Spare wheel? It's on the roof!

If you've got a waterbay like Roobarb, you've generally got two choices of where to stash the spare wheel. It either clutters up the bedroom, or sits 4x4 style out the back. I was looking for somewhere different to keep our spare, and decided to mount it on the roof.

Like may others, we have a Mixdubs (Timetraveller) roof rack, and when we went to collect it, I mentioned to Mick my plans. He said that he could make up a little kit for me of bracket and fixings that would make the whole process safe and secure. Roobarb has now covered over 1000km since the change, and has just sailed through his MOT with the spare sat on the roof. The combined weight of rack and wheel are approximately 26kg, and has made no difference to the handling of the bus. Overall height has increased by 13cm, but as Roobarb was already full height, it has made no difference to height limited access barriers etc.

Topped off with a JK vinyl cover, we think it looks purposeful and not out of place on the roof.

At the time of posting, Mick is selling the kit for £20 plus £5 p&p, and he tells me that he has also just widened his range of Brazi bay racks, so if you are thinking of buying one, he's worth talking to.

Anyway, enough words, here's the photos...



This is the upgrade kit.


Before the alterations.


Six bolts hold the top loop, these are removed, turned around and new nylock nuts fitted.


This shows the bracket that is bolted to the spare wheel.


This is the underside bracket.


The standard underside bracket relies on friction to hold the wheel in place, great for occasional use, but as this is to be permanent, I drilled extra holes and attached it to the wooden slats. As a belt and braces job, I have also held the wheel using four nylon ties. I mounted the wheel onto the rack, then lifted the whole lot onto the roof - an easy two person job.

If I need to get the spare wheel off, I have simply to undo one 17mm bolt and cut the nylon ties.

Finally, here's a photo of Roobarb in his natural environment, with family and drink...

Don't know why I appear to be going bald in this shot - must be lens flare

Good job. Hope you've got that rack tightly bolted to the gutters! Certainly a decent space saving idea.

Thanks Tim, oh yes, it's well and truly tight

Very good

Wheely good idea

I'm tyred of all these good ideas

Tread carefully guys....

Hi, nice space saver, just wondering whether anyone has tried storage under the engine? Obviously would need solid fitting, but I'm keen to try underside fitting if there is space. If not, I'll ping Mick.
Thanks,
Joe