chunktwo

iTrader: (2)

We are planning to take a long road trip ~1500 miles round trip - and most of the driving will occur in the middle of the night while my kids are sleeping. I dont want to be caught in a situation where we get a flat and have to rely on the donut until we find a tire shop that is open. I would like to keep a full sized spare in the trunk as an emergency wheel/tire so we can get the car back on the road and full highway speeds.

Does any one have recommendations on getting a full-sized spare for a 2017 RX 350 F Sport that is reasonably priced.

I realize i can find a single OEM wheel or purchase an aftermarket alloy wheel - but getting an OEM wheel is cost prohibitive - a single F Sport wheel is going for 300+ on ebay.

I would prefer not to get a single aftermarket alloy wheel because some can be a bit pricey due to the size (20x8) and also i plan to get a second set wheels eventually so i dont want to lock myself into a certain wheel now.

My two preferences -
1) would be find a second full OEM set locally (Washington DC area) so that i can keep the costs reasonable and they will likely already have tires..
2) get a steelie and put a new tire on it - So this is where i need some help - are there any other cars or places you all know of where i can get a 20x8 +30 steelie that fits an RX350?? This is of course under the assumption and steelie is less expensive than an alloy wheel. I guess i would be open to 19" wheels with a different sized tire as well.. but again any thoughts would be appreciated.

any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

ravenuer

If you have 20s on the car now, you have to put a 20" spare on it. No 19s, 18s whatever. Keep in mind, that spare is going to take up most of the room back there, so make sure your stuff will fit. In my opinion and only mine, I think you're being over cautious. YMMV.

chunktwo

iTrader: (2)

Why wouldn't getting a 19 or 18 - assuming overall diameter of the wheel/tire combo was the same as the current wheels on the car?
it would be the same concept as using the current donut - isnt it?? Keep in mind - if it came to using this "spare" i would be more cautious - but my thought was it would have to be better than a donut.

I know that the wheel will take up the trunk space - already have a cargo box sitting in the garage to take the bulk of the stuff..

And absolutely - i know i am probably over thinking it too much - but i figured its better safe than sorry - my wife has already given me the stink eye when i proposed the idea - but ultimately she said... do whatever you want, if it makes you feel better.. ahha

mcomer

The standard RX spare is the same rolling diameter as the road wheels to enable the Automatic
AWD to trigger properly. The spare is rated for 3000 miles use, not the laughable 50 miles of the
early days. When did you last suffer a flat tire? How heavy a trailer are you going to be towing?

ravenuer

Yes, you're correct about the diameter. But then why not just rely on your existing spare, as mcomer mentioned?

rxtimes2

Where did you find the spare tire milage rating. All I can find is that it is for temporary use.

mcomer

rxtimes2

JSracer

most likely, but a full size is much wider, this would be much taller laying in the trunk area

chuyrobles

Would it be more affordable to get a second donut spare? Does donut tire have a max speed rating? You are correct about matching the outside diameter - for ride height and proper differential operation. However, a 19-inch wheel will require a tire with more sidewall height and that will respond differently in ride and hard braking, as the tire will flex more. It will work, but be aware of the compromise. Would still be better than a donut, imo. You options appear limited for an OEM wheel unless you find one at a wrecking yard. Maybe Craigslist but I suspect you'll be finding wheel sets for sale, not single wheels.

chunktwo

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the help/advice. As some of you have mentioned - was worried about the speed rating on the donut spare. Mcomer - thank you for pointing out the driving distance on the donut spare - i was not aware of that at all and that will aid in my decision.

I realize that i am probably being overly cautious and paranoid about this - but we haven't taken a long family road trip before so I rather be prepared.

I was actually hoping someone knew of a place to get a 20" steelie with the proper specs.. but that seems unlikely.
ill just continue to scour CL and ebay until i get something affordable.. or just bite the bullet..

rxtimes2

Maybe consider a Junk Yard for a Lexus tire and wheel. Might even be able to find the same tire manufacturer that you have on your car. Also check for Toyota Highlander wheels and tires which should be less expensive. Do a little research to make sure the Toyota wheels are the same.

N4TECguy

I found this replica wheel...haven't looked much into it though. But at this price, I'd keep trying to find a set of take-offs. Check with local Lexus dealers and tire shops, they may end up having a set.

Disclaimer: have never heard of this website until tonight, have never used them, have not researched them, etc. I just found this on a Google search.
Replica wheel

rxtimes2

Take a look at this eBay add. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-117182-37290-0/2?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fp%2F1-Lexus-Rx350-2016-2017-20-Factory-OEM-Wheel-Rim-426110E380-74339%2F516506257%3Fiid%3D201991423414%26chn%3Dps&itemid=201991423414&targetid=478314230535&device=c&adtype=pla&googleloc=1027070&poi=&campaignid=1489355913&adgroupid=61597998910&rlsatarget=pla-478314230535&abcId=1139316&merchantid=116333826&gclid=Cj0KCQjww8jcBRDZARIsAJGCSGs2b6WD2rUGG6wOeMMlOkwnTK8Jn0gYjYPQUe7YU_try3b8tlAXTeUaAjH0EALw_wcB

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)