A spare tire is a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. Over 30+ years of off-roading, I've
never needed a spare but I have always had one with me. I used to carry 2 spares with my first Land Rover (1 on the roof). But I guarantee you that the day I head out without a spare, I'll get a flat in the middle of nowhere. I've only ever had 2 flat tires, both on the same stretch of highway less than 5 miles from my house. One on a truck and one on a sports car. Changed them both easily. I have helped change tires off-road and it is indeed a miserable chore.
On another note, that Gluetread stuff really looks good, if their demonstrations are true (which I think they are). I really want to pick up a kit but damn man....the price....they sure are proud of their stuff.
You pretty much need at least the "Complete Tire Repair Kit" as opposed to just a sidewall patch kit.
From their website:
Complete Tire Repair Kit
The Complete Tire Repair Kit includes everything needed for comprehensive tire repairs:
- Patches:
- [2] 4” x 4.5” patches
- [2] 3” x 1.5” patches
- [2] 1” x 1.5” patches
- Adhesive Supplies:
- [3] Tubes of GlueTread Adhesive
- [6] Applicator tips
- Repair Tools:
- [1] GlueTread Colby valve
- [12] Tire plugs
- [1] Tire plug insertion T-handle
- Additional Tools:
$125.00
That glue sure better be some magic stuff because a few small pieces of rubber, scraps of sandpaper, and a couple simple t-handle tools ain't no $125.