Carry a spare wheel and tyre, or just the tyre

[GMLS]

On the basis of probably not going to be able to change a wheel myself, I'm thinking I'd end up calling someone out anyway so thinking just carrying a spare tyre.Not ever having to need one, I'm guessing the mobile tyre fitters will all have the right equipment to remove and replace a motorhome tyre?

 

[Phill D]

Centre hole of ali & steel wheel are fitted with the same Fiat badge so I don't think the centre hole is different.

Steel wheels have a wheel trim not a fiat centre cap.

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

Thanks for all the input. Probably going with a steel wheel and tyre with the underslung carrier.

These guys do package deals ( e.g £160 all in with used steel wheel and part worn tyre, just checking date stamp. New also available)

Alloy wheels | Halmerend Wheels & Tyres Ltd | England

Stoke-on-Trent wheels and tyres specialists - we deliver nationwide.

www.halmerendwheelsandtyres.com

and I found this great instructional vlog.


Checked underneath and all as expected ready to go. Just triple checking whether bolt length an issue as I'm hearing conflicting information.

Yes these guys seem to have covered all sizes new and used tyres, as you say plenty of used steel spares, I got mine off Ebay £40 then Lucaz fitted me a matching new Michelin Agilis green to mine for £135 all in. Also dated 2022 when fitted only 3-6 months from manufacturer. Only thing is don't go in the moho as it's out in the back and beyond, mud/potholed track, with not much space by fitting bay !

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

That's interesting. I plan on buying an under chassis carrier and carrying a spare steel with tyre in case I get a flat on my 16" FIAT alloys. In preparation I purchased an adaptor plate from a Funster here. As I haven't got the carrier or wheel yet have been unable to check that the adaptor is required. I took it on good faith. Perhaps it's not the centre hole size but some other detail between the steel and ali wheel that requires an adaptor? Any Funster here ever tried to hoist up a Fiat alloy with the under slung carrier?

No ! As on some moho's with larger low slung garage there's no space for a carrier, but on the flip side there's then plenty space inside the garage, mines strapped on the imnet wall on a perfect sized ledge. Just fitted 4 U Clamps on wall and cargo strapped it in place with a cover. Saves it getting shitty dirty if you need to man handle to fit. Although I would have to remove my motorbike to get it out, but think prefer that than going underneath to drag it out on my own !
Not sure what you guy's think of my set up . . .

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

As said not much space under here ! ! !

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MisterB]

I think you can run a directional tyre “backwards” at a lower speed, for a short time until you can get it swapped.
If it were me, and had a flat front, I might put the “backwards” tyre on the back if the vehicle was FWD.

Couldn't they just drive in reverse ??

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

Thanks for all the input. Probably going with a steel wheel and tyre with the underslung carrier.

These guys do package deals ( e.g £160 all in with used steel wheel and part worn tyre, just checking date stamp. New also available)

Alloy wheels | Halmerend Wheels & Tyres Ltd | England

Stoke-on-Trent wheels and tyres specialists - we deliver nationwide.

www.halmerendwheelsandtyres.com

and I found this great instructional vlog.


Checked underneath and all as expected ready to go. Just triple checking whether bolt length an issue as I'm hearing conflicting information.

Nice job if as you say the holes are already there, but still looked loose to me when you pushed it, won't that rattle, and is it safe like that???
Maybe either packing it between floor and wheel, and then some sort of protection keep the mud and water off it !

 

[VXman]

That's interesting. I plan on buying an under chassis carrier and carrying a spare steel with tyre in case I get a flat on my 16" FIAT alloys. In preparation I purchased an adaptor plate from a Funster here. As I haven't got the carrier or wheel yet have been unable to check that the adaptor is required. I took it on good faith. Perhaps it's not the centre hole size but some other detail between the steel and ali wheel that requires an adaptor? Any Funster here ever tried to hoist up a Fiat alloy with the under slung carrier?

I bought the alloy and it wouldn't work without the adapter plate and the special 3 bolts. I cannot remember why but I remember puzzling over it for ages before working out I needed the adapter plate kit. Wish I'd bought the steel wheel now. Waster of money having an alloy hidden underneath the van,

 

[VXman]

Nice job if as you say the holes are already there, but still looked loose to me when you pushed it, won't that rattle, and is it safe like that???
Maybe either packing it between floor and wheel, and then some sort of protection keep the mud and water off it !

When you wind it to the top it clicks into place and is solid and secure.

As for protection from mud and water. - How do you protect your other 4 wheels?

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

Cool only worried it was going to rattle that's all, you said it clicked and locked out as well
Road wheels are spinning so chuck's most of the shit off, then easy wipe over in-between journeys

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[andyelbac]

No ! As on some moho's with larger low slung garage there's no space for a carrier, but on the flip side there's then plenty space inside the garage, mines strapped on the imnet wall on a perfect sized ledge. Just fitted 4 U Clamps on wall and cargo strapped it in place with a cover. Saves it getting shitty dirty if you need to man handle to fit. Although I would have to remove my motorbike to get it out, but think prefer that than going underneath to drag it out on my own !
Not sure what you guy's think of my set up . . .

