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Toad flats

Yahoo Message Number: 18454
I'm new to the forum, so if I bring up something that has been discussed a month ago or longer, forgive me. There's some great info on the forum that I can tell I will benefit from. My question: I have smart tire on my coach, but haven't elected to put it on my toad yet, as I hope to be getting a new one by the end of the year. My toad, a Saturn Vue, has the mini spare tire. If I have a flat on the front, can you use the mini spare on the front and still pull it? I've pulled it about 15,000 miles and just now thought of that particualar situation.
Thanks,

R. D. Vanderslice
Rockwall, Texas

06 Allure 470 - 31294

Re: Toad flats

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18455
From: "ROBT D VANDERSLICE" Rdvan@...> (snip) > My toad, a Saturn Vue, has the mini spare tire. If I have a flat on the front, can you use the mini spare on the front and still pull it? I've pulled it about 15,000 miles and just now thought of that particualar situation.

The following doesn't actually answer your question, but let it be part of the thought process.

Several years ago, one of the auto magazines (Car and Driver?) tested the performance of a car with a mini-spare replacing one of its "regular" tires.
From what I remember, it was a full test involving braking and slalom performance. They were shocked 'cause the car performed almost as well with the mini-spare as it did with four "regular" tires.
That said, don't expect the mini-spare to last as long as a regular tire.
Once it's installed, replace it ASAP.

Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97

(still for sale)

Re: Toad flats

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18457
We towed our Saturn about 50 miles on the mini spare and it did fine. Drove slower, just to be safe. What really bothered us was we never saw it go in the back up camera. Our saving grace was we were caravanning with another couple to a rally and they called us on the CB and told us we had a flat. This was a few years ago before tire monitors were so readily available, but you can bet we got some as soon as they were.
SC

Re: Toad flats

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18458
Thanks Dick, my thread was a little misleading or vague, I didn't mean to imply that I had pulled the toad 15,000 miles on the mini spare. I have never had a flat yet, thank goodness, but just got to wondering if there would be a problem with the mini spare tracking correctly if there was an imbalance because of two different tires on the front of the Vue. Those things look weird and I am hoping that if that ever occurs that they will pull straight and not cross up the wheels behind the coach. That would not be a pretty scene.
Thanks Again,
R. D.

Re: Toad flats

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18464
R.D. ......

Without really having any facts at hand, IMHO it would be prudent to put the mini spare on a back wheel and have two regular tires on the front end. That would seem to eliminate any problems that might result from towing due to two different type tires on the front. And replacing the mini spare on the rear asap would still apply.

Bob Fuzak

'02 Magna #6148

Re: Toad flats

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18466
Bob,

Now that makes since. Duh! Dont' know why I didn't think of that. Just goes to prove that a whole bunch of heads are better than one.
R. D.

rfuzaksr@... wrote:

Re: Toad flats

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18467
Gary, it's a air pressure and temperture monitoring system that is installed on all 8 wheels of my coach. It gives you these readings via the VMS (computer screen) as you are driving. You can tell at a glance if your tires are inflated properly, too hot, or flat. It can be added to your tow vehicle and will also monotor the tires on it. It's a neat system and takes the worry out of having a flat on one of your rear duals and not knowing it or on your toad. But, like most other accessories, it is over priced. Hope this helps.
R. D.

"Gary L. Collins" wrote:

Re: Toad flats

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18476
First of all tire sensors can be added to the system provided the system is a Generation II Smartire system. Generation I systems will not handle both low and high pressure sensors.

You would be limited by the same precautions prescribed by the manufacturer. However, if a space saver spare is put on the front, there will be a difference in drag between the two sides while towing. Thus, resulting in the vehicle pulling to one side. Suggest the space saver spare be put on the rear only and follow speed, distance and other manufacturer limitations.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511
 

Re: Toad flats

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18481
Thanks Jim, I have the Generation II system and will get the toad sensors on my next toad, that hopefully I will be purchasing by year end. I hope I don't need to use the mini spare, but if I do it will go on the back as you suggested.
R. D. Vanderslice