Spare Wheel Support

[alanh65]

A very good day everyone.

 

My Robin Hood is a series III, monocoque construction, built in 1997.

 

From the rear, it appears that the spare wheel is supported by a strong tubular steel frame. Oh no!

Unfortunately the weight of the wheel & tyre is supported solely by the one central bolt coming through the bodywork.

 

On closer inspection, the tubular 'U' shaped frame is simply held to the underside of the bodywork with 2 self tapping screws ... all I need is one, tired, overweight pigeon to decide to take a nap on this frame - and I guess it will drop off! (The frame that is - not the pigeon)

 

The frame does have a purpose though ... it gives the number plate somewhere to sit!

 

As the spare has survived 17 years in this 'precarious' condition, perhaps it is fine ... I'm unconvinced.

 

What modification/improvement has anyone made that would give me peace of mind and give me the confidence to not check the rear view mirrors after every pot hole!

 

Modification other than leaving the spare at home please!

 

Rear view shown below!

 

Thank you all ... once again.

 

Alan

 

[theduck]

Strengthen the support with proper bolts and angle iron?

[Guest shaggy]

otherwise you will one day lose the spare wheel - tas happened.............

[alanh65]

Anyone designed a tubular support frame that attaches under the vehicle?

[blue]

Hi I also have a s7 mono but my central bolt has a large approx 1ft x1ft plate inside so the wheel weight is spread across the boot once the wheel is on and nipped up it can't move anywhere !

[alanh65]

Don't know what might be behind/inside - hope the original builder took the same precaution.

[Longboarder]

There is a return lip on the rear panel and sides behind the wheel arch. I made a square frame to sit on top of this with the spare wheel hoop welded to it. Then bolted it through. You need to cut to allow the hoop to come through the rear panel.

However I still use a big bolt to hold the wheel on which seems to be entirely adequate for most people.

 

Nigel

[Guest mower man]

Spreader plate inside and out and also long fixing with hub size plate and set up to pcd for 4 studs annd includes anti theif nut ok belt and braces but it hasnot fell off in 12 years !!! mowerman

[theduck]

Think I still have a spare bottom support if you need it.

[alanh65]

Plenty there to consider, thanks ... will start thinking closer on the subject.