View attachment 837494 View attachment 837495 View attachment 837498

I can see you're problem. My garage is not low slung so can fit a carrier and wheel underneath. One issue for you might be though; what if you have a flat on the motorway, could you get you scooter ramp out and remove scooter without it trailing onto the motorway lane? Even if you could remove your scooter through the opposite garage door (if you have one), won't that be a problem especially as my own scooter ramp is nearly 2 metres long?

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

Hi Andy, Yes you are quite right It would be virtually impossible to extract bike on hard shoulder, let alone a Smart motorway !
But having said that I can release straps and roll spare across ledge and out either side door, as openings both huge
So in respect of spares mounted on under belly I'm well happy I've stored mine where it is, as it doesn't hinder me in the slightest as yiu can see . . .

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

Steel wheels have a wheel trim not a fiat centre cap.

Really Phil ! Does it matter, Im sure the center plate is designed to fit all center holes, as in a bit smaller on the steel center's.
As long as it does it's job and get's you out of trouble to where you're going, I wouldn't be bothered fitting either a cap or a trim for aesthetic look's

 

[L' Hobo]

Can I say, apart from the weight aspect, I cannot understand the obsession with alloy wheels?
I prefer original steel rims because, they are cheaper, if one hits a large pothole, they bend, not break and are as cheap as chips to replace.
What's not to like?

 

[Phill D]

Really Phil ! Does it matter, Im sure the center plate is designed to fit all center holes, as in a bit smaller on the steel center's.
As long as it does it's job and get's you out of trouble to where you're going, I wouldn't be bothered fitting either a cap or a trim for aesthetic look's

I was simply pointing out they were not the same fitting and are not the same diameter.

That being the case an adapter is likely to be needed for an alloy wheel under chassis storage.
Apologies if I did not make that clear

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Colin McCourt]

On the basis of probably not going to be able to change a wheel myself, I'm thinking I'd end up calling someone out anyway so thinking just carrying a spare tyre.Not ever having to need one, I'm guessing the mobile tyre fitters will all have the right equipment to remove and replace a motorhome tyre?

Always carry a wheel. I can travel into the middle of nowhere, and finding a tyre fitter might be difficult, whereas the recovery people would probably be able to change a wheel.

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

I bought the alloy and it wouldn't work without the adapter plate and the special 3 bolts. I cannot remember why but I remember puzzling over it for ages before working out I needed the adapter plate kit. Wish I'd bought the steel wheel now. Waster of money having an alloy hidden underneath the van,

I was simply pointing out they were not the same fitting and are not the same diameter.

That being the case an adapter is likely to be needed for an alloy wheel under chassis storage.
Apologies if I did not make that clear

Fair enough Phil, I now see your point, as per vxman #67 said obviously adapter plate not part of the carrier kit for some unknown reason, sure they all the same. Caused a head scratching moment for some not in the know

 

[peterc10]

When we had a puncture in our 4.5t Hymer the tyre shredded and flayed about and the rim of the alloy wheel was fubarred by the time we managed to safely stop. It was 8pm on a dark, cold and wet November night. We were on a left hand curve of a 70mph dual carriageway and could only get half way off the road because of the trees and bushes. We had no spare wheel or tyre and only the squirty stuff which would not work on a shredded tyre.

The first people we phoned were the police because of the danger of somebody running into the back us and they came out very quickly on blue lights and stayed with us. Phoned Fiat Assist and they sent out a flat bed truck. They tried to get wheel and tyre from their depot but it wouldn't fit. Took a long time to get the motorhome on and off the flat bed because of our long overhang. We were only 5 miles from home but we did not get in with the motorhome on the drive until 1am the next morning, shattered cold and knackered.

We now carry a spare wheel and tyre in the garage. And we now have levelling jacks fitted which will make changing the wheel much easier.

 

[kingspeed]

On the basis of probably not going to be able to change a wheel myself, I'm thinking I'd end up calling someone out anyway so thinking just carrying a spare tyre.Not ever having to need one, I'm guessing the mobile tyre fitters will all have the right equipment to remove and replace a motorhome tyre?

Hello all. Starting in the same way you did.
On the basis, IF you have a puncture, or worse still a blowout and you only have a spare tyre just hope you wheel did not come into contact with the road. There is not, and never has been a wheel designed and built to cope with the contact of a road surface. It would be bad enough if you have steel wheels, but if you have alloy wheels the one that could contact with the road could be smashed. Now imagine trying to find a spare rim only anywhere let alone in Europe.
Motorhome manufacturers never give anything away let alone an expensive spare wheel.
Just a thought. What if the event happens in a snowstorm, and the tyre fitter comes out to you, and the "tyre" is full of frozen slush. If it were me to attend I would say to you, you clean it out so I can fit it for you. Ill be in my nice warm cab.

Please tell me someone is not going to suggest we start keeping LPG in plastic bags just so we can save more weight. Come on.

 

[plug]

You would hope if Fiat fitted their alloys with a steel spare then all bolts etc would be correct. Anyone know different?

