Martin, I have now modified my spare wheel carrier as checked it after your great vid, and yes my wheel/tyre was getting damaged. I have put two pieces of 1/4 inch ply roughly 20cm x 30cm (varnished with external stuff for protection) and just tie wrapped them to the tubes either side of where the wheel attaches. The tyre now sits fully flat on the plywood so is not resting on the tubes getting damaged. The weight addition is minimal probably just a kilo and the other advantage is the plywood also stops some road dirt etc getting to the wheel.
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Good idea, i thought about that when doing the job but couldn’t be bothered going home for ply! I’m happier now it’s under the bed, easier to get to if needed. Thanks for comments and watching, Martin 👍
@Woody4796
4 жыл бұрын
i am so glad I watched this and the previous vids, whilst waiting for my (new) caravan to get serviced I was going to get the tyres changed, saw this so thought, hey, have a go getting the spare wheel off... there is no way this could be done at the side of the road, took me over an hour to get the spare wheel off and the van is in storage. the frame is now completely off and looking for a bag to store the spare wheel in, it can go in the boot where it is easily accessible for when the trips start. thanks for a great video Martin
@TheCaravanNut
4 жыл бұрын
Hi Chris, it’s not an easy job in the storage never mind on a had shoulder with trucks and cars wizzing past you. Ours is now under the bed and have taken the carrier off to save weight. Much easier to get to and check that it’s all in order. Thanks for the feedback and watching, Martin
@dsslimone
Жыл бұрын
Hi great video, I can only repeat most of the comments from everyone else. My holder was seized completely solid along with the spare wheel. Had to cut it off, remove holder , heat spare wheel mounting nuts to get the wheel off. New tyre had rub marks as you've shown. Night mare design. Ordered another one. Plan to get wheel blasted and powder coated and have it in some kind of bag. Also regularly grease sliders.
@TheCaravanNut
Жыл бұрын
Yes it really is a silly design, imagine trying to get the cradle off when one side of the van is lower with a flat! Glad you got yours sorted. Thanks for watching
@colinrimmer9154
6 жыл бұрын
Good follow up Martin, storage is a problem for vans without fixed beds and I can’t think of a permanent solution. My first caravan was a Monza which wasn’t supplied with a spare wheel however I bought one and placed it on the floor above the axle and wedged it with awning etc. On setting up I used to push it under the van. If you are concerned about theft it could be secured to the chassis with a small padlock and chain. Keep up the good work.
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Colin, I wonder how long it will be before caravan manufactures go the same way as some car manufacturers and put a spare wheel as optional extra! It hasn’t taken much room up under the bed as I have put things inside the wheel, glad i’ve moved it. cheers Martin 👍
@jimjdrive
5 жыл бұрын
Another excellent video, i have just replaced all 3 tyres on our 2011 Swift Conqueror 570 due to being 7 years old, gulp another £210 spent just after a annual service and alde central heating fluid repacement. The point i was coming too is a 2 ton bottle jack soon lifts the side for fast access to alko spare carrier with spare wheel being off in minutes, its central and out of sight which does free up space. I wonder how many punctures the average caravaner has as ive touch wood never had a problem.
@TheCaravanNut
5 жыл бұрын
Caravans are expensive! Need to look changing our Alde heating fluid. So far I’ve never had a problem with tyres and the Tyrepal system works a treat. I have now moved the wheel under the bed which works ok for space. Thanks for comments and watching. Cheers Martin 👍
@denisederbyshire1957
2 жыл бұрын
Our wheel carrier squeaks really badly so found this video by chance when trying to work out how to fix it - I will use this vlog to take the spare tyre carrier off the van too - Thanks very much
@TheCaravanNut
2 жыл бұрын
Glad the vlog helped, hope you stop the squeak’s!
