Spare Tyres for the Gibb River Road

We are heading to the Kimberley in May, exploring Gibb River Road etc. and have a question about spare tyres. We intend to have All Terrain tyres and carry two spares. But do we need two spare wheels or just a second spare tyre?

We would need help to get the second spare onto the wheel rim if we needed it. How easy is it to get this help? We thought we would carry a second wheel, but the rims on our vehicle are around $700 each, so we are thinking about just carrying the second spare tyre without the rim.

We are careful drivers and will let the pressure down etc.

We have found your "Destination Kimberly" fantastic!! Thanks

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Related Reader Question:
Towing Jayco Outback to Gibb River Road

Comments for
Spare Tyres for the Gibb River Road

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Feb 12, 2009

Spare wheels, tyres, tubes...
by: Birgit

Thanks for your kind words.

Theoretically you can get by with one wheel and a tube or repair kit. But changing a tyre off a rim or repairing a tyre in the heat of the day at the side of the road is a pain to start with. And you need to be able to do it yourself.

It's not that it's hard to get the help that you asked about. The Gibb River Road is busy, you won't get stuck forever.

But think this through. What you are suggesting there means rather than taking responsibility for your own safety you rely on others to take time out of their holiday to sort out your problems. That's not right.

I think once you consider that aspect you'll probably want to make sure you can help yourself.

You have two options.

One is to get a tyre lever and learn how to change the tyre. Taking it off is not too difficult. But let me tell you, if you have tubeless tyres, you probably won't get it to seal again after changing it. That takes a very powerful compressor... Therefore I would take a tube as well.

You could also get some of that goo that comes in a can that you empty into the tyre and it inflates and seals (and ruins) it. It gets you out of trouble. Or you learn how to repair a tyre.

The other option is to get a second hand rim. Why do you want to get a brand new one? I have three spare wheels for my car. They are all crappy old second hand rims. (Truth be told, all seven are, but that's not the point :-).)

Look for second hand wheels at the tyre places or wreckers or in the classifieds, and if needed have a reasonable tyre put on. Makes life so much easier...

Nov 26, 2010

Tyres on The Gibb
by: Mike Normington

Just back from the Gibb and Kimberly. We carried 4 spare tyres. (Not one flat.) The tyres, both the spares and those on the Nissan and Downunder Camper were all in as new condition (Heavy Duty). Checked daily for cuts, tears and pressure. The travelling speeds on the Gibb and other tracks ranged 40-90 kph. We did speak to lots of people who had tyre problems, mostly due to worn or second hand tyres. The other factor was speed. People flying by doing 120 kph... You found a lot of them changing tyres in 40 deg heat... Not much fun. FIT THE BEST TYRES YOU CAN AFFORD. BUT travel safely and enjoy the scenery and stops. IT'S FANTASTIC

Mar 12, 2011

Changing tyres and Inflating them
by: graeme

Hi ,

I just read your tyre Delmer. The cure is to buy a kit for tyre removal and repair (tyre pliers) are great and can be purchased form an ARB store.

Also a 25mm wide ratchet strap and a tube.

Join a 4wd club and ask some of the members to show you. I think ARB will also be very helpful in the ways around tyre inflation. That is what the tube and ratchet are for. Feel free to ask questions, if any.

Regards
Graeme

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