We just got an antara. wanted to know if anyone has towed say off the motorway using one of the spacesaver spares. Or do you have to get someone to tow the caravan for you. the aa, rac .
Don't know if to get a spacesaver or a full size one. The full size we think will make the boot floor look like a bump in it.
Advice please
What does it say in the handbook ?
Safer to check there than to rely on other people's opinions.
Having said that, it is often recommended not to change wheels on motorways without the assistance of the emergency services or recovery services whether or not you are towing.
DaveS1
Managed to swap my tyre inflation kit for a space saver, (rep didn't care as he said he would never mess about with a flat tyre anyway) Now I'am looking to ditch the space saver for a full size wheel as a spare. Just wouldn't fancy towing with the space saver.
------------- Just saying
If all is not lost where is it then?
I have an antara and bought an 18inch steel wheel with a tyre from Vauxhall when I bought the car, mine is a 61 plate and it sits in the rear boot under the floor, I know it is a smaller wheel to the alloys which are 19 inch but assured by other antara owners plus Vauxhall and tyre company that it will do the job in an emergency, hope I never need it but it's better than the gunk they supply with the car
A spacesaver will be ok tow caravan provided you read the instructions. That is max speed 50mph for max 50miles. Also ensure you check spacesaver pressure when you check your road tyre pressures which you should do once a week. It's around 60psi. If you forget to check spare for years then it will be flat when you need it.
Quote: Originally posted by Opensauce on 23/1/2016A spacesaver will be ok tow caravan provided you read the instructions. That is max speed 50mph for max 50miles. Also ensure you check spacesaver pressure when you check your road tyre pressures which you should do once a week. It's around 60psi. If you forget to check spare for years then it will be flat when you need it.
Except some manufacturers state their spacesavers are not suitable for towing. One of the mags did an article on it and contacted several manufacturers to ask that question.
You would probably be OK to tow a short distance at a reduced speed to a safe place.
Unless the manufacturer specifically states it is not suitable for towing what is the problem? Your tow hitch weight is only 80kg, the weight of one person. Would you think twice about using a spacesaver with one person sat in the back? Of course not, so why worry about towing?
The spacesaver provided on our Mondeo estate is according to the handbook not suitable for towing.
In the end I bought a second hand alloy and fitted an identical tyre as what is fitted on the car costing approx £150 in total. This unfortunately will not fit into the sparewheel well so travels in the caravan when towing.
Quote: Originally posted by kpnuts81 on 23/1/2016
I have an antara and bought an 18inch steel wheel with a tyre from Vauxhall when I bought the car, mine is a 61 plate and it sits in the rear boot under the floor, I know it is a smaller wheel to the alloys which are 19 inch but assured by other antara owners plus Vauxhall and tyre company that it will do the job in an emergency, hope I never need it but it's better than the gunk they supply with the car
A smaller circumference wheel will mess up the traction control,antilock and any other electronics that rely on the wheels.Used to have a 4x4 Volvo and even a worn tyre messed the traction control.
All the wheels have to go round at the same speed.
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 23/1/2016The towball is not in the back though, its x distance behind the vehicle which increases the forces.
I know that but do the maths. In this case the Antara has a very short overhang between the back wheels and the towbar. You'll find that the force is not increased greatly.
It will get me out of trouble Taylor56 and that is all that matters, if I use the gunk I then have to get it all cleaned off the alloy wheel etc, as I said in the earlier post I hope I never need it and I know several antara owners in my hometown who have done the same with the wheel
Quote: Originally posted by kpnuts81 on 24/1/2016
It will get me out of trouble Taylor56 and that is all that matters, if I use the gunk I then have to get it all cleaned off the alloy wheel etc, as I said in the earlier post I hope I never need it and I know several antara owners in my hometown who have done the same with the wheel
Yes the wife has a silly repair kit in her Focus but it is a company car so we are not allowed to change it.
Quote: Originally posted by Taylor56 on 24/1/2016A smaller circumference wheel will mess up the traction control,antilock and any other electronics that rely on the wheels.Used to have a 4x4 Volvo and even a worn tyre messed the traction control.
All the wheels have to go round at the same speed.
Not necessarily.
The spare wheel and tyre often has a larger aspect ratio so that the overall rolling circumference of the tyres is the same.
I know that is the case with my Yeti and having checked a friends Antara, also with theirs.
What you can also do (bitter experience) is if you have a puncture in the rear tyre - then swap one of the good wheels from the front to the rear and put the space waster on the front. A little less stress on the rear of the car then.
As recommended by Merc when I had a blowout on the A34 near Newbury
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Topic: Spacesaver tyre