@davidwilliams6553
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks again for a detailed video Martin. Will definitely be taking mine off now. Dave
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
Taking the carrier off also saved much needed weight 😊
@HowardB54
6 жыл бұрын
When I saw the notification for this video I thought “I’ve seen that” - but no - a great follow up Martin. As an ex TV engineer it was good to see the old test card ! - brought back memories But - I was expecting you to say that your hand had slipped and cut it on the carrier trying to get those split pins off and that you ended up at A&E !! Fortunately only a broken mic! Great work Martin and well presented ! Regards Howard
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Howard, thanks for the comments and feedback. Only a broken mic, no blood! Feel better now I’ve removed it. Cheers Martin 👍
@utubeworldwide1
5 жыл бұрын
Martin this is so helpful, will be following your lead in the morning. We are so lucky we have never had a puncture in 8 years so have never removed spare. Although have every year lubricated spare wheel undercarriage. As we are now changing all the tyres I have had a nightmare trying to release spare today. Have watched your video tonight and will follow this video in the morning and hopefully spare will be released 👍Thanks 👍
@TheCaravanNut
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback, spare under the bed is the best option. More and more manufacturers are putting the spare in the van possibly due to the poor design of the Alko carrier. Thanks for watching, Martin
@utubeworldwide1
5 жыл бұрын
Martin today has answered why the bed is now the chosen option 🤬👍👍👍
@steveone9375
5 жыл бұрын
I did this mod that you suggested and its worked great when we had a blowout,, lots easier to get at the clean and dry spare wheel
@TheCaravanNut
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Steve, yes far easier than crawling under the van on a busy road! Thanks for comments and watching, Martin 😊
@muddymarvellous
6 жыл бұрын
Hiya, when I purchased my lunar 10 years ago. It's now 17 years old. Lunar positioned the tyre in the front locker, this puts the 👃 weight through the roof. Every thing else of weight had to come out! So I purchased an Alko wheel carrier! The new tyre has been there ever since.. Watching you save 6kg but move the weight backwards and up higher. I would have thought could make your unit less stable than having the Wheel slung" low" centre of gravity next to the wheels...
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
The spare is more or less in the same position on the van apart from it being in the van. Will find out about stability when I next tow, shouldn’t be any different. Cheers Martin 👍
@brianparsons5138
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video Martin. We carry our spare wheel in the car which lightens the caravan weight by 20kg. Having watched your video I removed the Alko wheel carrier today and saved another 7kg in weight. Win win. Thanks.
@TheCaravanNut
Жыл бұрын
Yes it’s not a great design, very difficult to remove. Bonus losing the carrier weight though. Thanks for comments and watching
@lostweekendscaravan
6 жыл бұрын
Great Film Martin. Like Gain says the spare wheel is a pain no matter where it is located. On the rear of the Van seems a good idea once they sorted out the balance. Thanks for sharing Phil👍
@sonjaianhattiescaravanadve4847
6 жыл бұрын
I’m so glad that my old Bailey Ranger has the spare in the front locker. The only problem I have with that is I have to keep my nose weight below 75kg. I manage to keep it below that by the way I load the van but I might consider moving it to the rear wardrobe. Not sure if it’s worth doing.
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Could you not put it in the car while towing? That would give you more to play with. Cheers Martin 👍
@caravanningwithcharlie
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Martin. I recently watched your video regarding the spare wheel and the carrier damage. I thought it best to check our spare. We have a Bailey Unicorn Seville, series 1. Like you I had a real nightmare getting the wheel out of the carrier. When out I discovered the tyre has never been used but going off the date on it, it was obviously the original spare as it was dated 2010! So glad I checked it. Now having this tyre replaced and I have decided that it is not going back into the carrier. I'm just debating whether I put it in a tyre bag and leave it in the caravan on the floor over the axle or in the boot of the car while towing.
@TheCaravanNut
2 жыл бұрын
It’s not the best designed spare wheel carrier, van will be even lower with a flat tyre so even harder to get it out. Hope you find the right solution for storing it. Thanks for comments and supporting the channel, Martin
@kevandrews4699
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Martin a good follow up video of removing alko carrier easier than I thought to remove I'd love to do the same but don't have a fix bed unfortunately it's a shame u can't find one of those space saver wheel that u have on new cars that's slim and lighter and less bunker and put some sort of bracket on bak of van a least it won't sick out to much and put it in some sort of leather case bag glad u value my comment Martin thank you and all the best .kev
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Kev, thanks for giving me the idea. Don’t think a space saver will be up to the load of the van. Thanks for your support, Martin 👍
@lizleonard3681
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Martin since your last video we have put out tyre under the bed it was in good condition no dent marks but it will be a lot easier to get at if we ever get a flat I found this video interesting 👍
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Liz, I thought that if I was to get a flat I wouldn’t like to try and remove the spare! Thanks for the feedback, Martin 👍
@sonjaianhattiescaravanadve4847
6 жыл бұрын
That’s a great idea. We do travel with our dog in the back but I can put it to the side and secure it with some cord. Looking forward to seeing your next video.
@andrewhenderson9854
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Thanks. Going to do mine as well. Saving the 6kg carrier weight is a bonus as well.
