(Waffle): Please feel free to ignore this part and go straight to the question below.....As we continue our research towards buying our first van, we continue to show our ignorance. We have been reading various magazines articles and reviews, in a recent review in a magazine (although the vans reviewed were well above our budget) it came as a surprise that one of the 'plus points' of the vehicle was that it came with a spare wheel, something I thought was pretty standard kit but now appears to be an 'extra'. I thought it was a legal requirement to have a spare wheel with any vehicle? I have assumed these are hidden away somewhere, or proudly displayed on the front of some bay window VWs.
(The Question): We are looking at buying something like an Autosleeper Trident or Holdsworth Villa (VW T4), or something of a similar design (not necessarily a VW). Is it normal for these vans to have a spare wheel?
Or do they even a place for storing one, I am prepared to buy one as I don't like the idea of travelling without one. If not is there anyway of mounting one on the rear of the van?
My friend welcome to the forum, and the answer to your question, DO not worry ie, the van/camper you have in mind will have a SPARE wheel, T4/T5 carry the wheel at the back below the chassis, the earlier T25 or T3 or square brick as some people call them carried the spare at the front literally below the cab, the T2 or bay windows were exactly the same only some owners put them at the front, ie, being aircooled it did not affect the flow of air. The lack of the spare wheel it seems only affects the very latest vans/motorhomes you buy, it seems stupid to supply a can of some squirting stuff in the tyre if you get a puncture, what if its gashed???? I 'm glad mine came with a spare although its a bit of a pig to get to under the back of my motorhome. Hope this has helped a bit.
Bit more re-assured now, still cannot believe that some 'newer' vans do not include a spare wheel, I thought most new vehicle had at least a space saver get you home.
We are already thinking hard about how to get a family of 4 and our gear into a van for a couple of weeks, realising that storage space will be at a premium the last thing I wanted to be doing was scratching my head deciding where to store a spare wheel............It is already getting close to tossing a coin to decide which of the children to leave at home!!!
Thanks also to Nora
If all else fails it is good to know that mounting the wheel on the back of a van is an option, we are unlikey to be taking our bikes with us when we are travelling as 4 so will not be needing the space for a cycle rack.
Are there kits available for this DIY or places where you can get them fitted?
Our Elnagh Clipper motorhome is Talbot Express based and our spare wheel is mounted under the bonnet so any camper based on the same vehicle should have the same spare wheel location.
many vw t2.s the spare was over the engine compartment to one side .only the front bench seat ones had it under the front sets also devon put the spare on the back bumper . vw never really liked the front wheel on the front panel .it did cause stress on the front at the sides . the german vans had it mounted on the front bumper.
bedfords and fords used to charge extra for spare wheels . well years ago . the bedford came with only the front drivers seat you payed extra for the passengers . even the top coat of paint was an extra . side doors extra interior handles to a side door extra . its not new to rip people off been goping on for years british companies were very good at it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Spare Wheel ?
We have been reading various magazines articles and reviews, in a recent review in a magazine (although the vans reviewed were well above our budget) it came as a surprise that one of the 'plus points' of the vehicle was that it came with a spare wheel, something I thought was pretty standard kit but now appears to be an 'extra'. I thought it was a legal requirement to have a spare wheel with any vehicle?
I have assumed these are hidden away somewhere, or proudly displayed on the front of some bay window VWs.
