Opinions on getting a Full Size Spare

FlaDan,

My dealer said that a full size spare would fit in the spare tray space, but I have not measured yet to be sure. The documentation also said that golf bags would fit in the trunk, but I had to remove my driver from the bag since the fit was very tight.

I am also considering getting a full size spare (possible with a matching rim) and keeping it attached to the bed mount (obviously with some locking mechanism). This will allow three benefits:
1) I won't every have to move the spare before hauling.
2) I will be able to do a 5 wheel rotation to prolong tire life (not sure if this will be worth the expense).
3) I will be able to use the spare tray space for other stuff. I would build a storage system for golf shoes, golf balls, fishing tackle, etc.

Before I proceed though, I need to build a tire model to see if having the spare in the bed would have detriments as well - additional blind spots, overall look, ...

I would appreciate any comments (preferably constructive )

It looks like a full sized spare will fit, but the toolkit will have to move.

Somewhere on the forum there is a thread on this. Can't find it at the moment, but someone said a full size tire fits on the shelf but the jack then would not. You have to store it someplace else.

If you need another place to store the jack try the shelf on the right side of the in bed trunk...the jack is the exact same shape as that space although you may need to strap it down there...I wouldn't even know this if I hadn't put about a million there myself!

I am going to get the full-sized spare and I believe that it fits in the tray. But as others have stated, the jack needs to go somewhere else.

If you choose the full size tire and rim option consider the idea of adding the roof rack and securing the tire/rim with a high quality cover (U-V rated). If the tire is place in the proper area it may not obscure the moon roof. Good Luck!

If anyone gets the full sized spare, please post info on the TPMS and the spare. Can the Honda system accept 5 tires?

Full size spare is a good idea if you plan on towing!

P.S. For the Odyssey owners with TPMS didn't that system also display psi. for each wheel?

Yep, The Ody system displays a little van shaped icon with number at the 4 corners that represent the tire pressures. I never really asked how the spare fits into the TPMS. I have the Michellin PAX system tires so I don't know if that makes any difference.

I need to get those fancy valve stems that give you a visual representation of your tire pressure for the spare tire.

The manual states that the alternate location for the tool kit is indeed that shelf that's located on the right inside the trunk. I was initially under the impression that the full size tire wouldn't fit in the spare area since the flat tire supposedly mounts against the right inner side wall of the bed (see that hole above the wheel well? that's what it's for), but I guess I have to read that manual again.

I did learn one thing from the manual--there's more rear storage in the center console if you know how to get to it.

Aloha,
Keoni

Just received my 17 X 7 Alloy wheel and the TPMS valve today to mount a full size spare in the trunk. Waitting for information about the cost of the Michlein LTX M/S tire from a local tire dealer and should have it all together by the middle of next week at the latest.

Nicholas said:

Just received my 17 X 7 Alloy wheel and the TPMS valve today to mount a full size spare in the trunk. Waitting for information about the cost of the Michlein LTX M/S tire from a local tire dealer and should have it all together by the middle of next week at the latest.

Click to expand...

Where did you order the wheel and how much was it?

The spare tire tray is designed to accommodate a full size spare with an original equipment tire (size). The tool kit stored inside the temporary wheel will need to be relocated to the shelf on the right hand side of the trunk. The shape was specifically designed to contain the tool tray without any need for additional tie-downs.

The TPMS system is not designed with a 5 channel receiver. The system will be confused if an additional wheel is installed transmitting a signal. Depending on the orientation of the wheel, the rear receivers may miss-interpret the reading from a spare wheel with a TPMS transmitter stored in the rear trunk.

A service part wheel should be used for the full size spare without a TPMS sensor installed. The dealer should be able to help you locate the necessary parts and install the wheel for you.

If the TPMS isn't 5 channel, I am wondering about the rims? Does Honda have 2 rims. One weighted for the TPMS and a larger valve stem, and one balanced and with a normal valve stem size? My understanding is that the TPMS rims have additional weight molded into the rim so when the sensor is added the rim is balanced?

Regarding the correct rim for the full size spare RL, I doubt my dealer will be much help... this is the same dealer that told me that DRL are illegal in the USA which is why Honda doesn't offer them!

Suggestion for Honda: change TPMS to 5 channel and add the spare. Second suggestion: have a full size spare on higher end models.

Kodiak said:

The TPMS system is not designed with a 5 channel receiver. The system will be confused if an additional wheel is installed transmitting a signal. Depending on the orientation of the wheel, the rear receivers may miss-interpret the reading from a spare wheel with a TPMS transmitter stored in the rear trunk.

A service part wheel should be used for the full size spare without a TPMS sensor installed. The dealer should be able to help you locate the necessary parts and install the wheel for you.

Click to expand...

Where did you get this info? Is it in the owner's manual? I've read it a couple times, but I didn't see this in there. I just bought a set of take-offs to be used as full size spares. If they need to have the TPMS sensors disabled before we can use them I need to figure out how to do that.

Based on my flat tire experience, posted in another thread, the TPMS also monitors, among other things, temperature variance between tires. I was told by the dealer that the monitor lights when there is more than a 2 degree variance between any of the tires. Even if it could monitor 5 tires, the spare would undoubtably always trigger the temperature variable.

For your information...yes, a full size spare will fit just like a glove and I did go with the TPMS valve and have it positioned so I can check the tire pressure without taking everything apart (valve should be facing you when you are facing the open trunk). I haven't had any trouble with the dashboard TPMS read-out system, it doesn't seem to pick-up the spare tire TMPS valvestem.

I guess the key to Kodiak's post is "depending on tire orientation". Hopefully in this positions the signal is far enough away from the sensors they won't pick it up.

I wonder what the power source for the transmitter is as it's inside the wheel so it's not hard wired and I don't think batteries would last that long. Could it be like a kinetic pezioelectric crystal in there that powers it up when the wheel spins?

Some types of new watch batteries are suppose to last five years or longer...this might be a source of the TPMS valve stem power??? When I had the stem in my hand I really didn't see anything that grabbed my attention other then the price ($41.11).