WARNING RE Flat Tire Replacement

[cvalue13]

I would like to believe that if I use Ford’s roadside assistance that they will have the correct equipment, unlike AAA.

I would hope so!

But does Ford have dedicated roadside units owned by the company, or isn’t it just like AAA: they contract with local providers?

it was not a “AAA” van that pulled into my driveway, but a contracted 3rd party local provider.

In any event, when it comes for anyone in the field at Ford being familiar/prepared for the Lightning, I’d give it another year for any saturation

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[Maxx]

While we are on the topic, just one more reminder that a full-size spare is not the same thing as a same sized spare. The former should be treated the same as a donut, in terms of staying below prescribes speed, and not driving it for long distances. And it is a so-called full-size spare that comes with the lightning, not a same size spare.

Does anyone know if the full size spare will fit under the truck? Has anyone been able to get the additional wheel of the same type from Ford?

 

[cvalue13]

Does anyone know if the full size spare will fit under the truck? Has anyone been able to get the additional wheel of the same type from Ford?

yes the road-sized tire will fit in the location of the spare storage. owners manual directs to store the flat road tire there until fixed.

can surely order the matching wheel from Ford

 

[Maxx]

yes the road-sized tire will fit in the location of the spare storage. owners manual directs to store the flat road tire there until fixed.

can surely order the matching wheel from Ford

Do you think the fact that spare is less of a tire and wheel is simply because Ford wanted to save on cost? or there are other practical reasons (like weight) to have it there?

 

[rdr854]

Does anyone know if the full size spare will fit under the truck? Has anyone been able to get the additional wheel of the same type from Ford?

I have a set of 4 take offs that I purchased from another Lightning owner. My local dealer has ordered the matching tire and TPMS kit and will do the install. Their belief is that it will work.

I was quoted almost $900 for a new matching wheel and TPMS from the dealer. The four take offs were less. There are several folks who are moding their trucks and that is how I found mine.

I am keeping one spare wheel and giving the other two as part of a barter for the tire and TPMS. My wife wanted the extra wheels gone.

 

[cvalue13]

Do you think the fact that spare is less of a tire and wheel is simply because Ford wanted to save on cost? or there are other practical reasons (like weight) to have it there?

While I don’t know what’s in Ford’s head, there are several reasons companies and customers may prefer a “full sized non-matching” spare over a “full sized matching” spare. Yes, cost and vehicle weight are reasons. But other reasons include that for changing a tire a lighter spare is that much easier to deal with.

Another reason is that the benefits of a full-sized matching spare (i.e., being able to simply use it in the event of a flat), require some onerous and maybe unexpected efforts: namely, it should be rotated into the tire rotation schedule, so that it wears in the same way and at the same rate as your other “matching” tires. And getting that 5-point rotation correct is a bit of an unfamiliar dance for not only owners but even some tire shops - and the correct 5-point pattern depends on front vs rear/4-wheel drive. (Jeep Wrangler owners with big beefy matching spares are supposed to be doing this, but I doubt many do.) And when it’s time for new tires, you’re buying 5. And if you have directional tires, forget about it altogether (the 5-point rotation doesn’t work here, as I understand it.)

So, given the relative rarity of flat tires for the majority of drivers, the full-sized non-matching spare actually achieves a lot of efficiencies for average owners vs a matching spare. It’s easier to handle when changing a flat roadside, it’s cheaper to replace, and it just sits there until (rarely) needed.

 

[Pioneer74]

Do you think the fact that spare is less of a tire and wheel is simply because Ford wanted to save on cost? or there are other practical reasons (like weight) to have it there?

Cost and weight. Ford has been doing this with the F150 for years. I drove on my unmatched spare on my 2021 for 2 weeks until the local place could get a replacement tire when I picked up a nail. Never had a problem with it but it bugs some people that they don't match.

 

[ExCivilian]

Could also place the blocks of wood below the jack for more stability.

