WHICH SPARE WHEEL CARRIER?

[Malcolm2]

Has anyone any advice on which under-chassis spare wheel carrier to purchase? I have seen two advertised, an Al-Ko at about £70 and one in the Caravan Club Magazine for £46 inc p@p. The Al-Ko has two runners whilst the other looks a lot less sturdy with just one runner.

Thanks in advance for your replies

Malcolm

 

[MikeP]

Whichever one fits your chassis and looks safe and secure. Logically, one with two runners should be better. It's not worth saving

 

[rayc]

Malcom, I have had several vans with the Alko carrier and one with the"single bar" carrier. To be honest they are similar and both do the job, although I think the Alko is the "real thing" compared to the other. The important thing is to grease the sliding sections twice a year otherwise a hacksaw ( and a great deal of sweat) may be required to retreive the spare wheel.

The drawback is the physical effort required and getting the van at a suitable height to allow the spare wheel to clear the chassis member when sliding in and out. To me these are acceptable niggles and its not as if you are going to have to remove it very often ( hopefully).

 

[rayc]

Malcom, I have had several vans with the Alko carrier and one with the"single bar" carrier. To be honest they are similar and both do the job, although I think the Alko is the "real thing" compared to the other. The important thing is to grease the sliding sections twice a year otherwise a hacksaw ( and a great deal of sweat) may be required to retreive the spare wheel.

The drawback is the physical effort required and getting the van at a suitable height to allow the spare wheel to clear the chassis member when sliding in and out. To me these are acceptable niggles and its not as if you are going to have to remove it very often ( hopefully).

Malcom, do not expect the carrier to be greased by the servicing dealer even if it is supplied as part of the van, or as an add on accessory, when the van was sold. Do it your self, at least you know that it is working .

 

[Bri2]

If you also use the Alko side lift jack, you will find it Impossible to remove the spare wheel if its attached at the near side. The jack when in position at the near side obstructs the wheel carrier and it can't be pulled out far enough. Luckly I found this out when on my drive after fitting the jack mounts to the chassis and trying it out. Well thought out at Alko this one!!!!!

Brian

 

[Malcolm2]

Thanks everyone.

I tahe Mike's point that two runners are better than one and Ray's experience of both suggest the same.I will follow Ray's advice and grease regularly.

But what about Bri's point? Come on Alko!!!!