Tailgate spare tire carrier

[Chris Ratay]

Need to carry a spare AT wheel.
Getting my new T6.1 next week and will be converting from 255/45 r18 (27x10) and no spare to 17" rims with AT tires for use in South America. Haven't figured out if I'll go with 235/55 r17 (27.2x9.3) or 245/65 r17 (29.5x9.6). Will need to address speedo if overall diameter gets larger, and pickup a good OBD that can clear faults, but that's for another post...

I don't need a full bike-rack or plan to have additional containers hanging off the back, and like simplicity of the Uber Bus carrier: https://uberbuscomponents.com/product/spare-wheel-carrier/.

The dealer I bought the van from claims he pre-ordered it with heavy duty struts, and that they won't need to be upgraded.

Anyone have experience with these carriers and can provide feedback?

 

[Loz2286]

Hmmmm.....I'm not so sure about this. While I've not done this on a VW, I have played with tailgate wheel mounts on Land Rovers. You need to be careful with hanging spares up like that. They are relatively heavy and will vibrate significantly on the road. This will quickly find any weakness in the door structure, hinges or door-skin. I'd be worried about the bolts pulling through the metal. I've seen many doors destroyed by these carriers on LRs. The only satisfactory one I used mounted on to the rear chassis cross member so the weight was carried on some serious metal. You don't have that on a VW Cali.

I'm not saying, don't do it, nor am I saying it can't be done, just satisfy yourself that the metal you're attaching it to can do the job.

 

[OxonCalifornia]

Need to carry a spare AT wheel.
Getting my new T6.1 next week and will be converting from 255/45 r18 (27x10) and no spare to 17" rims with AT tires for use in South America. Haven't figured out if I'll go with 235/55 r17 (27.2x9.3) or 245/65 r17 (29.5x9.6). Will need to address speedo if overall diameter gets larger, and pickup a good OBD that can clear faults, but that's for another post...

I don't need a full bike-rack or plan to have additional containers hanging off the back, and like simplicity of the Uber Bus carrier: https://uberbuscomponents.com/product/spare-wheel-carrier/.

The dealer I bought the van from claims he pre-ordered it with heavy duty struts, and that they won't need to be upgraded.

Anyone have experience with these carriers and can provide feedback?

View attachment 102129

View attachment 102130

I appreciate personal opinion here and you are looking to resolve an issue....but that set up looks awful! Sorry.

 

[Chris Ratay]

Hmmmm.....I'm not so sure about this. While I've not done this on a VW, I have played with tailgate wheel mounts on Land Rovers. You need to be careful with hanging spares up like that. They are relatively heavy and will vibrate significantly on the road. This will quickly find any weakness in the door structure, hinges or door-skin. I'd be worried about the bolts pulling through the metal. I've seen many doors destroyed by these carriers on LRs. The only satisfactory one I used mounted on to the rear chassis cross member so the weight was carried on some serious metal. You don't have that on a VW Cali.

I'm not saying, don't do it, nor am I saying it can't be done, just satisfy yourself that the metal you're attaching it to can do the job.

Good points. Those Defender doors suffer from the strain of the spare wheel on the door itself. My Defender 130 originally had the spare in the back tub when we had the RTT, then when we swapped for a Globe Camper box, it hung off the rear cabin in a special carrier (had a hinge to lower it down)

I would prefer to not have it on the rear door of this van, and trying to figure out options if a large AT tire won't fit underneath. A separate swing out spare wheel carrier would just be a hassle and dirty to touch everyday when we go into the garage area.

 

[Chris Ratay]

I appreciate personal opinion here and you are looking to resolve an issue....but that set up looks awful! Sorry.

I prefer nothing hanging on the outside, but heading to South America = function over form. Also, if I put the wheel back here, I can put an extra reserve fuel tank in the spare wheel well.

Still in research mode, and like all choices, everything is a compromise....

 

[OxonCalifornia]

I prefer nothing hanging on the outside, but heading to South America = function over form. Also, if I put the wheel back here, I can put an extra reserve fuel tank in the spare wheel well.

Still in research mode, and like all choices, everything is a compromise....

I can see your point..I have to say I think you are in the next league of adventuring than the majority of us..well done you and good luck

 

[B J G]

I'd second the issue of the tailgate metal thickness and structure being able to withstand the weight especially if road surfaces travelled on are going to cause constant jolting.

