Suburban stock spare tire location tire size

[adamj]

What's the largest tire that can fit inside the stock spare tire location in the rear driver's side cargo area? I am looking for a spare tire to match my current tires (285/75/16) and wondering if this size will fit there in the back using the stock screw and hold-down clamp thing.

Related question: how bad is it to drive on a small spare relative to the other 3 tires? For example, a 235/75 spare with 285's?

 

[yevgenievich]

I have full size 265-75-16 spare in my suburban and it just barely clears with no modifications. Yours might still fit, but will be very close. It is ok to put smaller tire on the axle that is not powered and open diff.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Yeah if you have a smaller tire on a powered axle the smaller side will be spinning faster because the circumference is smaller which wears on the differential.

 

[Georgeb]

A smaller spare should only be used for emergencies and only to get you to a tire shop for a replacement.

 

[adamj]

Got it, thanks!
Once I get my spare, I'll report back if it fits.

 

[adamj]

Got the spare tire mounted and balanced.
Here is a 285/75/R16 tire that just barely fits. It doesn't touch the bottom, it's just kind of wedged in there, and on a bit of an angle, but it's sturdy and not going anywhere.

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[bucket]

But does the rear seat still fit? IIRC, I tried stuffing a 255/85/16 in the well like that, and the seat didn't fit because of it.

 

[adamj]

Well, that hadn't crossed my mind... I guess I'll find out when I try and fit that 3rd row in within the next month or so.

Is it a clearance issue with the arm rest of that third row?

 

[bucket]

Well, that hadn't crossed my mind... I guess I'll find out when I try and fit that 3rd row in within the next month or so.

Is it a clearance issue with the arm rest of that third row?

From what I remember, the tire and the seat's backrest were fighting for the same space.

 

[adamj]

Yep, you're right, it doesn't fit... I just can't get it far back enough to lock the seat into place.
I guess it's time to start looking for a swing out spare tire carrier!

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[bucket]

If you have an open diff, you can just keep the stock size back there.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Why not select a different size spare?

 

[glockholiday]

That's weird, I tried a 33x10.50x15 in my spare location and it cleared the 3rd row fine but the tailgate hit it when I closed it. Actually the tailgate wouldn't even close all the way.

I want a matching height spare because I want to be just as capable to get myself out of some of my favorite offroading places in case I get a flat in the worst possible situation.

I'm working on building a receiver tire carrier that folds down.

 

[adamj]

The 285/75/16 tires that I have are 11.2" wide, so while similar, my tire is a bit wider than your 33's. Also, burb tailgates are wider and protrude more into the rear than barn doors do so that's why I think your tailgate is not closing, and my doors do close. External tire carrier is the solution for us - I too like having a matching spare tire so that's what I'll be looking into in the future.

 

[adamj]

Unrelated, but do you (glockholiday) have a build thread? I'd like to see more of the 2" lift and 33's, since I'm thinking of doing something similar.