I'm buying new front tires for my tractor and I'm thinking about what to do for a spare. I'm curious what you guys think about this.
Instead of buying two new tires and finding a used tire for a spare somewhere, I'm considering buying 3 brand new front tires.
My reasoning is that I'm a little afraid of a used tire on the steer axle. That's the first thing.
The next thing is that I've heard of guys having a problem say 30,000 miles or 40,000 miles or whatever into their front tires and they can't just replace one tire so they have to buy a new set. I realize you generally will take the one tire and put it back onto the trailer but I'm wondering if what I'm thinking is worthwhile.
If I did buy three new Steer tires and I rotated them I would think that would give me a little longer life for my Steer tires and if I had a problem with one then at least I still have a set.
Is there something wrong with thinking this way or is there a better idea?
Front tires and spare
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Dino soar, Nov 15, 2019.
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Buy quality steer tires and be done with it.
Rotating a 3rd one into the mix will increase the chance of damaging the bead from extra mount & dismounting.
The problems generally stem from buying cheap or inflation issues.mitmaks, dunchues and Rideandrepair Thank this. -
I have never carried a spare except when I had a trailer with the small 17.5 tires. That includes all the time spent back and forth to Alaska and running north up here where tires are not available for hundreds of miles.
Only twice have I had to deal with a steer tire problem, and just took one off the trailer to get me to where I could get one.pushbroom, PE_T, Rideandrepair and 2 others Thank this. -
Maybe a good idea maybe bad...Rideandrepair Thanks this. -
We run Michelin steers and typically get over 150K on a set as a fleet average.
Some trucks don't like certain steer tire brands.
Steers are often directional, mounting it will limit it to one side.Dino soar, Rideandrepair and starmac Thank this. -
I wouldn’t waste the money, or time involved. I wouldn’t even rotate the new ones. I’m superstitious about changing directions on a steer. Although I just did it. Lol. Because I know my right front wears on the outside. But that’s why I wouldn’t. Not at least till you know, how your steers are wearing. Having done all that work, and alignment. It could be off, and by rotating the steers, you’ll never know. A good used mounted steer for a spare is a great idea. Can be used anywhere. When you buy the next set, trade in the used spare, and keep the better of the old steers, for a spare. Avoiding a dry rotted spare.I quit rotating drives also, a long time ago. Rear axle, usually wears out faster, sometimes, I’ll buy 4, run them on the rear axle, for a year, then move them up, 4 new ones on rear axle again. Then they all wear out evenly eventually. It all depends, right now, I’ve got 4 used steers on rear axle. Lol. Not good, soon I’ll put 4 new Luggers and move steers forward. Next year 4 new ones again on rear. Nothing wrong with rotating, just never seemed to help mine last any longer, as long as they’re wearing evenly, why bother. These days my drives dry rot before they wear out. Why waste money rotating, apply to new tires.Just my opinion,and tactics since tires got expensive. Used to just slap a set of Premium Drives on for $1800, now it’s double that amount.
Dino soar Thanks this. -
If you buy a new premium steer and put it in the spare rack you better lock it down twice so nobody steals it.
Last edited: Nov 15, 2019
Rideandrepair, stillwurkin, starmac and 1 other person Thank this. -
Sounds like I'd be best off just getting a used steer for a spare.
Rideandrepair and stillwurkin Thank this. -
HopeOverMope, Rideandrepair and Dino soar Thank this.
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Most places wont put a used tire mounted or not on the steer axle.
Rideandrepair and stillwurkin Thank this.
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