Full size spare tire for 2012 2LT - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

ral2531 · 05-02-2018, 02:29 PM

Hi folks. I've just purchased a 2012 2LT with the RS/45th package and the 20" wheels. This is mainly for my daughter to drive, so I'd like to prepare a full-size spare tire to keep in the trunk (I realize it won't fit in the spare tire slot). I've read past threads stating that a front wheel/tire (20x8, 35mm offset, 245/45/R20) would work as a temporary replacement for the rear position (20x9, 40mm offset, 275/40/R20). I just wanted to confirm that this is possible, since I'm a little worried about the different offset values. Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

It's great to be back in a Camaro forum. Ages ago I owned a '67 RS featuring a 327 engine and the covered headlights. Ironically, now I have another RS to give to the next generation.

KillboyPowerhead · 05-02-2018, 04:41 PM

A 275/40/20 +40 offset tire/wheel assembly fits "around" a 245/45/20 +35 tire/wheel assembly - in other words, it sticks out farther on the outside and the inside - so yes, a factory front wheel/tire will fit in the rear. If you want to confirm for yourself you can simply jack up the car and swap wheels

ral2531 · 05-02-2018, 04:54 PM

OK thanks KBPH. I'd thought about a trial swap, but was worried I might damage something just trying it, even at home. Also I'm concerned about driving with a front-onto-back spare for even short distances -- any harm that might cause?

KillboyPowerhead · 05-02-2018, 08:10 PM

Apart from looking weird, as long as you're not pushing the car hard (I'd basically treat the 245/45 in the rear as a donut like you otherwise would, except you don't have to worry about the ~50 mph speed limit) there's nothing to worry about. The factory tires/wheels are rated for well over the weight of the car so no worries there. Fitment up front is no problem either (for testing the fit if you so choose to) - many people run with factory rear wheels up front for a square 275/40 all around.

djm96z28 · 05-03-2018, 05:42 AM

Since I bought my 2012 SS new, I've kept a factory front rim and tire in my trunk at all times. The staggered sizes have the same diameter, so the front rim/tire can easily be used on the rear with no problems.

05-02-2018, 02:29 PM	#1
ral2531 Drives: 2012 Camaro 2LT Join Date: May 2018 Location: Southern California Posts: 2	Full size spare tire for 2012 2LT Hi folks. I've just purchased a 2012 2LT with the RS/45th package and the 20" wheels. This is mainly for my daughter to drive, so I'd like to prepare a full-size spare tire to keep in the trunk (I realize it won't fit in the spare tire slot). I've read past threads stating that a front wheel/tire (20x8, 35mm offset, 245/45/R20) would work as a temporary replacement for the rear position (20x9, 40mm offset, 275/40/R20). I just wanted to confirm that this is possible, since I'm a little worried about the different offset values. Thanks for any comments or suggestions. It's great to be back in a Camaro forum. Ages ago I owned a '67 RS featuring a 327 engine and the covered headlights. Ironically, now I have another RS to give to the next generation.

05-02-2018, 04:41 PM	#2
KillboyPowerhead Drives: 2015 Z/22 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 930	A 275/40/20 +40 offset tire/wheel assembly fits "around" a 245/45/20 +35 tire/wheel assembly - in other words, it sticks out farther on the outside and the inside - so yes, a factory front wheel/tire will fit in the rear. If you want to confirm for yourself you can simply jack up the car and swap wheels __________________ Overkill/Self Tuned; Mace Camshafts; K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake; Ported 80mm Throttle Body/Intake Manifolds/Manifold Spacer; Solo Performance High-Flow Cats, Cat-back Exhaust; Vitesse Motorsports Throttle Controller; Elite Engineering E2 Catch Can; BC Racing BR Coilovers; JPSS Delrin Radius Rod Bushing Inserts, Sway Bars; Pegasus Aluminum Rear Cradle Bushings, Camber/Caster Plates; Z/28 Toe Links, Trailing Arms, Upper Control Arm Bushings, Rear Shock Mounts

05-02-2018, 08:10 PM	#4
KillboyPowerhead Drives: 2015 Z/22 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 930	Apart from looking weird, as long as you're not pushing the car hard (I'd basically treat the 245/45 in the rear as a donut like you otherwise would, except you don't have to worry about the ~50 mph speed limit) there's nothing to worry about. The factory tires/wheels are rated for well over the weight of the car so no worries there. Fitment up front is no problem either (for testing the fit if you so choose to) - many people run with factory rear wheels up front for a square 275/40 all around. __________________ Overkill/Self Tuned; Mace Camshafts; K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake; Ported 80mm Throttle Body/Intake Manifolds/Manifold Spacer; Solo Performance High-Flow Cats, Cat-back Exhaust; Vitesse Motorsports Throttle Controller; Elite Engineering E2 Catch Can; BC Racing BR Coilovers; JPSS Delrin Radius Rod Bushing Inserts, Sway Bars; Pegasus Aluminum Rear Cradle Bushings, Camber/Caster Plates; Z/28 Toe Links, Trailing Arms, Upper Control Arm Bushings, Rear Shock Mounts

05-02-2018, 04:54 PM	#3
ral2531 Drives: 2012 Camaro 2LT Join Date: May 2018 Location: Southern California Posts: 2	OK thanks KBPH. I'd thought about a trial swap, but was worried I might damage something just trying it, even at home. Also I'm concerned about driving with a front-onto-back spare for even short distances -- any harm that might cause?

05-03-2018, 05:42 AM	#5
djm96z28 Drives: 2012 Camaro 1SS LS3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 1,114	Since I bought my 2012 SS new, I've kept a factory front rim and tire in my trunk at all times. The staggered sizes have the same diameter, so the front rim/tire can easily be used on the rear with no problems.