Upgraded Wheels and Spare Tire Question

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Glisella

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Hey all,

Recently I upgraded my stock 275/55/20 to 285/45/22 on my '08 XL Denali, spare underneath is whatever came with the truck, assuming it is just a steel rim but 275/55/20.

So a random thought while I was driving on highway today, if I were to get a flat and put that spare on, would the truck drive "level"? If it's a little off then it makes sense to keep spare tire to get the mile or so to a shop if needed but if there is no way in hell it would be a good idea to drive with it then I might as well delete it and shave some pounds off.
 

wjburken

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Hey all,

Recently I upgraded my stock 275/55/20 to 285/45/22 on my '08 XL Denali, spare underneath is whatever came with the truck, assuming it is just a steel rim but 275/55/20.

So a random thought while I was driving on highway today, if I were to get a flat and put that spare on, would the truck drive "level"? If it's a little off then it makes sense to keep spare tire to get the mile or so to a shop if needed but if there is no way in hell it would be a good idea to drive with it then I might as well delete it and shave some pounds off.

Looks like you are pretty close in size, (31.9" vs 32.1") but the problem will be if you have AWD, you can do some damage to your drive train if you go very far with a tire that is a different size as AWD doesn't do well with wheels going different speeds.

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

upload_2019-9-16_14-48-46.png
 
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You sure it's that 20" size? Most come with a 17" spare wheel

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18
 

Meccanoble

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I doubt they would come with a 20" spare but even with smaller rims, they would come with thicker tires to make the height similar. If the height was a little off, it would be fine for emergencies. People drive cars with little spares and no issues as long as you not exceeding a speed limit.
 
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Glisella

Glisella

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Looks like you are pretty close in size, (31.9" vs 32.1") but the problem will be if you have AWD, you can do some damage to your drive train if you go very far with a tire that is a different size as AWD doesn't do well with wheels going different speeds.

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

View attachment 230771

Thank you! Like I said it was a random thought I had, didn't know there was a site that would show me the comparison like that. Looks like I'll keep it, in an emergency I'd rather be able to drive somewhere than be stranded somewhere.
 

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