Has any Fiat Ducato Ovation owner relocated the spare wheel/tyre from underneath the vehicle to, say, on a rack or carrier mounted on a tow bar?
I anticipate that retrieving the spare after suffering a flat tyre on anything but a flat surface will be very difficult and harder when you're a senior!
All the manufacturers of spare wheel carriers for 4WD vehicles that I have contacted can't assist. Is there a market opportunity here? There are many Fiat Ducato vehicles on the road with a variety of motorhome bodies mounted on them.
PeterD said
04:56 PM Feb 9, 2017
Is it one of the FWD models. With the FWD models the manufacturers make the wheelbase as short as possible. Many of those style of motorhome already have the maximum possible overhang. Anything you add to the rear makes the overhang too long. The overhang from the middle of the rear axle must not exceed 60% of the vehicles wheelbase. Check that out before going any further.
BJ15 said
05:14 PM Feb 9, 2017
Thanks, Peter, for your valued response. I will certainly check out the data you suggest. Later I will try and post my findings.
PeterInSa said
06:23 PM Feb 9, 2017
BJ, My understanding ( but have no experience of) is that some mh'ers and vans owners have the plastic ramps for levelling and they just drive up one of these ramps to get the height.
I personally use a trolley jack with our caravan so height is not a problem and have used a small jack on a Campervan to get the height then the vehicle jack.
Peter
msg said
12:52 AM Feb 10, 2017
Spares underneath are very difficult. Even the tyre repair place nearly gave up the ghost with mine.
It wasn't only the weight of the tyre, the fastening method was quite a puzzle. Got it down OK but couldn't work out the nut that attached it. It took over one & a half hours of fiddling, grunting and swearing to change three tyres. He was pleased to see the back of me. Don't think he made much profit on the sale.
Hope if I get stuck on the road and if NRMA or some kind sole tries to help, I can remember how it works. Can't practice its too heavy.
mark and kerry said
08:28 AM Feb 12, 2017
hi i had a ducato motorhome,i built a spare wheel bracket and made it to fit the haymen reese towbar.with the length of the extension i was told around 360mm was ok for the ducato /avan motorhome keeping in mind the 60% rule
Thanks Mark and Kerry for your post. Very interesting! I live in Newcastle so I expect I can find someone to make a carrier for me now I know it will fit inside the 60% rule. I'll go to a couple of men's sheds and see what equipment/expertise they have. Any chance of a rough sketch of what you built from memory? robertanddenny@gmail.com or I can provide a postal address.
I have never used a forum before so I am very happy with the responses I have had so far. I also enjoy helping others where I can with my knowledge on MGs.
I think sharing knowledge and exeriences about products is very important as the manufacturers dont want to know you (too time inefficient) and often the model you are enquiring about is now obsolete as far as they're concerned! Such bad PR - especially in the world/owners of RVs etc is close knit and we meet and chat all the time.
Thanks again guys and any more contributions will be gratefully received. BJ
PeterD said
08:32 PM Feb 12, 2017
BJ15 wrote:
I live in Newcastle so I expect I can find someone to make a carrier for me now I know it will fit inside the 60% rule.
I have had a good experience with Australian Motorhomes at Bennetts Green.
Cruising Cruze said
09:24 PM Feb 13, 2017
Hi BJ15
First of all welcome to the site mate
If you are not able or capable for any reason to change a tyre just call the NRMA in your case In NSW ( that is if you are a member )
That is the most easy way out
Has any Fiat Ducato Ovation owner relocated the spare wheel/tyre from underneath the vehicle to, say, on a rack or carrier mounted on a tow bar?
I anticipate that retrieving the spare after suffering a flat tyre on anything but a flat surface will be very difficult and harder when you're a senior!
All the manufacturers of spare wheel carriers for 4WD vehicles that I have contacted can't assist. Is there a market opportunity here? There are many Fiat Ducato vehicles on the road with a variety of motorhome bodies mounted on them.
Thanks, Peter, for your valued response. I will certainly check out the data you suggest. Later I will try and post my findings.
I personally use a trolley jack with our caravan so height is not a problem and have used a small jack on a Campervan to get the height then the vehicle jack.
Peter
It wasn't only the weight of the tyre, the fastening method was quite a puzzle. Got it down OK but couldn't work out the nut that attached it. It took over one & a half hours of fiddling, grunting and swearing to change three tyres. He was pleased to see the back of me. Don't think he made much profit on the sale.
Hope if I get stuck on the road and if NRMA or some kind sole tries to help, I can remember how it works. Can't practice its too heavy.
hi i had a ducato motorhome,i built a spare wheel bracket and made it to fit the haymen reese towbar.with the length of the extension i was told around 360mm was ok for the ducato /avan motorhome keeping in mind the 60% rule
Thanks Mark and Kerry for your post. Very interesting! I live in Newcastle so I expect I can find someone to make a carrier for me now I know it will fit inside the 60% rule. I'll go to a couple of men's sheds and see what equipment/expertise they have. Any chance of a rough sketch of what you built from memory? robertanddenny@gmail.com or I can provide a postal address.
I have never used a forum before so I am very happy with the responses I have had so far. I also enjoy helping others where I can with my knowledge on MGs.
I think sharing knowledge and exeriences about products is very important as the manufacturers dont want to know you (too time inefficient) and often the model you are enquiring about is now obsolete as far as they're concerned! Such bad PR - especially in the world/owners of RVs etc is close knit and we meet and chat all the time.
Thanks again guys and any more contributions will be gratefully received. BJ
I have had a good experience with Australian Motorhomes at Bennetts Green.
First of all welcome to the site mate
If you are not able or capable for any reason to change a tyre just call the NRMA in your case In NSW ( that is if you are a member )
That is the most easy way out
Regards John