245/65/17 tyres may well cause arch clearance problems and give an 8% speed indication error.
Have you considered 225/65/17 which have half the speed error and as there is a normal speed display error on the plus side it would be about the same on the minus side needing no resetting other than a mental adjustment. Wheel could be carried in normal underslung rack.

Not sure what 'heavy duty struts' can be ordered. T32 version is different fitting to normal T30 ones requiring hub assembly change. Rear only has spring ratings as a variable with Cali said to have the T32 spec as standard. Aftermarket change would be required for strut upgrade.
Talking in UK spec. terms

 

[Loz2286]

Roof mounted on a rack? You'll avoid the difficulties with the torsional effect of the wheel vibrating....

....Just thinking aloud. There are of course, downsides for chucking it on the roof, not least you'll need a ladder to get it down!

 

[Tarquers]

This may work for you. https://www.terranger.de/epages/629...ath=/Shops/62914780/Products/TA-T6-303-10-001

 

[Chris Ratay]

I'd second the issue of the tailgate metal thickness and structure being able to withstand the weight especially if road surfaces travelled on are going to cause constant jolting.

245/65/17 tyres may well cause arch clearance problems and give an 8% speed indication error.
Have you considered 225/65/17 which have half the speed error and as there is a normal speed display error on the plus side it would be about the same on the minus side needing no resetting other than a mental adjustment. Wheel could be carried in normal underslung rack.

Not sure what 'heavy duty struts' can be ordered. T32 version is different fitting to normal T30 ones requiring hub assembly change. Rear only has spring ratings as a variable with Cali said to have the T32 spec as standard. Aftermarket change would be required for strut upgrade.
Talking in UK spec. terms

Thanks - great feedback. I'm still up in the air on which tires to go with... I've got 255/45r18 (27x10) alloys, and want steels and AT Tires. 16s are too small for the T6.1 calipers.

I believe these are my steps:
Step 1: Commit to 17s.
Step 2: Determine what the largest size AT 17" tires that won't rub with matching spare underneath (feedback welcome)
Step 3: Determine proper rim off-sets
Step 4: After purchase above, recalibrate speedo if necessary.

Everything is a compromise....
215/60 r17 and 255/50 r17 are the same dimensions as current (27x10). I wouldn't mind a little taller tire - the 245/65 r17 seem to be the "Go To" size and 29.5x9.6 which seems nice size, but they don't fit underneath.

235/65 r 17 (29x9.3) apparently fit with the Tuning-Bus underside bracket I just stumbled upon, though I need to verify if lift kit is required. (Seikel says the van needs to be lifted to fit this spare). They are available in General Grabbers and Falkans, but I don't see in BFG.

225/65 r17 (28.5x8.9) are still larger than current, but there seems to be more typical size and available in more brands. They also seem to fit underneath according to the second image - Do you know if standard carrier or need extended? My Ocean doesn't have a spare, so it may not have any bracket or lift/jack.

I've spent almost 2-hours typing this reply while checking options across multiple website tabs - thanks for helping me focus - seriously.

The 225/65 r17 may be the best option

As for the struts, I have no idea. My 2023 Ocean has a GVW of 3080, so guessing that's a T30? The dealer said he spec'd with heavy duty struts, but I don't know what that means yet. I get the van next Saturday.

 

[Chris Ratay]

Roof mounted on a rack? You'll avoid the difficulties with the torsional effect of the wheel vibrating....

....Just thinking aloud. There are of course, downsides for chucking it on the roof, not least you'll need a ladder to get it down!

Thought about it - goal is to keep it at 2.0m tall so fits in parking areas of modern cities.

 

[Chris Ratay]

This may work for you. https://www.terranger.de/epages/629...ath=/Shops/62914780/Products/TA-T6-303-10-001

Thanks - stumbled upon this earlier. Much more expensive, but maybe a "less damaging" option if on the rear tailgate.

