Tires (second spare)

[pvision]

I plan on going to Alaska this summer June to August, traveling up to Fairbanks -> Deadhorse -> Homer -> McCarty -> Hanes, in a 2021 Chevy Silverado pulling a 22' Grand Design travel trailer.
Do I need a second spare tire for the truck or trailer?
looking for opinions - thanks

 

[Daveinthebush]

I've run the Alcan 16 times and have never had a flat. Deadhorse and McCarthy too and never a flat. But I run the best tires that I can afford, E series. That being said; with supplies and many items hard to find during the pandemic, I think I'd bring one of each just in case if I could afford it and had the space. I have a tendency to be over prepared, I put a couple cans of the "large" Fix-a-Flat in the truck too and I carry tire plugs too.

I'm not sure how the pandemic has affected Canada with services and businesses. It might be interesting trying to find anything there too.

 

[SmokeRoss]

Bring along a 12 volt air compressor. Or better yet, get one that matches your cordless tools set along with the cordless impact. I carry my extra spare in the bed of the truck so I don't have to struggle the factory one out from under the vehicle. Trailer tires are not as tough as truck tires. I have 2 spares for the trailer.

 

[urbanhillbilly]

Bring along a 12 volt air compressor. Or better yet, get one that matches your cordless tools set along with the cordless impact. I carry my extra spare in the bed of the truck so I don't have to struggle the factory one out from under the vehicle. Trailer tires are not as tough as truck tires. I have 2 spares for the trailer.

I agree with this 100%. I keep my Milwaukee 1/2” cordless impact and tire inflator in my truck at all times. Along with tire plugs. You also might want to look at alternative jacks instead of the one that comes with the vehicle. I keep a small floor jack and bottle jack in there also. You never know what the ground will be like when and if you’ll need to use them.

 

[mark knapp]

Yes, bring spare spares. it's like if you leave your rain gear at home, it will rain. When you get to Fairbanks stop in and say HI at my knife shop, The Cutting Edge.

 

[Daveinthebush]

You also might want to look at alternative jacks instead of the one that comes with the vehicle. I keep a small floor jack and bottle jack in there also. You never know what the ground will be like when and if you’ll need to use them.

Absolutely! I had an issue with the camper on trying to lift my F-350 plus the 2,100+ lb. camper. It was forcing the standard Ford jack into the ground. So I bought one of these and cut a 2x10 the size of the base and drove deck screws into the edges so the board won't split.

 

[urbanhillbilly]

So I bought one of these and cut a 2x10 the size of the base and drove deck screws into the edges so the board won't split.

That looks awesome, please provide more info so I can look into one!

 

[Daveinthebush]

Without going out to the camper it looks like this one. I have tried it on the truck and it lifted it with no problems.

Amazon.com: EAMBRITE 12V DC Heavy Duty 4.5 Ton（9900lb） Hydraulic Floor Jack with LED Light : Automotive

 

[CapnMike]

Be careful with these electric jacks. They all look good, and all tell you how great they are, but I've tried some that weren't strong enough to lift a car up high enough to change a tire.

 

[Daveinthebush]

There are some good sides and some bad sides to the internet. One of the good ones is the ability to research items. I usually do a lot of research before I buy something.

 

[Cheeser]

Yes, bring spare spares. it's like if you leave your rain gear at home, it will rain. When you get to Fairbanks stop in and say HI at my knife shop, The Cutting Edge.

That's how I approach it, too. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I hit the Haul Road often for prospecting and I always take two spare truck tires and three 6-gallon jugs of fuel. I've never needed it, but I know the first time I go up without it I'll need it. Because Mr Murphy has a nasty habit of showing up at the absolute worst times.

 

[Tee Jay]

I plan on going to Alaska this summer June to August, traveling up to Fairbanks -> Deadhorse -> Homer -> McCarty -> Hanes, in a 2021 Chevy Silverado pulling a 22' Grand Design travel trailer.
Do I need a second spare tire for the truck or trailer?
looking for opinions - thanks

Run "E" rated tires or better on the truck, and 17.5" tires on the trailer, keep them inflated for the actual weight, and carry a plug kit with spare plugs and a small compressor or a high pressure gas bottle with tire valve fittings.. Had one flat in 1995, on the truck, got repaired at Watson Lake. Had one on the trailer with ST tires in 2008,

 

[MacGyver]

I plan on going to Alaska this summer June to August, traveling up to Fairbanks -> Deadhorse -> Homer -> McCarty -> Hanes, in a 2021 Chevy Silverado pulling a 22' Grand Design travel trailer.
Do I need a second spare tire for the truck or trailer?
looking for opinions - thanks

Not knowing how old the trailer is, make sure the trailer wiring, brakes, wheel bearing don't have any problems.

 

[6XLeech]

Agree with Mark Knapp and Cheeser. Good way to feel lonely is a flat without a spare... no raingear in the rain. I think most people underestimate what "remote" means in Alaska. And this applies to the roads you'll traverse... and applies doubly to your RV tires. Nothing convinces like a shredded tire (experience talking!). Good luck!