Spare wheel quandry

[Andy.H]

Each year I tour Europe on my motorcycle with a friend. As well as going in September , I plan to take my wife in the van down to Switzerland and back in June over 11 days.
I have 255/45 x 19 wheel and tyres and a spare too. I don't usually carry the spare at home and would rely on Green Flag to get me out of trouble.
My dilemma is that I'd like to take it with me but
1. I'm not sure it'll fit in the carrier
2. Is it too heavy to strap to the crossbars on the roof?
3. Is it worth buying the Wheeliams wheel carrier for what may be one trip.

I'd appreciate any advice from anyone that's been in a similar predicament

Thanks

 

[Raggerty]

No it wont fit the carrier l think 17” is the biggest you can fit but you will be able to carry a spare just an odd size. If you search the forum there is a tyre size calculator that will find a compatible size. I ended up not bothering and that was with 18” alloys.
Cant comment on point 1 & 2 though.

 

[TrevorK]

What size is your spare?
Space savers are usually around 15% smaller that fitted tyre size.
Should be fine so long as you don’t have a 4motion.

C

Thread 'VW T6 Spare Wheel'

22 Jan 2026

Hi All,
I've got a VW T6 transporter 2021 and does anyone know if a 235/55/17 spare wheel will fit in the under wheel carrier because I would like to buy one? I currently have a 205/65/16 wheel as a spare in the carrier but it is damaged.
I thought that a 17" spare wheel would better match the 20" alloys on my van, what do you think?

• CliffVWT6
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Wheels & Tyres

 

[doncarlyon]

You'll be able to get a spare that fits underneath with a similar diameter.

A 205/75/16 as an example

 

[DXX]

Huge discussions on the Forum regarding this, have a Search