Swift Challenger 530 Spare Wheel Conundrum

[Ray4*]

I have a problem with the spare wheel on my recently purchased 2022 model.
It's fitted in the front locker on the offside, with a fixing through the centre of the wheel. My problem is how to get ìt out in the event of a puncture!!!
As it's fully inflated (obviously) I can't get it passed the bracket that has the front locker hinge on it.
Don't know how anyone got it sited in there in the first place.
The only way I can see to get it out is by deflating it. Not the best of ideas if you're on the side of a motorway in the dark in the rain with a puncture.
I've spoken to other Sprite owners on site and non of them have this arrangement.
Either mounted under the floor, or one was under their bed.
Any ideas would be most welcome.
Thanks in anticipation.

 

[IanB1485]

I've seen this arrange on a Swift sprite and the only way was to remove the gas bottles and other paraphernalia and roll it sideways to the centre of the locker, as you say most difficult even in daylight on the drive. You could always take it out and store it in the car whilst towing, or do what I do and fit small attachment 'D' eyes in the corners of the floor and stow the wheel there (strapped down along with some chairs)and pop it under the van when on site.

 

[Ray4*]

Thanks Ian. Will have a think about that.
Will do it at home because I will still have to deflate the spare take the rubber less in diameter to clear the bracket.

 

[Hutch]

Thanks Ian. Will have a think about that.
Will do it at home because I will still have to deflate the spare take the rubber less in diameter to clear the bracket.

I don't think deflating the tyre will give you any difference in the size of your wheel . Tyres are not that flexible.

 

[birdman101]

Ours is the same and as IanB has said take out bottle and roll across. Ours come out without having to deflate.

 

[Ray4*]

Thanks to all. Will try to sort out when I get back from holiday. If I do get a puncture on the way back, I'll let the AA sort it.

 

[Martin_E]

If you are not careful it is very easy to dislodge the gas bottle bracket, the screw pull out very easily.
It’s a rubbish design!

 

[Ray4*]

Noted Martin, thanks.

 

[toad a caravan]

I recently fitted a swift spare wheel holder into the front of my 1992 Abbey GTS,,this particular model has two locker doors instead of the usual single...It is was an awkward process initially,I noted how I fitted it,removed it and then took images as I replaced it,I will post the images I taken,l realise your caravan design will be totally different than mine but hopefully the images may assist.Gary

 

[toad a caravan]

Hope these help

 

[Ray4*]

Thanks Gary. Hope you never have to do this in earnest!!!

 

[toad a caravan]

It's ok once I found the technique,it's only a small 2 berth I've got and their isn't an abundance of spare floor space,what with a recently acquired awning, hopefully with carrying a spare I won't need it..from what I have gleaned I didn't fancy the Alko .good luck and enjoy the holiday...Gary

 

[Ray4*]

Finally managed to get the spare out. Unscrewed the centre clamp and had to pull the bottom of the wheel towards me before rolling out to the centre of the van.
Awkward and very heavy.
Had to remove the gas bottle first and avoid the gas bottle clamp (thanks for that Martin_E) so not to damage it.
As the wheel is mounted with the outside facing the bulkhead, you have remove it if you want to check the tyre pressure, as obviously the valve is facing the bulkhead too!!!!!
As pointed out, a rubbish design.
All back in place now.
No hernia to report . . . .

 

[toad a caravan]

Glad you've managed it, hopefully you won't need it but it's there if you do,my internal floor length is approx 2.7 metres or 9 foot,most of the width is between both beds,once awning is in over axle not much room available hence fitting in lockers,gas retainers are just straps fitted through cleats (can be seen next to tyre),..Have a good time with your caravan 👍 Gary

 

[Buckman]

We were in France and parked on site when a tyre on the caravan blew. Steadies and centre jack where down and it was morning so not hot. Initially we thought it was a gunshot. It was only later when I went to check the drain hose that I saw the tyre was deflated. In France the only tyre you seem to be able to buy is a Michelin tyre at a high price!

 

[toad a caravan]

My son was on the M60 the other day he had to slow down as there was debris in one of the lanes,it happen to be a wheel,further along was the caravan it had come off,he doesn't think anyone one was injured however the newish caravan would no doubt of suffered some damage,,and may have ruined a holiday...