Hi my 22 plate fiat has a steel wheel as a spare and comes with a set of bolts for fitting the steel wheel + a spacer is also supplied for fitting the alloy wheel back into spare wheel harness.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[poisondwarf]

I believe I have read somewhere ( that I can’t find at the moment ) that the likes of the AA and RAC are now starting to carry universal fit emergency spare wheels

That is totally correct

 

[Platelet]

It varies so you need to check them out. Bolts for alloys are normally 2mm longer and on some chassis they can foul in a steel wheel.

On some the chamfer is different

 

[frwjd]

Some breakdown companies state that they will not come out unless a "working" spare wheel is available.

 

[andyelbac]

Hi Andy, Yes you are quite right It would be virtually impossible to extract bike on hard shoulder, let alone a Smart motorway !
But having said that I can release straps and roll spare across ledge and out either side door, as openings both huge
So in respect of spares mounted on under belly I'm well happy I've stored mine where it is, as it doesn't hinder me in the slightest as yiu can see . . .

View attachment 837810 View attachment 837811

A little envious Sammy. I can get our Honda 125cc in our garage but have to remove the mirrors first (not too much of a problem) but even if I could fit a spare wheel and tyre in as well (which I couldn't), I would be over the 150kg weight limit Burstner apply to the garage. Still, am definitely buying a steel spare and tyre as I do have space under the chassis.

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

I was simply pointing out they were not the same fitting and are not the same diameter.

That being the case an adapter is likely to be needed for an alloy wheel under chassis storage.
Apologies if I did not make that clear

I see you have an Adria Andy, what is it a Sonic???
I chose mine based on it had a great man cave I could store everything in with a 200kg payload which would take the motorbike and all the gear inside nice and safe/clean !
We do love the layout of our Matrix Axess, ticks 99% of my boxes. If you're going with underslung carrier use a steel spare, silver is 5x130 heavy chassis, and black 5x118 light chassis, as an alloy will get damaged and corrode a lot easier, really as Vxman said #67 a waste of money stuck underneath. Cost me £175 with a brand new matching tyre from Halmerend in S-o-T Lucaz is sound there, got 15/16" Steels/Alloys, New/Used tyres fully fitted and balanced.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Phill D]

I see you have an Adria Andy, what is it a Sonic???
I chose mine based on it had a great man cave I could store everything in with a 200kg payload which would take the motorbike and all the gear inside nice and safe/clean !
We do love the layout of our Matrix Axess, ticks 99% of my boxes. If you're going with underslung carrier use a steel spare, silver is 5x130 heavy chassis, and black 5x118 light chassis, as an alloy will get damaged and corrode a lot easier, really as Vxman said #67 a waste of money stuck underneath. Cost me £175 with a brand new matching tyre from Halmerend in S-o-T Lucaz is sound there, got 15/16" Steels/Alloys, New/Used tyres fully fitted and balanced.

Think you meant to send to andyelbac although I too have an Adria 670 slt

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

Think you meant to send to andyelbac although I too have an Adria 670 slt

Sorry Phill keep doing that lol

 

[RV72 SAM 🏴]

A little envious Sammy. I can get our Honda 125cc in our garage but have to remove the mirrors first (not too much of a problem) but even if I could fit a spare wheel and tyre in as well (which I couldn't), I would be over the 150kg weight limit Burstner apply to the garage. Still, am definitely buying a steel spare and tyre as I do have space under the chassis.

Sorry Andy, I did reply but sent to Phill D by mistake # 85 Cheers Sammy . . .

 

[Centurian]

I used to have a tag axle Chieftain. Coming home from Salisbury, two years ago, I had a front wheel puncture. Changed it myself on the A303. No problem. Later, near Heathrow, on the M25, the other side front tyre punctured. As I had already used my spare, I ended up being recovered home. Absolute nightmare. Low loader couldn’t find me. (I was 300 meters from a junction and had supplied all details to a girl over the telephone). Small amount of damage caused by loading and unloading and several hours wasted.
The breakdown insurance I was using now no longer cover motorhomes after this episode. The low loader driver informed me that his cost was £400 per hour.
I would always carry a spare, just in case.

 

[Pete D.]

Last year when camping in Benidorm I woke up one morning to a flat tyre. I put the spare on and contacted a local tyre fitter who happened to be English. He told me that while the tyre was OK the hole in the wheel where the valve fits was split and unrepairable, also he had made enquiries and couldn't locate a replacement road wheel. I can tell you it was a nervy journey back up through Spain and France without a functional spare.
The moral of this story is that it is not only the tyre that can fail. Hope this helps.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Puddleduck]

Problem with just carrying a tyre if you do need a wheel change, your breakdown service will turn up, swear & curse a lot. Then they will have to call a mobile tyre fitter or recover you to a tyre fitter, you could be delayed for hours all for the sake of saving a few kilos.

You would stay in your van on the side of a motorway thats mad.

I doubt if a recovery truck would carry tyre changing gear they certainly wouldn't have a balancing machine.

When I had the issue in a car but had a spare tyre and a can of useless gunk (but not a spare wheel - long story) I told the breakdown operator (Green Flag) and they sent out a mobile fitter. Back on the road within 30 minutes but I think I was lucky.