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
Can’t believe some manufacturers still use this system, will be easier under the bed. Thanks for the feedback and watching.
@robelwood8272
Жыл бұрын
I see this video was made 4 years ago and is a follow up to an earlier version. I guess I'm a late viewer but I absolutely agree with what you said .. this is a classic example of poor design in action. I wonder if the Caravan builders have ever actually tried to extract a tyre from an underfloor rack. Our own caravan (2003 Swift Charisma) has the spare mounted in the front hatch between the gas bottles .. very easy to get at. I recently borrowed a Sprite Major and the under floor spare was flat .. the frame had crushed and broken the inflation nozzle Without having watched your video I ended up jacking up the side of the caravan until the wheel was about a hand-span off the ground. (jockey wheel fully retracted and nose down to the ground). What a nightmare. If I ever find myself buying another caravan the first thing on the check list will be that it does not have an underfloor spare tyre rack.
@TheCaravanNut
Жыл бұрын
As you have found out it’s no fun getting that spare out, really poor design for a caravan. Not practical at all. Don’t think some manufacturers will change it as it’s just the easiest option for them. Thanks for comments and watching
@gavinstreetie1473
6 жыл бұрын
Under the bed at the back that’s where ours is it’s ok there but I found it to be a problem getting stuff under the bed so now I take it out and put in the roof box on the car 😂😂really its a pain where ever it is I think outside is the best but ..... like you’ve pointed out it has down sides , what we need is a special case (waterproof) that maybe fixes to the back of the van ??? Just a idea 💡 Gav
@lostweekendscaravan
6 жыл бұрын
Thats a good idea Gavin. They fitted cases to SUVs so why not Caravans. 👍Phil
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
That’s a good idea, they put bike racks on why not option for spare. Cheers Martin 👍
@jodyrafter
4 жыл бұрын
just want to say your videos have been a wealth of knowledge we are learning soo much about our caravan :)
@TheCaravanNut
4 жыл бұрын
Hi, Thanks for the feedback, glad you are getting some use out of them, cheers Martin 🙂
@stewchesman5259
6 жыл бұрын
Great follow up video Martin. Glad you had a great summer mate ;))
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Cheers Stew, need another holiday to get over the summer! 👍
@daviddawson2210
4 жыл бұрын
Great video my last van had the alko wheel carrier and I think it's s bad design never liked the idea luckily never needed to use it on the road although always checked the pressure myself by removing it and cursed it every time God knows how you would get it out with a nearside blowout . So my next van I'm taking it off and storing it in the van or rear of the car . My only suggestion is a coat of hammerite .
@TheCaravanNut
4 жыл бұрын
Hi David, yes the Alko wheel carrier is useless, I would not like to be messing about with that at the side of the road. Good suggestion with the Hammerite, will do that in the summer sometime. cheers Martin
@PoshcatsCamping
6 жыл бұрын
Still on good form Martin. Nice video follow up. 😀👍🏻
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Trev, think that’s the best option for the spare. Cheers Martin 👍
@MrG.42
3 жыл бұрын
Great follow up video Martin. The spare on my Bailey Phoenix is bolted in position under the bed. The battery is located in it's own enclosure under a hatch in the floor. Makes my wonder why can't the the spare be under a hatch in the floor aswell?
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback. I have seen some vans with the wind down cable system that you see on cars sometimes, spare under van and mechanism in the van to lower the wheel. This seems like a better option than the cage. I think a bigger hatch in the floor of a caravan might compromise the structural integrity of the van. Seems they design a caravan and think…oh we’ve forgot the spare wheel! Cheers, Martin
@paulfallon181
5 жыл бұрын
Good video thanks for the tip. Have you ever made a video on how to change a tyre on a caravan that would be interesting
@TheCaravanNut
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, yes the wheel change will be coming at some point. Thanks for watching Martin 😊
@paulfallon181
5 жыл бұрын
@@TheCaravanNut thanks for your prompt reply. I will be doing this soon as when I went to check our caravan at the storage Yard both tyres are cracked on the side walls and don't want to chance driving to a tyre dealer
@MultiOutdoorman
4 жыл бұрын
Interesting to see how bulky and heavy the wheel carrier is. Did you really need to remove the inner split pins though ? Tubing pulls out in that direction anyway ! Thanks for sharing !
