tire rotation -- 4 or all 5?

[gbraden]

My truck is approaching 6,000 miles and it's time to starting thinking about rotating the tires (BFG LT265/70-17).

Should I rotate just the 4 tires that are on the ground or should the rotation include the spare?

For rotation of tires that came with the truck (as opposed to tires purchased from a tire store) do you go to a tire store or do you go to the truck dealer? Or do you do the work yourself at home?

Thanks.

 

[Ladders]

I leave the spare out due to different rim. I also went to Discount Tires and bought 4 certificates to cover hazards and this includes rotation, balance, flat fix. Was cheap @ about 27$ per tire. Get them rotated each 5-7k doing a front to back then an "X" pattern. This way it doesnt cost and we get the re-balance if I think they need it. Usually re-balance every "X" rotation. Just one way and not saying its the best. Sometimes I'll do the rotation just to check the brakes, etc. If I had a matching rim for the spare (the SLT alum) I would do all 5 every "X" and then the spare would get some wear but not as much as the 4 on the ground. Havent used the dealer as the cost is big$$'s usually. If I have a rim problem, would use the dealer as the warranty for them is from DC but the tires are a separate issue.



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[rbattelle]

I bought a spare aluminum rim from TDR member muddymess so I can work the spare into the normal rotation pattern. That also means that if I get a flat and need to change it, it's not noticeable. I also relocated the spare to the bed, since it's too much of a PITA to get it in/out of the stock location.



I rotate every 6000 miles. The spare goes on the right front, and the right rear becomes the new spare.

 

[Bertram65]

I cross rotate without the spare, passengers rear goes to drivers front, vice versa, drivers rear to passengers front, vice versa. I rotate every 5K miles.