Thread: spare tyres - actual times you needed a second spare

Originally Posted by Tombie

Lovely and harsh country up there.

How many occasions have you needed both spares and what circumstances?

The first time I decided I needed to carry two spares was after a trip away of 3 flat tyres with only one spare. First flat was a staked sidewall, second flat was the "repaired" first flat (not repaired by me mind you) where the sidewall cut pinched the tube that was put in (why they didnt throw a patch over it it beyond me - and I remember getting charged $90 for that service too - coundnt expect any cheaper at Nanutarra roadhouse back then). Then the third flat was the spare (was a split rim so a tube issue - cant remember the excact issue, but I can remember it was somewhere along the coast north of Coral bay)

Most of the time since its only been singe flats - mostly rear tyres when I have the camper in tow. Last one was around half way on the Tanami Road last year where I destroyed a rear tyre. But having the second spare is piece of mind when your remote and you do get that flat tyre - dont have to complete the rest of the drive like your walking on egg shells

My borther in law had a good trip coming home from Karratha to Tom Price mayn years ago where he copped two flats on his Colorado and only had a single spare. His wife had to get a ride with a passing car back to TP with the flats, get them repaired and then get a friend to drive them back out to the car. Thats the time he decided two spares is a must. Happens to quite a few up here

Must be something about the Pilbara. I decided on always carrying two spares when remote after coming out of Karijini with an unrepairable rear tyre. Luckily Adrian in Tom Price sorted out my damaged rear shock and busted tyre. We figured out later that the rubber bush must have been damaged when the back end got a good whack on the fuel tank and rear shock mount whilst crossing a dry creekbed and some rocks gave way. A day or so later it fell out taking the shockie and tyre with it on the very rough corrugations! Adrian's first comment was 'well you have now busted your Pilbara virginity' - cheeky bugger! I guess I had gone more than a decade offroading without a puncture so it was a good reminder to drive to conditions and check tyre and shockie temps on a regular basis!