I would like to relocate my van spare from the rear bumper to a spot underneath the rear of the van chassis. The main reason for wanting to do this is to reduce weight located so far from the axles (enhances stability).
I have in mind a frame that the spare is placed on, and then a small winch (a bit like the hand winches you see on the front of boat trailers) and a cable to winch it up into position where it would be secured by bolts through the frame.
I know some vehicles have a system where spares are held by a frame under the chassis, but I can't remember which vehicles have it. Can anyone enlighten me so I can save time looking at these rather than skulking around car/truck yards trying to find one?
Also, has anyone else tried this? If so, I'd like to learn from your experience.
My old patrol has a winch setup using a chain rather than a cable has worked well Mind you its years since I wound it down perhaps I should do that
Woody
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
I went to a motor wreckers and purchased a spare wheel winch off a 1996 holden rodeo ute.
Most utes have a winch and crank handle system, so the vehicle brand is not important.
I built my own van and had weight balances to build to, so my spare wheel is mounted underneath and in front of the first axle.
It is positioned in the centre of the van (equalise the weight from side to side as well), however when I built the chassis, i welded a crossmember in position to accomodate the winch.
Had to extend the a crank handle, and drill a couple of thru holes in the chassis because the spare is up tight against the underfloor of the van.
If you are in Mandurah WA, I could do the job for you, but a good fitter would be all you would need.
I have moved the spare, but had to put it in front of the axle as I had installed a grey water tank behind the existing water tank on our 16ft van. In WA I went to Martins Trailer Parts (so find a trailer parts company in Adelaide) as you can buy the new bolt on wind up fitting - rather than a second hand one.
Welded an extension onto the crank fitting, so I can drop the tyre by using a rachet spanner. Drilled thru the floor and put a backing plate to bolt onto. All hidden under the bed. I moved it as I wanted to mount a generator box on the rear - roughly the same weight.
Happy modifying!
Glen
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Glen
A diesel Nissan Pathfinder towing a Coromal Element 542.
My van has this set up, as factory install. Depending on where you locate it, if its right at the rear where mine is, it won't reduce the weight / distance moment very much.
Thanks for all those great replies and suggestions, folks, they are much appreciated. If I decide to proceed with this, knowing where to find ideas and parts is half the battle.
My spare is mounted right at the back and sticks out a little further than the rear bumper to avoid other fittings (not my setup). The easiest place to move it to would be just ahead of the tandem axles in the centre of the van. I've done some rough calculations that show this would increase the ball weight by about 25kg (16kg due to reduction of weight on rear, and 9kg due increased weight ahead of the wheels). The spare itself weighs about 30kg. However, the main effect I am looking for is reduction in sway inertia by removing weight from the extremities and concentrating it nearer the centre. The other possibility is just under the rear of the van as I indicated in my first post. This might not reduce the sway inertia by much, but every little bit helps.
Thanks again everyone,
