Alko DIY wheel carrier

[Techno]

MK II model

Mark II model
Better use of materials now experimentation with prototype complete.
Weight 11kg before paint

 

[duane0001]

You are certainly very thorough in your design and implementation
If I could add my 2 pence worth,
I would use high tensile bolts on the bar ends to bolt it too the chassis as I think the weight of the wheel will try to twist the whole contraption and maybe lead to complete failure of the bolts, what do you think?

 

[Techno]

You are certainly very thorough in your design and implementation
If I could add my 2 pence worth,
I would use high tensile bolts on the bar ends to bolt it too the chassis as I think the weight of the wheel will try to twist the whole contraption and maybe lead to complete failure of the bolts, what do you think?

Thank you but it cannot twist as it is tight to the underside of the floor.
The wheel causes no twisting force either as it is centered and balanced.
It has a downward weight of 30kg

EDIT the angle to chassis bolts are 10mm BTW and 30kg even if it could twist will have little effect on 4 X 10mm

 

[rikfos]

There are some really talented people on this community:thumb:

 

[jhorsf]

Is there a way of telling that the mechanism is the latest one and not one that was subject to recall Andy ?
Just thought it may help anyone thinking of doing similar.
As usual great pictures and very helpful info:thumb:

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[Techno]

It's date stamped manufactured 2012 so well past dodgy ones

 

[mentaliss]

I discovered a bonus which was promted by a question I was asked
Whilst dropping the wheel today to extend the hot water dump pipe

I thought about the question and fully unwound the cable to discover it will reach the nearside of the van

It also winds back up from there too!

A bit of added security

Andy do you know that the long shank padlock actually helps you unwind the cable release in the event of not having the key tool..... I use a long carbon pin that jam's against the chassis which has to be removed first but then if a thief is well determined they get that wheel:Cool:

 

[Techno]

That guide tube rotates independantly on mine, has no effect on the winder at all. It just rotates to accomodate a padlock from any angle.

 

[mentaliss]

That guide tube rotates independantly on mine, has no effect on the winder at all. It just rotates to accomodate a padlock from any angle.

.... so you have to push the hex key through the guide tube

 

[Techno]

Its not a hex key it's 5 sided and yes removing the padlock allows you to insert the drive tool that will actually wind the mechanism. the guide sleeve will rotate but it will not rotate the winder. You are misguided.oh:

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[mike mcglynn]

wheel carrier

Very nice job sir

 

[mentaliss]

.... so you have to push the hex key through the guide tube

OK, if you block the guide with your padlock or my pin, you can't insert the key to wind the cable/wheel down, right?

 

[Techno]

What I would really like to see is you trying to lower my spare by rotating the padlock Houdini

 

[mentaliss]

Its not a hex key it's 5 sided and yes removing the padlock allows you to insert the drive tool that will actually wind the mechanism. the guide sleeve will rotate but it will not rotate the winder. You are misguided.oh:

Misguided?oh: what are you putting a padlock through the guide then??...if you block the guide entrance you can't insert the key, right

 

[Techno]

Andy do you know that the long shank padlock actually helps you unwind the cable release in the event of not having the key tool..... I use a long carbon pin that jam's against the chassis which has to be removed first but then if a thief is well determined they get that wheel:Cool:

This is the issue you raised are you now back pedalling ?
I don't think I'll persist in responding it's just cluttering up a good topic

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[mentaliss]

This is the issue you raised are you now back pedalling ?
I don't think I'll persist in responding it's just cluttering up a good topic

Sorry Andy we seem not to to be on the same road its not a question of back pedalling its not me who trying to score points, we all know what a clever d... you are but so am I ..if you grasp the guide barrel that your padlock is inserted into pull it down towards you the barrel grips the spindle and you can turn it sufficiently to release the cable lock ..mine does anyway! two other MH's I know who have this device fitted does this.

 

[Techno]

I'm building one of these soon bespoke ( by request) for another Rapido 7 series on alko but with 15" wheels. I'll report on any problems if I encounter any.

 

[Techno]

16" tried and tested in background
15" basic components in foreground ready for measurements and cutting.
Spare wheel will be needed to discern correct spacing for hanger and sufficient spring tension.
I've found a good source of 2014 mechanisms if anyone wants pointing the right way just pm me

 

[Techno]

15" complete without issue so far. The 7 series Rapido that this is going on is basically the same as mine but with 15" wheels instead of 16, the Alko chassis rails are the same 260mm depth. Often the lighter chassis used are shallower but fortunately not in this case. The width is the same at 1285mm rail to rail with the 2" cut out at each end to accomodate the C profile.
The tyre being narrower at 215 also means less spacers to attain the right tension on the hanger spring.
Here the 16" 225 75

and the 15" 215 70

The smaller diameter allows the hanger to move a bit closer to the nearside to to afford easier wheel retrieval

 

[Geo]

Not wishing to be overly critical but that 7 series Rapido looks like its modeled on a park bench
You need to get them patented but dont know what colour to suggest
Nice job

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[Techno]

Overhead layout comparison

 

[Kool Kroozer]

Great job - looks too nice a job to be put under the van what are the 2 cables for ?

 

[Techno]

They're the in and out guide tubes from the winder for the steel cable

 

[Techno]

Mission completed without a problem This is a Rapido 7099F

 

[gailsunnymeed]

Thankyou Andy what a briliant job and invention we now have much more room under the bed without the spare wheel taking up so much room quality work as usual

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[Techno]

Anyone want to attempt your own? pm me for contact details of a seller who has 15 & 16 inch units (back in stock) @ £70 delivered. You deal with him by paypal

 

[tonyidle]

If I order one do I get a discount on the automatic wheel changer?

 

[Techno]

I discovered a bonus which was promted by a question I was asked
Whilst dropping the wheel today to extend the hot water dump pipe

I thought about the question and fully unwound the cable to discover it will reach the nearside of the van

It also winds back up from there too!

A bit of added security

Fitting this padlock over 3 yrs ago has proven to be a frivolous folly and my recent attempt to check the wheel was met with a completely seized barrel. So I have just drilled it out at this meet at Rufforth and discarded it.
The wheel deployed effortlessly after all this time
My tyrepal monitors the pressure.

EDIT and no it is still not possible to lower the wheel by rotating the padlock and I'll put any money on it.

 

[jtp890]

Hi Andy,
Really good job, looking to fit to Al - Co on Dethleffs. Did you size hollow section to suit mechanism, and did you blind drill top face for bolt fixings. Found supplier on e bay £47 including delivery but I had to push for winding rod.
Jim

 

[Techno]

Fixing bolts for what to what

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