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.