare wheels on our cars, not because of the convenience factor but because you never know when and where you are going to break down.

In Belgium there is a huge gap between services going southbound, no fuel, nothing. I'd not want to break down on that stretch, or even one of the side roads off the motorway.

If you're in the UK it is a lot easier to get help, but at a price.

Keep a spare, even if it doesn't get used.

Peter

Alan Chilestone

12/12/2014 at 5:35pm
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Adria Sportline 532 UP

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2013

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 453

Site Reviews Total:	36

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	0

Thanks everyone, the general opinion is what I have been doing, keep a proper spare. I just thought I would seek your views as I am changing cars. Anyone want a spare for a C4 Grand Picasso?

-------------
Alan

2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder

amara 520

12/12/2014 at 7:46pm
Location: chesterfield
Outfit: Mazda CX 5 Auto Amara 520 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/8/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 391

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by WOBBLE on 10/12/2014
when I have bought a new car I always ask for a full size spare ,or I walk away from the deal .never been refused one yet , as for space saver wheels they are only so you can get to a garage ,they are not for towing and are usually only for a max speed of 50 mph .

Full size spare very often will not fit flush in the wheel well in the boot, this is certainly the case in my CR V

amara 520

12/12/2014 at 7:47pm
Location: chesterfield
Outfit: Mazda CX 5 Auto Amara 520 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/8/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 391

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Octavia4x4 on 11/12/2014

When I ordered my car from new the standard fit was a tyre repair kit, a can of gunk and a 12v tyre inflator. I had 2 options, a skinny spare wheel or a full size steel spare wheel, which is what I ordered for £75. The wheel has a yellow rim and still limited to 50mph because the tyre size is 195/70 and the standard tyres on alloy rims are 205/65 but with the correct tyre pressure in can be used for towing, but is still classed as a temporary spare and it does fit in the wheel well.

Did they also advice you to buy a suitable jack as this is very often overlooked when replacing the gunk with a spare wheel?

Skoda Bob

13/12/2014 at 12:06am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1837

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you need a full size wheel go to the scrappy and get one far cheaper and get the jack and winder, and the wheel brease at the same time

Alan Chilestone

13/12/2014 at 9:04am
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Adria Sportline 532 UP

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2013

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 453

Site Reviews Total:	36

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	0

Looked at local scrappy last time, nothing to fit my car. I have a trolley jack that will do the job and have carried my own wheel brace for years after having cars where the brace was not man enough for the job, most notably on a Hillman Avenger (Giving my age away now!)

-------------
Alan

2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

4984 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder