Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Van Cafe / RMW oversize spare tyre carrier?
This is the start of its description:
“ This spare tire carrier allows you to run taller tires such as the 215/70/15 after switching to 15" rims or 195x70x16 if using 16" rims.”
I’m thinking of one to carry my Audi 16” with 215/65x16 K02 tyre, but unsure if it’ll fit…
Cheers
Gaetan
No experience Gaetan, but I have thought about it.
I hear the tyre sits a lot lower which reduces the approach angle and with left hand drive syncros it interferes with the power steering hoses. Not sure it the same problem exists with RHD syncros but those issues has halted me buying one so far.
Hmm… I do wonder about the steering column, not too bothered if it’s 5-6cm lower as I don’t do full-on 4x4 treks.
But I kinda like my spare on the front, saves me from having to think about an expensive roo bar!
Will prolly modify the old wheel tray with an easy open/close and enclose it to carry firewood 
Agree the steering column is a problem, but also the power steering hoses route across the spare tyre area in a LHD and even the radiator hoses can become a problem.
I like the idea of carrying a second spare down there - as like you I dont plan on going too nuts with off-road tracks - just worries me about soft sand which could cause some bottoming out issues to the front.
This is the spare tyre in contact with the steering shaft which is one problem depending on the tyre size:
It is possible to lower it though:
that mod sounds like it would do the job - is it available commercially?
I dont think so.
It seems to be a home made job but a good idea,
Depending on the size of the wheel, the tyre sits on the cross member which in some ways means this mod is not necessary.
Mods to that cross member may be required.
I hear the gear shift rod is also a problem with people saying they cant get their vans in reverse. That would be a significant problem.
It should fit without greater modifications!
I had a 215/75R15 in there, just without air. You need to remove the wires holding down the tyre, have a 10-15mm spacer block under the clamshell bolt and a PCV plastic sleeve around the steering rod.
I hear you need to trim the clam shell as well in some way along with the two main chassis rails either side.
The front bolt spacer and the torsion bar are an easy mod.
What do you think about a 235 x 75 x 15 tyre under there deflated?
Thanks,
Scott
Scott, 215/75R15 just fits snug deflated between the chassis rails without modifications. Depending what kind of clamshell you have got, no modifications are required. The massive square one we got here will accommodate that size, the round one doesn’t without modification. However, I don’t think any Syncro in AUS has the round one.
No chance for a 235/75R15 that’s for sure - unless you carry out grater modifications to the chassis rails and clamshell
I might just have to try my 215/65x16 deflated in the original clamshell… will report when I get around to it!
Thanks Arne.
My tyres are very large.
Significant deflation helps but you wouldn’t want the bead broken as it would be difficult to reinflate without a very powerful compressor.
See the tyre comparison below:
Just wondering… currently running 215/60x16 tyres, what’s the biggest profile I could go on 16" before things start rubbing? 215/70? 215/75?
I would say 70 profile would be the most that would fit without scrubbing on the front wheel arches or further lifting.
Thanks Scott, I might try that to reduce revs on my next set. I like the idea of bigger wheels too, and the K02 is readily available in 215/70x16.
More aesthetically pleasing too 
While on the subject, is the KO2 still everyone’s preferred choice? Or is there a different clear favourite? Bearing in mind I do a little off-road and beach driving, but nothing extreme - most kms are on road 2WD…
I’ve got one on mine with 215/75/15’s
It’s a tight fit and I only have about 5 psi in the spare but it does fit, just. It’s a lot lighter to lift, obviously, but you do lose the protection of the original.
I do a fair bit of off-road and it’s survived thus far.
I think you’re around Freo aren’t you? If so you’re welcome to come around to have a look.
Cheers
Andy
Thanks Andy, yes still in and out of Freo, are you about tomorrow as I’ll be running errands in the area?
shoot me your number at lepews@me.com and I’ll buzz you to see if we can catch up.
cheers
Gaetan
Did extensive 4WD driving last year with KO2 215/75 15 tyres in Kroombit Nat Park and Expedition Nat Park (QLD) negotiating challenging steep, narrow ‘bolderising’ tracks - the tyres gripped tenaciously. Highway travelling produces a slight hum, barely noticeable. Agree with Andy that it’s a tight fit in the spare tyre holder - I use a small hydraulic jack to raise the holder until the locking latch clicks on.
