Towing with space saver spare wheel.

[Rob_374224319]

Hiya,

Being a newbie to caravaning I am a bit perplexed as to the answer to the above, and would welcome any views.

We have a Focus Cmax which has a space saver spare wheel and tyre - I can't find anything in the handbook relating to towing properties whilst using this tyre only info is on max speed.

On one hand it seems unlikely that you would want to tow with it but it may get us out of trouble for a short journey to the nearest garage ?

Any views of info would be great.

Cheers

Rob

 

[MikeP]

Nowadays punctures are pretty rare, so I'm not too bothered about having a space saver. (Although my proper tyres are 205/55 and the space saver is 195/65. I'm so excited that they have saved 1cm ...)

I also have a space saver for the caravan. I would have no qualms about towing with either or both - but I wouldn't go above about 35-40mph, and would go more slowly if it didn't feel right. They are perfectly safe for getting to a garage or an overnight stop - but at a sensible speed.

 

[Damian]

Space saver tyres are NOT intended for use while towing a caravan, or any other trailer.

They are also NOT intended to do any more than get you to the nearest tyre depot to get the proper size tyre replaceor repaired if it is capable of repair.

 

[MikeP]

It doesn't say that in my handbook. I haven't got the choice, so (as I said) I would use it to limp to somewhere safe. No way would I simply continue my journey at reduced speed - I would drive to a tyre dealer (if open) or campsite (if closed).

At least it's better than a VW Touran - which doesn't have a spare wheel.

 

[BrianStAlbans]

If you have to use a space saver when towing make sure it is on the front. This could mean 2 wheel changes but would be much safer.

 

[354]

Wouldnt buy a tow car unless it has a full size spare. If the manufacturer doesnt supply a full size spare then it shows how much thought has been given to towing with trhe vehicle.

 

[Lutz]

The space saver tyre must have a tyre load rating adequate for the vehicle at GVW condition. As this load must not be exceeded even when towing, it is still possible, in an emergency, to tow with a space saver tyre fitted although one would be well advised to observe the precautions that the previous replies refer to.

 

[MikeP]

I'm interested to know how often people get punctures - I rarely get them, which is why I really don't care that much about space savers. Please contribute to the new thread.

 

[MikeP]

To respond to Delt1c's post, few manufacturers give much thought to towing. They co-operate with mounting points for towbars, but that's about it. I remember the MkII Cavaliers that had the trailer warning light in the instrument panel, and if you were lucky it had a bulb fitted too. Those were the days ...

If car manufacturers wanted to help us, they would fit a wiring harness with a multi-pin socket ready to take a plug from the towbar electrics. No more blue connectors. And ready fitted relays etc would be good too. And some sort of system for slotting in the end of a detachable towbar would be a nice standard fitment - think how easy life could be.

Trouble is, it's all down to cost. And rightly so, as people who tow are in the minority.