Spare Tire Advice Please
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 159
Likes: 46
GLS 450 (2022), EQE SUV 350 (2025). GLS 450 (2007)
Spare Tire Advice Please
Hi folks. I've got a 2022 GLS 450, and the spare tire is one of those temporary donut types that's supposed to be good for something like 50 miles at 50 mph. My problem is that I'm planning to drive to Alaska this summer, and that doesn't seem like much protection. My GLS has the staggered Pirelli Scorpions, where the front and back tires are different sizes/widths. I'm trying to figure out how I can have a little more insurance during such a long and remote trip.
My idea is to 1) get a second donut spare to carry ($660 at my dealer) and also 2) carry a tire repair kit and 3) a can of injection sealer, 4) and of course a compressor.
Ideally, however, I'd like to carry a full-sized spare, but that seems complicated by 1) the two different tire sizes, 2) finding a wheel that will work without buying another $1200 MB alloy wheel, and 3) fitting it in the spare tire compartment.
If anyone has any helpful ideas, I sure would appreciate hearing them. One small donut spare sure doesn't give me great comfort when stuck in the middle of the Yukon Territory.
My idea is to 1) get a second donut spare to carry ($660 at my dealer) and also 2) carry a tire repair kit and 3) a can of injection sealer, 4) and of course a compressor.
Ideally, however, I'd like to carry a full-sized spare, but that seems complicated by 1) the two different tire sizes, 2) finding a wheel that will work without buying another $1200 MB alloy wheel, and 3) fitting it in the spare tire compartment.
If anyone has any helpful ideas, I sure would appreciate hearing them. One small donut spare sure doesn't give me great comfort when stuck in the middle of the Yukon Territory.
Last edited by Scott Schmidt; Mar 26, 2023 at 09:17 AM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 149
Likes: 37
From: Houston
2021 GLS 450 & 23 GLS 450. Have a Holden Commodore, Jeep, truck, and more
Just thinking out loud.
Do you have a roadside assistance (AAA or other) that will cover you the entire route? How much of this trip will you be on roads that are very remote and not likely to be able to get help. I agree tire availability would be a significant concern.
While the sizes might be different, but is the overall diameter the same? Possibly buy a steel or 20" GLS wheel and tire that is the appropriate diameter to at least get you to a place that can get you a replacement.
Do you have a roadside assistance (AAA or other) that will cover you the entire route? How much of this trip will you be on roads that are very remote and not likely to be able to get help. I agree tire availability would be a significant concern.
While the sizes might be different, but is the overall diameter the same? Possibly buy a steel or 20" GLS wheel and tire that is the appropriate diameter to at least get you to a place that can get you a replacement.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: League city
Gls450
Call the Anchorage dealership see what they suggest.
As for diff size front/back you should be fine using a diff size to get you where you can get help. You have a differential (look it up). Also donut is prob diff size anyway. Diff diameter that is the other sizes even less important during an emergency.
Assume you are loaded w hitch or cage above but that is other option get a spare and put on top Or on hitch You can use junk yard to get something decent. Just make sure is the same lug pattern.
Last suggestion is deep dive into YouTube there maybe some crazy dude out there teaching how to do a spare tire out of snow. All kidding aside you may run into something useful.
side notes-
i would buy an impact gun. They are affordable and will be helpful in case of need. Just charge it before you go.
Also if you have a wheel lock, buy the socket made for it as it comes w a sleeve protector to protect your wheel from scratches. But more importantly you won’t strip the lock.
And lastly take a breaker bar w extension to clear your wheel.
Sounds like an awesome trip. And will sound super selfish but if you happen to be in the dire situation, post back here and tell us what happened. 😬
As for diff size front/back you should be fine using a diff size to get you where you can get help. You have a differential (look it up). Also donut is prob diff size anyway. Diff diameter that is the other sizes even less important during an emergency.
Assume you are loaded w hitch or cage above but that is other option get a spare and put on top Or on hitch You can use junk yard to get something decent. Just make sure is the same lug pattern.
Last suggestion is deep dive into YouTube there maybe some crazy dude out there teaching how to do a spare tire out of snow. All kidding aside you may run into something useful.
side notes-
i would buy an impact gun. They are affordable and will be helpful in case of need. Just charge it before you go.
Also if you have a wheel lock, buy the socket made for it as it comes w a sleeve protector to protect your wheel from scratches. But more importantly you won’t strip the lock.
And lastly take a breaker bar w extension to clear your wheel.
Sounds like an awesome trip. And will sound super selfish but if you happen to be in the dire situation, post back here and tell us what happened. 😬
Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 149
Likes: 37
From: Houston
2021 GLS 450 & 23 GLS 450. Have a Holden Commodore, Jeep, truck, and more
Call the Anchorage dealership see what they suggest.
As for diff size front/back you should be fine using a diff size to get you where you can get help. You have a differential (look it up). Also donut is prob diff size anyway. Diff diameter that is the other sizes even less important during an emergency.
As for diff size front/back you should be fine using a diff size to get you where you can get help. You have a differential (look it up). Also donut is prob diff size anyway. Diff diameter that is the other sizes even less important during an emergency.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 630
Likes: 188
C450, GLS 63 and a few other things
Someone on this forum posted this site not too long ago. I've never used them, so no personal experience, but they note that the 20 inch wheel is temporary, but should be good for up to 200 miles at "normal speeds" which should at least be better than the OEM donut.
https://ezsparewheel.com/
https://ezsparewheel.com/
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: League city
Gls450
Someone on this forum posted this site not too long ago. I've never used them, so no personal experience, but they note that the 20 inch wheel is temporary, but should be good for up to 200 miles at "normal speeds" which should at least be better than the OEM donut.
https://ezsparewheel.com/
https://ezsparewheel.com/
nice and prob best option for this dude and for future consideration
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 252
Likes: 40
From: Chicago
GLS450
This is the perfect excuse to do something like this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...black-gls.html
Those tires look badass!
https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...black-gls.html
Those tires look badass!
