Anyone buy a full-size spare wheel/tire combo they're happy with?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Scott_R, Mar 8, 2026 at 7:33 PM.

  1. Scott_R

    Scott_R Member

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    2024 Prime.

    For local driving I can live with the fix-a-flat can, and I do have my own compressor for less serious issues.

    A few times a year I take longish trips--i.e., up to 200 miles each way. If I get a flat that's too much for the can to address... well, that's a problem. I'll be on my way to an event and a sidetrip for tire replacement (and the hours involved) would be an issue.

    So I was thinking about getting a full sized tire and wheel, that I would take along with me just on such trips. This isn't a light decision: I'm also transporting a wheelchair for my passenger, along with whatever luggage is needed, so space'll be tight, but I figure I can live with it a half-dozen times a year. And if I'm 100+ miles from home (or my destination) the speed/milelage limitations of a donut are another issue.

    I was looking at Tirerack, but nothing really stands out. Has anyone gone down this route and found something they liked?
     
    #1 Scott_R, Mar 8, 2026 at 7:33 PM
  2. notspam3

    notspam3 Member

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    My best spare tire is the one I never had to use. I was considering getting a spare for the gen5 prius as an emergency BU but figured since I haven't had to change a flat at the side of the road in 30 years I'll get away with making a call to get a tow truck if it happens.
     
    #2 notspam3, Mar 9, 2026 at 8:32 AM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    What are you looking for, a rim? There’s maybe a steel Camry or RAV4 rim that works.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Mar 9, 2026 at 8:41 AM
  4. Scott_R

    Scott_R Member

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    Maybe I'm just unlucky but I've had to put on spares at least three in the past twenty years. But if I'm driving up to the Berkshires I don't want my evening plans ruined by hours wasted having to deal with a tow truck.
     
    #4 Scott_R, Mar 9, 2026 at 8:46 AM
  5. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    I recently had a blowout in a Lowes parking lot.

    An air compressor did nothing, a piece of scrap metal put a 3/4 inch gash trough the tread.

    I had a full size spare and a Walmart $42 trolley jack with which I changed the tire in 15 minutes.

    20251126_101514.jpg
     
    #5 Georgina Rudkus, Mar 9, 2026 at 9:04 AM
  6. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    Perhaps posted in the wrong forum?

    Berkshires, eh?
    If you want to wander over to Albany, I'd give you a smoking deal on a new donut, lol.
    But, you're not looking to go the donut route.

    Reason mine's leaving is because I now store a full size tire in back of the passenger seat. I bought snow tires, so I use an off season wheel/tire. Passenger seat goes way back, rear seat backs fold down. I store a jump pack in the wheel dish. 'Camouflage' is a black winter jacket, lol. Only issue I've seen is that the console cover doesn't open totally-can still look in and get stuff, etc.

    eBay gets a lot for an original equipment spare wheel. But, since you're only buying one, perhaps bite the bullet, or make a call to a local wrecker, but you'll pay top dollar there too. Maybe some other classified?

    I'd still say go OEM. No problem with fitting, lug nuts, etc. If you got fancy, you could put the same tire on, tpms, and put it in your tire rotation scheme. Don't ask me about tpms specifics for this scenario though, lol.

    If the blowout happens after hours, it could be an overnighter. At least if you wait for AAA, they'll put on your nice full size spare.

    PS: Mine is an LE, so it has more height in the back.
    PPS: Also, since mine is an LE, it has 17" wheels. Same diameter of course, roughly, but narrower. I don't know how much of a factor 19" wheels would be as far as storage goes-maybe too wide.

    upload_2026-3-9_10-10-27.png
     
    #6 VelvetFoot, Mar 9, 2026 at 10:19 AM
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