I doubt there's any technical reason why you can't change a Touareg to run-flats. The usual restriction that all 4 corners are the same would apply but other than that I can't see why it can't be done. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Touareg cargo capacity isn't great. I swear my earlier Jetta Sportwagen held more cargo and the space was more usable than the Touareg.

 

I too have pondered this thought, but more along the idea of making a spare wheel carrier for the back, for heading off the beaten track ( space saver spare is completely useless in this scenario ) and then using that space otherwise occupied to give a bit more storage.

the only disadvantage I know off with run flat tyres is that they are quite a bit heavier that standard tyres and can increase fuel consumption, other than that cant see it being a problem. You might want to weigh up if the extra cost off tyres is worth the extra space ?

 

Hybrids don't get runflats, we get the goo that can be pumped in in case we get a flat. I briefly used a set of runflats and didn't feel any difference except a firmer ride. I actually liked it.

 

really, so I can just get the same goo? sign me up.

not a TDI so maybe I can get even more space by doing this.

 

Hi
I have inverted the space saver and shortened the holding down bolt
You need to remove some of the foam to make it sit flat
This increases the storage quite significantly

Fred K

 

well this is brilliant. will do.

btw where is the tire inflator located? I see all of the change-a-tire kit except for that. I hear it is unreliable anyway, so I may just carry a bicycle pump instead.

 

Best of both worlds there, Fred K. Good lateral thinking!

Keeping the spacesaver on board is a far more sensible solution than going commando so to speak!

 

if you ditch the spare what ever you put in its place you better not want to need it in a hurry if the rest of the cargo area is full be it partial or otherwise

Full rear spear out back is the way to go just a PIA lowering it every time you want to access the rear. I only put mine on for long trips out of town

 

Always an alternative. Plenty of room up top, unless that's already in use. Dub

 

There can't be that much room to be gained by getting rid of the spare. I know in my car it would do no good to remove it for nothing is gained since the DEF tank is under it. I do have stuff stored around the spare, but not a lot of room there really to make it worth removing all together.

 

Not a fan of run flats at all. Heavier, much more expensive, sidewall flexibility of a brick, and if you ever have a catastrophic blow out (torn sidewall for example), it'll be very hard to find a replacement within a reasonable period of time. Before going the run flat route, I'd recommend finding a vehicle with them and going on an extended test drive to get a good feel for how they affect the ride. When I bought my 2008 BMW 335i, I had non-run flats already waiting. I changed them out the day I bought the car and sold the run flats. Yuk...

 

I'd never run a car without a spare wheel, even if it is only a space saver.

As for goo, it will only deal with a small hole.

Tire strings can be used to better effect to fill larger holes.

A real blow-out will, of course, leave you totally stranded with no spare wheel of any kind and waiting for a breakdown truck after making room for what . . . your wife's make-up bag?

Cracker's idea in my book.

 

good point .. tyre strings. You just reminded me i have some still in the car from my last trip. Forgot all about those.

 

I took my spare out and put a tool kit and some other random supplies down in the spare tire well. I put big tires on the Touareg so the spare is mismatched in size and I figured it wasn't doing me much good to keep it on-board.

 

I just can't wrap my head around having no spare tire/wheel, no matter how limited. And run-flats don't appeal to me for reasons already noted. :-:

 

What's wrong with roof rack cargo bins or hitch mounted cargo platforms/boxes? The idea of not having a spare will not outlive a single flat situation.

 

I hated the ride quality of run flats when I had them on my Audi. I ran run flat snow tires for one winter. That was enough.

 

Another vote against runflats for all the previous reasons, plus, once they have done their job (rated for a maximum of 50 miles ONLY!) of running flat, you MUST replace it. And on AWD vehicles which are extremely sensitive to tire circumference differences, chances are you will need to replace all your tires, at the massive runflat cost...
If you don't want a spare, keep your air pump and get a good tire string kit (with skill, some lock wire, an awl and pliers, even a torn sidewall can be stitched and plugged with strings, enough to get you out).

 

No. 1 requirement for me was a full size spare.

I also have "tire string/plug" type repair kit on board.

 

On top cargo box does the trick for me when I travel with golf clubs and other stuff that takes a lot of room. Pick up some tire strings and tool to plug a flat on the road. You'll never find a lot of these tires in most places, especially on Sunday on a trip.

 

Tregtogo. Re yr PM, couldn't seem to attach the following pik to a PM(?). Better shows the setup. Cheers, Dub

 

for now I just stuffed a bunch of things into the spare tire. wish I'd thought to do this last year!

will look into getting the shortened bolt when I have more time

 

Not sure how it works if you don't have the air suspension, but under the left hand rear seat is a bag with an air line with pressure gauge and fitting for a shrader valve, that screws into the car air system just at the front off the right front seat, I've used this inflator plenty of times and not had any trouble with it.