Thread: Can I use a standard 205/80R16 spare while running 30x9.5R15's?

Offset doesn't matter only diameter.
check out the websites of the tyre manufacturers and if they are within a few %, then its OK.
Usual caveats to be careful blah blah blah.
Regard sPhilip A

Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing

30x9.5x15 has a dia of 761.64mm

205/80/16 has a dia of 734.31

Personally, I wouldnt drive too far with that much of a difference and would put it on the back as it will throw the steering out a bit. It doesnt seem much of a difference, but it will drive/steer differently and if you have a prang with it like that, kiss your insurance good bye

what about a spare wheel carrier, that would be the go

I asked a similar question awhile ago although I was using a spare with a difference of 70+mm instead of 26mm like you. The answers were interesting and non conclusive. some saying 'yes' others 'no'. I have just been driving on the road anyway so far so good.........

any dramas using a different sized spare?

What is stopping you fitting a 30*9.5*15 tyre in there? Until recently I had a 31*10.5*15 spare fitted there and I know another who has his 33 fitted - a couple of modifications maybe required and if you have the surround and rear shelf they will no longer be usable. It sits a bit higher as you have already found out due to the extra width not allowing it to drop fully down into the spare wheel well. You will need to raise the point where it bolts into the side of the car, from memory ours went diagonally up and forward. Remember that you will also need to get a bolt into the back of the spacer through the existing rectangular pipe that the spare previously attached to - the bolt replaces the nut which is welded onto the pipe in the original position. Attach a threaded spacer in the new position where you want spare wheel to tighten onto - this spacer overcomes the different offset rim. It may also interfere with the rear seatbelt pretensioner if you have the retractable seat belts fitted in the rear - this varies from rim to rim.

Unable to get pics as I now have draws fitted.

That's the next step.
The 30x9.5 only just fits under the seatbelt reel (I have to wedge the corner of the reel in between two tread-blocks.... not going to work if I ever get A/T's!). I thought briefly about deflating it, but that would kinda defeat the purpose.

I do want to keep using the luggage cover, with the car being parked in the street a lot of the time, so I intend to take some measurements and fabricate a replacement spare-wheel board thingy from plywood. The shelf should still fit, in theory.