 

[bvddobb]

We have 225/75/16 on our T5, and the spare won’t fit underneath… when inflated! Deflate it, and it will fit!
Since we have an air compressor with us to reinflate when we have had to have some air out because of road or terrain conditions, a deflated spare is not an issue. Might work for you!
Having said that, on longer tours we still have the spare on the back for easy access (Terranger kit) and an extra tyre underneath. We have had situations where we had to use the spare, and the old tyre was damaged beyond repair, but then we couldn’t get a replacement tyre in the right size, or were faced with delivery times of weeks! Therefore, we sometimes carry an additional loose tyre underneath.

 

[Chris Ratay]

We have 225/75/16 on our T5, and the spare won’t fit underneath… when inflated! Deflate it, and it will fit!
Since we have an air compressor with us to reinflate when we have had to have some air out because of road or terrain conditions, a deflated spare is not an issue. Might work for you!
Having said that, on longer tours we still have the spare on the back for easy acces (Terranger kit) and an extra tyre underneath. We have had situations where we had to use the spare, and the old tyre was damaged beyond repair, but then we couldn’t get a replacement tyre in the right size, or were faced with delivery times of weeks! Therefore, we sometimes carry an additional loose tyre underneath.

Thanks! I have those 225/75 r16s on my 6.4m Jumper, and they're great. Unfortunately the calipers on my T6.1 Ocean are too big for 16s, which I'd prefer.

225/75 r16 = 29.3 x 8.9" (yours)
225/65 r17 = 28.5 x 8.9" (I'm considering)
Do you think the 0.80" smaller diameter would allow the spare to remain inflated? Is the problem underneath with the width or height?

I took an off-road course in South Africa many years ago - the guy said to always to try to repair the first flat, and only use the spare if you have no other options. He said once you use your spare, it changes your drive and potentially your route/options. I had one spare thru 21 countries in east and west Africa, and while my Defender had her (many) issues, we surprisingly never had a flat.

Also, have you considered carrying your second spare without a rim to save weight?

 

[bvddobb]

Also, have you considered carrying your second spare without a rim to save weight?

That’s exactly what we do, when we carry two. Complete spare with rim on the back, one extra without underneath.

When we carry one with rim underneath, when inflated it would be too wide. Hence we deflate it to fit. So it could still be an option for you.

 

[andyinluton]

As for the struts, I have no idea. My 2023 Ocean has a GVW of 3080, so guessing that's a T30? The dealer said he spec'd with heavy duty struts, but I don't know what that means yet. I get the van next Saturday.

Are you sure the dealer is talking about the suspension?
When reading your first post I immediately thought you were referring to the struts that hold the tailgate open.

 

[andyinluton]

Thought about it - goal is to keep it at 2.0m tall so fits in parking areas of modern cities.

Don't you think putting tyres with a larger diameter on might affect this?
Some vans at delivery are over 2m already.

 

[bvddobb]

Don't you think putting tyres with a larger diameter on might affect this?
Some vans at delivery are over 2m already.

It does. Our tyres give us 2 cm extra bottom clearance, but consequently also raise the total height by 2 cm. With our solar panel on top we then reach 2.05 m.

 

[Californication69]

I prefer nothing hanging on the outside, but heading to South America = function over form. Also, if I put the wheel back here, I can put an extra reserve fuel tank in the spare wheel well.

Still in research mode, and like all choices, everything is a compromise....

Good luck!
Hope you can put your itinerary, route & pictures on here, would be great to see your adventure !
Take a look at the Hess kit from Switzerland.
Can be bought from T5 T6 Upgrades.
Spare wheel carrier and Peli box with locks and water proof for the rear carrier.
Helps keep Under 2.05m height.
Seriously consider the Koni Active Shocks which will help with your adventure.
Also upgrade to H&R Springs.
They will keep you on the roof side up

 

[Chris Ratay]

Are you sure the dealer is talking about the suspension?
When reading your first post I immediately thought you were referring to the struts that hold the tailgate open.

Yes, it was specific to tailgate struts

Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

 

[Chris Ratay]

It does. Our tyres give us 2 cm extra bottom clearance, but consequently also raise the total height by 2 cm. With our solar panel on top we then reach 2.05 m.

