Hi There, just ordered a new Fiat based motorhome, built on the Camper low profile chassis. I intend fitting a spare wheel from my existing van to the new one and want to fit it underneath where it should go. I know the location is clear of extra conversion bits, unlike my present one. I assume there are threaded holes in the cross-member to take the fixing bolts. Has anyone done this? and have any tips or had problems.

Many thanks John

I don't know what age your existing van is but When I was fitting the modified hanger to my van the paperwork said that later vans may need some of the holes drilling out.

On mine the holes were there but needed threaded inserts put in place first, the modified hanger fitted in a different place than the original.

Mike

We have a 2013 Bessacarr E584 and the spare wheel is mounted under the back.

Hi Mike, my present van is on a 2011 chassis, but the waste tank is where the spare wheel should go. I bought a wheel and fitted onto a bracket on the tow bar. I intend fitting the wheel where it should go. How do the inserts fit

Thanks John

Hi John. On my van (a pvc) the original spare was under the back of the van with the wind down handle accessed through the back doors. The new hangers are accessed from behind the rear offside wheel but still hangs from the same bolt holes. Its the wind down mechanism thats in a different place.

The wind down mechanism is held in place using rivet nuts (rivnuts) they work like rivets and when placed in the holes and when tightened up they flatten and this prevents them pulling out.

Make sure you use the right hanger, they are different for 15" and 16" wheels.

Just as a thought John have you checked the weight of the Van as a lot of them are close to the max weight, this includes all up weight, food, water ect including driver and passengers and adding a spare wheel and towbar will reduce your payload. This partly why the spare has been replaces with a can of goo.

Mike.

As far as I know all new fiats now have a spare wheel fitted, They have done away with the compressor and gunk. The AA, RAC and others got peed off having to recover vans with punctures

Hi Patsy007, My new van has a spare wheel on the options list at £900!! As I had the wheel already, and the space under the van was clear I've decided to fit the bracket myself.

Mike many thanks for your info, I have adequate weight allowance, and there's no way I'm traveling to the extremitys of Europe without a spare.

John