I had the misfortune to suffer a tyre failure the other day. I lowered the spare wheel but I couldn't get the spare wheel to come away from the lowering cable. I was trying to catch a ferry, it was pouring with rain so I had to cut the cable. Does anyone know what I have to buy to replace this cable? Bailey Parts website doesn't show the part and they haven't yet answered my email.
Bailey Cartagena 3 Spare Wheel Carrier
- Thread starter PaulT
- Start date
The moral is to rehearse wheel changing at home before it is needed on the road. Same goes for cars.
One possible "gotcha" scenario is that after the caravan goes down 4-5" as the tyre goes flat, you cannot get the spare out from under the van without jacking it first, which might leave you needing to reach or get under the van with it supported on its road jack - not a good idea especially as such jacks are usually flimsy lightweight rubbish. That is in addition to possibly dealing with rusted-up storage mechanisms as in this case, and/or finding that the wheel nuts were last done up by a wannabe Rambo and need a length of scaffold pole on the wheelbrace to undo.
Don't assume that the guy who designed the caravan ever tried to change a wheel on the prototype themselves, or even gave it much thought. They probably didn't.
One possible "gotcha" scenario is that after the caravan goes down 4-5" as the tyre goes flat, you cannot get the spare out from under the van without jacking it first, which might leave you needing to reach or get under the van with it supported on its road jack - not a good idea especially as such jacks are usually flimsy lightweight rubbish. That is in addition to possibly dealing with rusted-up storage mechanisms as in this case, and/or finding that the wheel nuts were last done up by a wannabe Rambo and need a length of scaffold pole on the wheelbrace to undo.
Don't assume that the guy who designed the caravan ever tried to change a wheel on the prototype themselves, or even gave it much thought. They probably didn't.
I tried a dry run on the caravan when we first got it, it having an AK-KO underslung carrier. I couldn't even get the spare out when there wasn't a flat, without jacking the van up. 
Since then I have removed the carrier (saves weight) and carry the spare wheel just inside the door on the floor. Oh how I miss our previous Avondale van which had the spare in a recess just inside the door. Very sensible idea so I don't know why other manufacturers don't do the same. Avondale were also very good with the gas locker in the side of the van over/near the axle.
Since then I have removed the carrier (saves weight) and carry the spare wheel just inside the door on the floor. Oh how I miss our previous Avondale van which had the spare in a recess just inside the door. Very sensible idea so I don't know why other manufacturers don't do the same. Avondale were also very good with the gas locker in the side of the van over/near the axle.
Afraid the spare wheel carrier is a triumph of abysmal design. I have noticed that with fixed beds that many firms are now putting the spare in their. Not ideal but it is cleaner easier to access. I do wonder if they could put a locker door on the side of the caravan so it could be removed without entering the caravan.
I do have breakdown insurance which would cover the job if I needed it done although if time was against me then I would have to do it myself.
I do have breakdown insurance which would cover the job if I needed it done although if time was against me then I would have to do it myself.
http://www.magal.co.uk/tyre-carriers-pr-33.php[/quoteAbinitio1989 said:
Thanks for that although I'd rather buy just the cable! Unfortunately, it says the whole part is unavailable! I'll wait for Baileys answer.
Shows in stock for me? (Although for some reason you have to add it to wish list and then move it to basket)
Looking at the assembly I doubt the cable will be sold separately, if it is, I'd imagine it to be quite "faffy" to fit (involving disassembly of the winch mechanism)
Looking at the assembly I doubt the cable will be sold separately, if it is, I'd imagine it to be quite "faffy" to fit (involving disassembly of the winch mechanism)
.........this subject has always been a bit of a comical mystery to me :huh:
I do a bit of tinkering about with a welder and do metalwork as a pastime.
I knocked up a spare wheel carrier out of some old tubing for next to nothing several years ago.
It fits in the same place as the carrier in question, it is locked in place and I can remove it in less than a minute.
It has been tested over thousands of miles and the release procedure serviced once a year.
Surely there should be something better on the market after so many complaints over so many years!
I do a bit of tinkering about with a welder and do metalwork as a pastime.
I knocked up a spare wheel carrier out of some old tubing for next to nothing several years ago.
It fits in the same place as the carrier in question, it is locked in place and I can remove it in less than a minute.
It has been tested over thousands of miles and the release procedure serviced once a year.
Surely there should be something better on the market after so many complaints over so many years!
Wise words your Royal Woosieness. What a shame the caravan manufacturers can't make water tight units
Maybe you and Sir Sproket need to patent and market your inventions B)
Maybe you and Sir Sproket need to patent and market your inventions B)
True words by Dusty Dog, I had apractice removal and refitment (which did not go well) a couple of month ago and have decided to fit the spare wheel under the bed, same position back and front, side to side as the alko carrier, and would remove the alko carrier, save a kilo or two.
Hutch.
Hutch.
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