2-5cm vs 25cm for the spare

Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

 

[Chris Ratay]

Good luck!
Hope you can put your itinerary, route & pictures on here, would be great to see your adventure !
Take a look at the Hess kit from Switzerland.
Can be bought from T5 T6 Upgrades.
Spare wheel carrier and Peli box with locks and water proof for the rear carrier.
Helps keep Under 2.05m height.
Seriously consider the Koni Active Shocks which will help with your adventure.
Also upgrade to H&R Springs.
They will keep you on the roof side up

Thanks for the info. I was hoping the stock suspension would be sufficient, but maybe that's overly optimistic?!

"Roof side up" ... are these vans top heavy?

I'll have the van for about 9 months before we ship it - we'll do a few "shake down" trips while we figure out what upgrades we'll really need (including tires, spares, etc). Winter in Malta/Sicily, Spain, and Morocco. Was hoping to go to Iran in May, but that's not looking promising.

As for routes, they're always changing - been trying to drive to Tajikistan for the last 2.5 years, but the world has other plans. We're still trying to decide if we'll start in Colombia or Argentina - depending on shipping and when we can book a (ridiculously expensive) trip to Antarctica.

I'm pretty active on FB (I'm the one with the cover photo like this below), and post most info there. Likewise there's info on previous travels on our website www.RatayTeam.com (if you really need to kill some time)

 

[B J G]

Thanks! I have those 225/75 r16s on my 6.4m Jumper, and they're great. Unfortunately the calipers on my T6.1 Ocean are too big for 16s, which I'd prefer.

225/75 r16 = 29.3 x 8.9" (yours)
225/65 r17 = 28.5 x 8.9" (I'm considering)
Do you think the 0.80" smaller diameter would allow the spare to remain inflated? Is the problem underneath with the width or height?

I took an off-road course in South Africa many years ago - the guy said to always to try to repair the first flat, and only use the spare if you have no other options. He said once you use your spare, it changes your drive and potentially your route/options. I had one spare thru 21 countries in east and west Africa, and while my Defender had her (many) issues, we surprisingly never had a flat.

Also, have you considered carrying your second spare without a rim to save weight?

May or may not help

I have a 235/60/17 tyred spare wheel that fits standard 17" rack with no problems, an SUV tyre which doesn't have such a deep tread as the 4x4 tyres.
Checking online gives virtually identical diameter as a 225/65/17 tyre.

Standard VW wheel offset for 17" rims is 55.

I tried a rim with 45 Offset and found little clearance on the front outer arches on bump position. Could barely get little finger in.
From that I'd say that only raised suspension could use the lower offsets available.

 

[Californication69]

Thanks for the info. I was hoping the stock suspension would be sufficient, but maybe that's overly optimistic?!

"Roof side up" ... are these vans top heavy?

I'll have the van for about 9 months before we ship it - we'll do a few "shake down" trips while we figure out what upgrades we'll really need (including tires, spares, etc). Winter in Malta/Sicily, Spain, and Morocco. Was hoping to go to Iran in May, but that's not looking promising.

As for routes, they're always changing - been trying to drive to Tajikistan for the last 2.5 years, but the world has other plans. We're still trying to decide if we'll start in Colombia or Argentina - depending on shipping and when we can book a (ridiculously expensive) trip to Antarctica.

I'm pretty active on FB (I'm the one with the cover photo like this below), and post most info there. Likewise there's info on previous travels on our website www.RatayTeam.com (if you really need to kill some time)

View attachment 102202

I’d look on the T6Forums and ask advice for suspenion options.
Great website. Absolutely fair play to you and the wife for doing what you are doing.
Kudos !
And yes, work it out and shake it out to get the right thing for your next journey.
Will keep my eye on it

 

[Peter David Morton]

Need to carry a spare AT wheel.
Getting my new T6.1 next week and will be converting from 255/45 r18 (27x10) and no spare to 17" rims with AT tires for use in South America. Haven't figured out if I'll go with 235/55 r17 (27.2x9.3) or 245/65 r17 (29.5x9.6). Will need to address speedo if overall diameter gets larger, and pickup a good OBD that can clear faults, but that's for another post...

I don't need a full bike-rack or plan to have additional containers hanging off the back, and like simplicity of the Uber Bus carrier: https://uberbuscomponents.com/product/spare-wheel-carrier/.

The dealer I bought the van from claims he pre-ordered it with heavy duty struts, and that they won't need to be upgraded.

Anyone have experience with these carriers and can provide feedback?

View attachment 102129

View attachment 102130