Spare Tire

I notice the 2018 models don't have the round spare tire compartment in the rear. Where's the spare tire? Is it under the coach?

  Lynn

No spare unless you choose that option and then the rear is the same.

No spare tire starting with the 2017 models, the entire back panel was redesigned.  I was told it was done to reduce the weight hanging that far back.

As @keelhauler says it is (or at least was) still an option to get the old back panel if you ask for it.

Isn't it kind of risky driving without a spare tire?

  Lynn

No spare seems to be the trend in cars but I would not be comfortable without one in a motorhome.  We spend some time in places where there is no cell service and I just can't imagine driving without a spare.  Call me old fashioned.  

Or, maybe just call me a guy that has had to change one of those big tires himself because there was no alternative.  Or, try buying a matching tire to replace one of your six when you are away from home.

Save weight?  A 16 inch E rated tire and wheel probably weigh about 60-65 pounds as I recall.  About what eight gallons of gray tank sewage weighs.   After all, these start out as TRUCKS (assuming Ford chassis models).  Surely 65 pounds is not that critical.   Like the old ad said "Don't leave home without it" at least for me.  

Paul

Isn't it kind of risky driving without a spare tire?

When we ordered I had the same thought.  Then I thought about it and realized that in over 45 years of driving I have had exactly ONE flat tire.  I limped into the nearest Les Schwab store and they fixed me up no charge plus free coffee.

Of course on the trip home with our new 2552 I got my second flat.  But that was caused by a loose valve extension.  It was on the right dually so we limped down the road at 25mph to a service station and filled it back up.

I now carry a Viair compressor so I feel that I can get to a service station with anything except a complete blow out.  YMMV of course but even though I was worried at first I don't miss the spare. 

We also almost always have the Jeep as a tow so worst case I can drive out for help.

We had a tire blow on a fifth wheel as we were passing a rest stop.  Glad we had a spare. So on our 2018 2552 we ordered the spare tire.

We purchased a new 2016 2351 that had the spare tire as standard. As mentioned in previous forums, I had two flats due to the leaking valve extensions. I had to change a tire on my way to Florida on a nice clear morning at minus six degrees when we couldn't get road service.  When we ordered our 2552 we had to pay extra ($650) for the spare which did change the entire rear cap. But, I would not be without a spare.

I’ve had one blow out, inner dual a bit over a year ago. Glad the spare was there. That being said I may never have the need again.  I guess it’s kind of a insurance policy of sorts.