>How often have you had to use the spare? Just curious.
Well, I've driven various Ford Explores around 300,000 miles and needed my full-size space only ONCE.
Having said that, I was happy with all the fuel I spent hauling that thing around. The one time I needed it I was on a "not maintained" dirt road, 15 miles from the nearest pavement, and 50 miles from the nearest town. The road was so rough that by the time I noticed the tire was flat, it was in pieces and so slime or patching wasn't an option.
I am really looking forward to getting a Tesla truck, but if there isn't a full-size spare option of some kind . . . I'll buy another vehicle instead.
Frank
P.S. That isn't to say I didn't have other tire issues in 300,000 of driving. It was just that those all happened in town where AAA was a better option.