What's the problem with carrying the spare on the floor of the caravan, above the axle? I've always done this, and never had problems removing it, and it doesn't get dirty.Easy to check the pressure too.
Who wants to be climbing over a spare whee all the time considering its something most of us use once or twice in a caravanning career. Even if its clean it is still very heavy and in the weay.emmerson said:
I have seen a spare wheel stowed in a bag in the footwell at the back of a caravan (end bunks) with a plywood disk cut to fit in the rim, and used as door step!
I'm pretty sure Emmerson did not wish to imply he left the wheel in the caravan when on site.
I'm pretty sure Emmerson did not wish to imply he left the wheel in the caravan when on site.
I suppose nothing but its just something else to move out the way when stopping or getting to the site.
As I posted earlier I carry mine in the van soley for safety reasons as if I get a flat it's quicker to remove it either in UK or abroad. It would fit in the front locker if I made some restraints but removing it when bent over is a pain. When travelling the spare doesn't get in the way given that there's other stuff on the floor and when on site it takes less than a minute to remove it and chain it beneath the van.
emmerson said:
If you ever have to use it, the wheel it replaces won't be as clean and could well be covered in all sorts of crap (literally)
Steve W
Yes but if you carry the spare wrapped in an old bed sheet, or even buy a wheel cover, the muck issue disappears. This also makes handling the spare, or punctured tyre easier too. The punctured tyre might also go in the car's load area depending on your situation and the prevailing circumstances.
Interesting topic here.
As I have a distrust for dealer servicing through extremely bad experiences with our car I intend to do all my caravan servicing myself being a trained HGV mechanic.
Only yesterday as it was a nice sunny day here in Scotland I was re-fitting my spare wheel after removing it to re paint it, as it was a bit rusty with the elements getting at it.
I have re-fitted it with an elasticated plastic cover which I purchased on the net. and I have placed a round piece of plastic (pond liner excess material) to the underside of the wheel. This is neatly tucked into the underside of the cover to prevent the elements doing their worst in future. I have also cleaned off the previous grease and grit from the Alco carrier and re greased it ensuring that the "trombone" mechanism slides in and out fully with ease.
One thing I will say I hope I never have to change a wheel with my good clothes on as it is quite awkward and heavy.
Good call on the reverse ability of the carrier for european travel. I have noted that the carrier can actually swivel / angle to the rear of the van to make easier access.
As I have a distrust for dealer servicing through extremely bad experiences with our car I intend to do all my caravan servicing myself being a trained HGV mechanic.
Only yesterday as it was a nice sunny day here in Scotland I was re-fitting my spare wheel after removing it to re paint it, as it was a bit rusty with the elements getting at it.
I have re-fitted it with an elasticated plastic cover which I purchased on the net. and I have placed a round piece of plastic (pond liner excess material) to the underside of the wheel. This is neatly tucked into the underside of the cover to prevent the elements doing their worst in future. I have also cleaned off the previous grease and grit from the Alco carrier and re greased it ensuring that the "trombone" mechanism slides in and out fully with ease.
One thing I will say I hope I never have to change a wheel with my good clothes on as it is quite awkward and heavy.
Good call on the reverse ability of the carrier for european travel. I have noted that the carrier can actually swivel / angle to the rear of the van to make easier access.
Even on the drive I had to swing the carrier to the back of the van in order to slide it out with the wheel fitted. Same approach to putting it back again. Yet another reason why I decided to do away with it. Cuts down on checks and maintenance too.
Lifting a spare wheel in and out every night, would be more trouble than it's worth especially on a touring holiday down to Rome or somewhere similar.
I have had 1 puncture in 12 years of caravanning, in which time I must have travelled 60,000 miles or more and even then the breakdown service changed the wheel, that's what I pay them for.
Steve W
I have had 1 puncture in 12 years of caravanning, in which time I must have travelled 60,000 miles or more and even then the breakdown service changed the wheel, that's what I pay them for.
Steve W
Each to their own I guess. We've done long continental trips and for short overnight stop overs it stays in the van and just stands vertically next to the wardrobe then when we arrive at our destination it just gets put under the van. Accepting that puncture risk is low I tend to take the view that when problems arise its best to be prepared. But everyone will take a different view how to respond and I just give my approach for what it's worth, I'm not trying to influence anyone's own approach.
Sorry, but none of the arguments against putting the wheel in the van hold water. David, obviously, we remove the wheel when on site! As for it being dirty if used, then a couple of bin bags on the floor solves this (temporary) problem.
But, as I've said so many times before, to each his own!
But, as I've said so many times before, to each his own!
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