I would advise against this unless you're referring to a bottle jack or scissor jack. With a typical floor jack like the one used in this scenario, the jack needs to slide back and forth under the vehicle to maintain stability. The swing of the arm doesn't go straight up but instead moves along an arc. Not ensuring that movement can take place is how people ruin their modern unibodies' pinch welds and/or slip the vehicle off the jack pad.

I would like to believe that if I use Ford’s roadside assistance that they will have the correct equipment, unlike AAA.

I believe it's a 3rd party and I suspect would be worse than AAA since at least with AAA you're the customer and pay a fee.

And if you have directional tires, forget about it altogether (the 5-point rotation doesn’t work here, as I understand it.)

It can be done but two tires have to be dismounted and remounted each time.

 

[merek]

Unmatched is okay -- not ideal -- but it would be nice if it were at least a steel, fully functional rim and tire, without any speed or weight restrictions.

I'd rather have that.

 

[cvalue13]

It can be done but two tires have to be dismounted and remounted each time.

yeah, which for me amounts to “forget about it”

 

[Firestop]

Could also place the blocks of wood below the jack for more stability.

It would also be great if there were more jack points on the vehicle so that there is a place for jack and jack stands (not everyone has a lift) and it would allow another lift point if the first was inadequate.

Yep, that’s what I’m going to do….adding two scrap lengths of 2x6 to my mobile kit to provide a jack pad……

Thx @cvalue13 for sharing!!!

 

[cvalue13]

I believe it's a 3rd party and I suspect would be worse than AAA since at least with AAA you're the customer and pay a fee.

yeah, another obvious “solution” for today’s pickle not yet mentioned is that if I were in the mood for it and had the time I could have told AAA to send someone else with necessary equipment. I’m just not certain with Ford.

that said, if I ever need to tow the lightning I’ll probably call Ford’s service, given the peculiarities around requiring a flatbed, etc., as if Ford botches that I’d hope they’d expect themselves to have gotten it right.

In any event, these third-party providers send out people that run the spectrum from grizzled old hand to disinterested new guy - so it pays to be educated before the event (unlike myself, today).

 

[rdr854]

Cost and weight. Ford has been doing this with the F150 for years. I drove on my unmatched spare on my 2021 for 2 weeks until the local place could get a replacement tire when I picked up a nail. Never had a problem with it but it bugs some people that they don't match.

I would rather have a full sized matched spare so that I do not have any speed limitations beyond the speed limit signs and driving conditions. I generally replace my tires at year 5 whether they need it or not I order to avoid dry rot. This is because some manufacturers give tires 5 year life while others give a year or so longer. I do not include my spare in the tire rotation.

QUESTION: In looking at the owners manual, it says that all 4 tires should be replaced for 4x4, but has no discussion for AWD. From other AWD vehicles, I know that the recommendation was to replace tires in sets of 4 because of the viscous coupling. However, I do not believe that to be an issue on the Lightning. So, what is the Ford require for the Lightning?

 

[cvalue13]

I would rather have a full sized matched spare so that I do not have any speed limitations beyond the speed limit signs and driving conditions. I generally replace my tires at year 5 whether they need it or not I order to avoid dry rot. This is because some manufacturers give tires 5 year life while others give a year or so longer. I do not include my spare in the tire rotation.

Yeah, if you’re using a full-sized matched spare as only a true spare, then it narrows the added complexities. The complexities arise more if a person is using one expecting to simply swap the tire in “permanently” in the event of a flat.

that said, I believe the F150’s full sized non-matched has a mph rating of 70mph, and the manual says to not drive it more than like 200miles. So it’s not too limiting, depending on your driving habits. Given my habits, this spare wouldn’t limit me for a few weeks. Someone with long daily commutes might want more buffer.

 

[Pioneer74]

QUESTION: In looking at the owners manual, it says that all 4 tires should be replaced for 4x4, but has no discussion for AWD. From other AWD vehicles, I know that the recommendation was to replace tires in sets of 4 because of the viscous coupling. However, I do not believe that to be an issue on the Lightning. So, what is the Ford require for the Lightning?

Good question. Most limitations on 4x4 and AWD concerning a spare is because the whole drive train is mechanically linked. We obviously don't have that problem.

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