I have a Alko wheel carrier fitted on my just purchased 1993 Avondale Mayfly. The telescopic frame was solid with age.I have managed to loosen it all up with WD40,removed the black securing knob, but it still refuses to slide. I was thinking of removing it altogether, as I don't relish going through this procedure on the side of the road with rain lashing down. Anyone had any problems or experiences regarding Alko's carrier? As I have plenty of room in my car boot, I was thinking of putting the spare wheel in there. what do you reckon?
If you can pull it out sufficentlty to release it from the bolt that you took the black knob from then twisting the whole assembly when pulling hard will free it - hopefully
. If you cant remove it over that bolt then remove the bolt from the chassis and then twist while pulling the assembly
If that dont work then you'll need to release the other end from the van - the black plastic inserts are held in place by both the split pins - check that you can see the order of split pins and washers and release the lot from the van
When all is released then coat the inner tubes in multipurpose grease - should now slide easily
On our 2004 van we tried to get at the spare wheel, whilst it was in undercover storage and neither tyre was deflated. It was a real p.i.t.a. When I eventually managed to remove the spare wheel [much, much later] it was never replaced. We leave it in the van when in storage and have it in the car when towing. It should not be transverse and would be much better if it were accessable from the van rear - you could then drop the van nose for easier access.
Thanks for reply, I think I will do what you did and put the spare in my boot when towing, thats if I can get the #*%## carrier off, I think it's going to be a hacksaw job! Thats a great idea of yours, ought to mention it to Alko!!
I decided to try ours before we went to Luxembourg, to make sure it was serviceable.
What we found was it had been assembled wrongly and the wheel retaining bolt was the wrong one (too long) and the spare couldn't have been removed at the road side.
All the bolts were there just not in the right places (must have been assembled by the YTS) once sorted and greased it worked perfectly.
Paul
------------- "Whether you think you can, or think you can't... You're right"
They area pain as said earlier! I checked mine at easter (tyre pressure etc). I had to jack up the van to get enough clearance to slide it out. I gave the slides a squirt of grease while it was out.
I had a Swift van with the spare in the front box, a much better idea I think! ( Or under the floor like Avondales)
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
I have the same problem with my 98 Abi, the wheel carrier has seized on one of the telescopic slider tubes. I am faced with the prospect of cutting it off, pain in the 'A'. The thing is supposed to be galvinised so it shouldnt corrode but with all the crap on the roads !!!!
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Topic: Alko Wheel Carrier
