Spare wheel carrier.

[Camperbility]

Hi folks, just joined, so pardon if I'm doing it all wrong.

Just brought a used T6.1 T30 4mo 205bhp campervan (74plate). It has 275x40 R19 105 tyres. (probably straight of a drag racer) The spare carrier has an unused steel rim with (to me) an unknown tyre size about 2 inches narrower than the 275's. Question will the wider tyres fit in the spare carrier? or is it adjustable? Or even is there a modification available? And... if modified will it still accommodate the narrower standard spare? So many questions.

Any help much appreciated.

Kind regards

Fridgability

 

[Bav]

Hi. Afraid I can't answer your queries, but I do have a couple of observations...

As you have a 4mo variant, you'll need to ensure that the rolling circumference of the spare wheel matches that of your running wheels - there's only a 5% tolerance IIRC. You can easily compare using this site: Alloy Wheel & Tyre Fitment Calculator. Offset, Tyre Stretch and Speedo Error | Will They Fit

A lot of converters use 275s because they're readily available and relatively cheap, but they're too wide for fronts and result in 'stodgy' handling. When you replace, suggest you go down to 255 or lower depending on wheel width and your preference (or otherwise) for the 'stretched tyre' look.

 

[Camperbility]

Hi Bav, Thank you for the information, seems like this wheel/tyre combination could be a bit of a headache. The same tyre size is fitted to the front, I haven't done any serious driving with the van yet, but seems to handle ok at moderate speeds.

I'll check out the link you sent, presumably a wrong circumference on one wheel would upset the centre diff? The van is also an automatic.

 

[Bav]

I believe it's the system detects the different wheel speeds and keeps 4-wheel drive engaged unnecessarily, causing premature wear - but we're getting near the limits of my understanding.

 

[Camperbility]

Hi again Bav

Have been doing some reading since posting, 4Motion uses a Haldex coupling, no centre diff. It only transmits power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected. A wheel with a smaller diameter, thus rotating faster than the others, will be assumed to be slipping, causing the Haldex to repeatedly engage and disengage causing excessive wear.

Therefore could only use the spare for a short distance to get to a tyre dealer, and will probably have to transport punctured wheel inside the camper because it is almost certainly to wide for the spare wheel carrier.

 

[Sasquatch]

You can always get a tailgate or barn door spare wheel mount and carry a full size spare.

 

[Kind of Blue]

As above some use one of the multi bicycle carriers that sling over the rear lift up door and adapt it or buy adaptions or even buy one ready adapted . These carriers are quite versatile and do not need drilling of he hanging door other adaptions are available also. Sort of Safari look. Twin doors have other conversions for wheel carrying arrangements.

 

[Camperbility]

Thanks for your suggestions guys, Might eventually revert to standard size wheels, I am all for practicalities rather than looks or bling. Anyone interested in a set of Woolfrace black gloss 19 inch rims?

 

[doncarlyon]

You could put a bigger profile tyre on the current spare to achieve something a similar overall diameter to you 19s.

That's what I will be doing.

 

[Camperbility]

But we are back to my original question: will it fit the spare wheel cradle?

We had our first long journey yesterday, 230 miles, mostly on motorways, but a good deal on country roads as well. Not particularly comfortable, but lots of tyre noise. It makes me want to put sensible tyres back on asap.

 

[doncarlyon]

A 275 40 shouldn't be particularly uncomfortable. Is it lowered as well?

 

[Camperbility]

No, not lowered. The ride on motorways was ok, but country A roads, very noisy and harsh. Running 40 psi front and 36 back. Previous owner had 50 all round: max sidewall pressure.

 

[doncarlyon]

It's potentially just the way it is.

I went from 16" steel standard wheels to 20" 265/40 and the main difference I noticed was improved grip and handling. Especially tight corners in the wet. On the 16s it wanted to keep going straight ahead, was interesting on the way to work haha.

 

[Ricardo T]

Type 'spare wheel carrier' in the search function and you will find several other threads with information on modifications to the carrier to accomodate larger wheels/tyres. It is possible with 4mo.