Spare wheel on roofrack

[jaket3]

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

[MountainKeep]

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!

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White 71 Campmobile known lovingly as "the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo."

[Angus II]

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.

[MountainKeep]

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?
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White 71 Campmobile known lovingly as "the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo."

[brando90gl]

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.

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67 Type 1
68 Campmobile
70 Single Cab

[jaket3]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. OK up there she goes then!

Thanks and 2 great looking buses.

Cheers

Jake

[MountainKeep]

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!
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White 71 Campmobile known lovingly as "the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo."

[Marya]

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!
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1970, Riviera, 1600 cc type I [single port]

[Shonandb]

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.

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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:
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