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jaket3 Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2018 Posts: 125 Location: UK
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Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:55 am Post subject: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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Hi,
I'm considering putting my spare on the Westy Roofrack.
It's a early Westy, so the rack is at the back.
Is this a good plan? Not seen it done before and just wondered what peoples thoughts are on this. The whole rack seems to be attached by 4 bolts to the roof. Are those tie down mounting points for the straps good enough?
I don't like the front mount idea and the usual rear wheel well has a cupboard on it.
Other option is behind the front seat but not sure about that either.
Thanks |
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MountainKeep Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2018 Posts: 124 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:22 pm Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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I've had my spare on the roof rack of my 71 Westy for years now with no problems at all.
I put a kayak strap under, and up through, the bars.. then put the tire resting over it, and threaded the strap up through the holes and tightened it. Then I covered it with a vinyl cover I found online somewhere.. Works like a charm... can't see the strap and it doesn't buzz in the wind. Stays put nicely. It is also easily accessible through the zippered back window of the pop top if ever needed and to check pressure before trips.
I did make sure that all the screws holding that rack down were solid... and that all the rivets on the bars were good as well. The pop top itself closes on the front of the roof rack section on early bay westies... so I felt it to be strong enough... I mean, a tire is no different from the luggage it was designed for really.
I have traveled all over the place with no issues at all. Lots of people think it is an air conditioner, but we call it the radar con LOL!
_________________ White 71 Campmobile known lovingly as "the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo." |
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Angus II Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2016 Posts: 707 Location: Mammoth Lakes Ca. 93546
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Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:59 pm Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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Hello,
Mountainkeep, Where have you been? stuck under a covid rock or something?.
How's the bus doing, did you get everything ready for summer camping?.Yet, you do have a pretty nice setup in the front yard. |
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MountainKeep Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2018 Posts: 124 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:14 pm Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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We had the covid rock dropped on us in fact lol! Good now though. Bus is ready and raring to go! (I hope!) Just waiting for weather to warm up just a bit more... soon though! And you? _________________ White 71 Campmobile known lovingly as "the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo." |
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brando90gl Samba Member
Joined: July 31, 2007 Posts: 411 Location: Marion,NC
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2021 4:05 am Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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I keep my spare in a waterproof bag in the luggage rack with my awning and ground cover. I cut a piece of foam and had it covered to fill the spare tire area to allow a wider bed.
_________________ 67 Type 1
68 Campmobile
70 Single Cab |
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jaket3 Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2018 Posts: 125 Location: UK
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2021 4:55 am Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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Hi,
Thanks for the replies. OK up there she goes then!
Thanks and 2 great looking buses.
Cheers
Jake |
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MountainKeep Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2018 Posts: 124 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2021 5:11 am Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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The extra bed space is nice. And not having a crunched up front end cap is even nicer
Just make sure all your screws and rivets are good up on top! Post a pic when you have it up there. Safe travels! _________________ White 71 Campmobile known lovingly as "the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo." |
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Marya Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2004 Posts: 353 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:44 am Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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Would love to see a pic or two of a spare tire stored above a Rivi (so above the front seats), if anyone has one. Thanks! _________________ 1970, Riviera, 1600 cc type I [single port] |
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Shonandb Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2019 Posts: 1172 Location: Vancouver, BC
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Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 8:19 am Post subject: Re: Spare wheel on roofrack |
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Hoping my canoe fits over it the spare seamlessly, otherwise my spare will go on my hitch bike rack instead when not using the trailer.
_________________ *******************************
76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image |
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