@TheCaravanNut
4 жыл бұрын
It’s not the best design but having the spare under the bed is far easier. It’s that long ago when I did this I can’t remember the where the split pins where! Cheers Martin
@neilwhetstone2895
3 жыл бұрын
It seems a good idea if you have a puncture but I’m not sure about leaving it at the rear of the van under the bed I would have thought the best place is near to the axle as poss ! Weight at rear is meant to increase the pendulum effect !
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
Our bed is not at the rear of the van, the spare wheel which is under our fixed bed is actually nearer to the axle than it was when under the van. A few manufacturers that have a rear island bed store their spare wheel under the bed. We have had no issues so far. Thanks
@johnbones4242
5 жыл бұрын
Very good video, as are all the ones I have sat and watched in the last few days. I have also removed my spare wheel and carrier and now carry the wheel in the back of the car giving me even more weight saved in the van. We only have the two of us in the car, an estate, so space is quite plentiful. Keep up the excellent videos. Cheers.
@TheCaravanNut
5 жыл бұрын
Hi John, thank you for your kind words and feedback. Removing the spare wheel is the best idea, not the greatest of designs! When we have no children coming with us we will utilise the boot better. Thanks for comments and watching, Martin 🙂
@arnie111999
3 жыл бұрын
I wonder what the spare wheel weighs?
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
Good question, I’m going to check that one!
@northdevonwildlifewithandy788
2 жыл бұрын
Bit dodgy in your car if you have an accident?
@johnbones4242
2 жыл бұрын
@@northdevonwildlifewithandy788 Hi, trying to fathom out why it would be dodgy, can you enlighten me please.
@DesmondsDonders
6 жыл бұрын
Great follow up :-)
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Cheers Martin 👍
@CaravanningwiththeCoxs
6 жыл бұрын
I will have to do mine soon!
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
It’s worth checking Oliver, thanks for watching, Martin 👍
@arnie111999
3 жыл бұрын
Great video as always, invaluable to noobs - thanks mate
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
It's much better under the bed now, easier to check the pressure as well.
@melb5996
3 жыл бұрын
I did exactly the same thing with my Lunar. For me it's a no brainier.
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
Much easier to get to and better for checking it.
@CaravanShorts
6 жыл бұрын
Looks a fiddly job to get it off, could be a pain if having to do by the side if a busy motorway!
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
I know, that’s one of the reasons I’ve taken it off Jon. Thanks for comments and watching 👍
@SeawolfGB
4 жыл бұрын
Really useful video. Thanks
@TheCaravanNut
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching 😊
@Scottish-traveller
6 жыл бұрын
when you take the carrier off are you adding 6kg to the nose weigh
@TheCaravanNut
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Guy, it will give me more payload to play with and be able to put a little more forward. The 2011 Unicorn I have is nose heavy without putting anything in it! Thanks for watching 👍
@wilburollie
3 жыл бұрын
I remember adding a wheel carrier specifically to reduce nose weight by moving wheel from front locker to behind axle giving a double improvement so in essence yes you just added nose weight
@johnbaker873
Жыл бұрын
hi I took my carrier off 2 years ago the same as Colin
@TheCaravanNut
Жыл бұрын
It's not the best design!
@MrFit2drop
5 жыл бұрын
These spare wheel carriers are a very poor design. If you get a flat tyre you have to jack up the van to get enough clearance to get the spare out. It is a good idea to grease the telescopic sleeves as you need to ne very strong to get the wheel out. Why the don't mount it to the floor at the back of the van is beyond me, This would help with the nose weight issue on most of the vans I have owned. I have designed a bracket to mount on the rear end of the ALKO frame, if I get time over the winter I will knock one up and see if there is any interest among the shed pulling fraternity.
@TheCaravanNut
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Martin, a few manufacturers have started putting the wheel under the bed and some are using the wind down spare wheel system you see on cars. Mounting it at the back is a good idea, my van is nose heavy so the counter balance of the wheel wouldn’t be too much of an issue, as long as it’s centrally placed at the rear. Will be interesting to see your design. Thanks for your comments and feedback. Martin 👍
@brendanbehan2289
3 жыл бұрын
I just bought a 2011 swift Celebration, and having looked on KZitem at where the spare wheel is kept ,I decided to take it out ,what a bitch to get out ,would hate to be on the side of the road trying to get it out. I removed the whole bracket, the wheel is now stored under the French bed, I would recommend to anyone not to wait until you get a puncture,take it out now and store it somewhere else.
@TheCaravanNut
3 жыл бұрын
It’s not the easiest jobs to do, like you said at the side of the road would be horrendous. Much better under the bed where you can easily get to it and check it’s pressure. Thanks for comments and watching
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