Full Duty Spare Tire?

[Gearhead Jim]

Our 2005 Camry XLE has a "normal" spare tire, although it's mounted on a stamped steel wheel instead of the pretty aluminum like the other 4.

But our new 2011 Camry XLE has one of those miniature "temporary" spares that is limited for both speed and distance. Has anyone checked to see if we can get a normal spare in there? The well looks too small for a normal tire, but I didn't measure it.

[MJZ]

I believe it fits fine except the well is too shallow to be flush.

So your bed will have a hump on it from the wheels.

[bandit]

Placing a full spare tire has been asked and thought of already. It will fit but will bulge up.

'07 camry temp spare tire (revisited)
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t164053.html

[Pawel062]

everyone is right. just keep the donut and thats it. not like u drive long on spare anyway.

[Rapid Roy]

Canadian camrys come with a full spare and they fit. The US versions have the donut with foam spacers.

[CamrySExxx]

+1 , got a pretty full sized SE wheel in the trunk

Originally Posted by Rapid Roy

Canadian camrys come with a full spare and they fit. The US versions have the donut with foam spacers.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by Pawel062

everyone is right. just keep the donut and thats it. not like u drive long on spare anyway.

Yes because all of us will be able to get a suitable replacement within the 50 mi limit of the spare.

[Pawel062]

ok atleast most people don't. 50 miles is alot unless u out of state in which closest gas station can fix the flat for u.

[Gearhead Jim]

Thanks for all the info and links.

Maybe I'll just go with runflat tires when the originals need replacement. (Based on our experience with our 1998 and 2005, that won't be long- the original tires on both cars were surprisingly low quality.)

The 2011 already has the tire pressure warning system, so it should be an easy switch.
Runflats are typically more expensive and stiffer riding, but the Camry rides so softly that it should be ok.

EDIT:
I just went to the Tire Rack website and they show NO runflats made in the Camry size.
Grrrrr...

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Originally Posted by Pawel062

ok atleast most people don't. 50 miles is alot unless u out of state in which closest gas station can fix the flat for u.

I been running on my spare all week....and i don't have a flat..so no "gas station" could fix me up...

I'll be running the spare til my new tire comes in next week...

[desentrix]

Check craig's list. Most people who upgrade rims, tend to swap the TPMS and keep their former rims/tires sitting in the garage. I'm sure you'll find someone who will sell you a full-size steelie, or w/e ...