Anyone compare the weight of the spare steel wheel to an alloy wheel?

Trying to save some weight and wondering if the difference is big enough to make switching the spare to an aluminum wheel is worth it. Thanks for any info!

 

I don't think weight matters there because it's not unsprung weight, saving 10-20 pounds in payload = 0 effect.

But to your question, I'm guestimating the spare wheel itself is 30 pounds, reasonably priced alloy you can get it down to 22 pounds.

 

Be much better off removing the spare tire, winch and tools and just having a can of fix-a-flat and a tire repair kit. Why are we worrying about a couple pounds of weight on a truck? There about a million ways to save 10 pounds cheaper than an alloy spare wheel

 

Waste of time, don’t worry about it.

 

Yeah, might not be worth it, but i run heavy so just trying to keep whatever weight down that i can...

 

Uh, start by getting rid of that heavy ass camper.

 

As some folks say, "it's not a slow truck, it's a fast home..."

 

I'm looking at doing something similar, not for weight savings, but so I can rotate my spare along with the other wheels. Is there any reason not to do this? i.e. Alloy rim won't fit under the bed, etc?

 

It all adds up. If you have the cash to save a few pounds, makes total sense to do it. It’s an aggregate thing. If you ignore the weight of all the add-ons and bolt-ons and extras, pretty soon you got a bloated rig, with no power, that blows wheel bearings every couple years, and gets crap MPGs.

Shave the weight everywhere possible, and you are winning.

 

She sliders… and Load Range E tires… and skids and…

honestly though, @tail_or_swift , you should be more concerned with having a full size matching spare than 10-20 lbs underneath.

You are likely over the GVWR of the Tacoma with a 4WC, so I would concern yourself more with driving slower and upgrading the brakes. It looks like you have the suspension covered since it’s not sagging.

 

I have had 5 matching wheels and tires on my current and past Tacoma. Have been doing 5 wheel, rearward cross rotations to have even wear between all tires. Works great.

I’m not sure about the 3rd gen clearance underneath, but I can fit a 17” rim with a 32” tire in the stock location with no issues on my 2015.

 

Yup, I've got a full size 285/75/16 E rated spare underneath on the steelie spare wheel. Probably at or over GVWR so I drive very carefully. That said, I have no tailgate, no bed rails, and no back seats and seatbelts, which has given me back probably over 170lbs of my payload.

 

I want to gently remind everyone to use drillium alloy as much as possible. Also, cut off or grind down the heads of bolts by 50%. Think Burt Rutan.

 

You get it! Mid size trucks being so much thinner & with less wheel base over a full size truck makes it tons better on forest trails which is where we mostly dwell. Just gotta keep the extra weight down w/ a heavy camper. and drive carefully on highways & mountain passes. I took advantage of the Fifteen52 sale and ordered the 16" matching spare.

 

Love this pic.

 

I’d think even a mention, means you’re already overloaded.

 

There is your weight saving. Let your dog drive and you can follow behind on a motorcycle.

 

Those new Fifteen52 wheels are FIRE!

I want a black set bad to replace my FJ steelies….

 

I love them! I just kinda wish they had the 16" white ones in stock last December when I ordered mine. It was just 17" in the white ones at that time. Still totally love them, and 17" has it's benefits too.

 

Fuck that!