Spare Wheel bracket for load space on LPG vehicles

[Jezzbert]

I have designed and am fabricating a spare wheel bracket to stand in the left hand corner of the P38 loadspace (similar to that in the Classic). It will enable the wheel to be clamped vertically. I have a 90 litre LPG donut tank in the spare wheel well and have travelled on short trips with no spare wheel. On long trips its either been loose on the rear floor or jammed behind the driver's seat - neither is safe or desirable.

It will bolt to the floor in place of the CD changer which, if still required (mine is long gone - replaced by an in-dash unit) and also utilises the tie-down bolt hole (hidden under the carpet if you don't have a tie-down. It is made from 5mm steel plate and will either be black powder coated, zinc anodised (gold colour) or galvanised. The wheel will stand vertically with a large, hand usable clamp holding it safe and sturdy. The space behind the bracket will enable storage of the jack, jack handle and wheel-brace removing the need to access the under floor storage.

I'll post some pix soon.

Anyone insterested? I need at least 7 orders to make it cost effective to produce.

[Pete38]

Been thinking about doing it myself cause my 32 inch spare don't fit and have all my tools and spare air bags in the well instead..

But price dependant, I'd consider buying one. Assuming it will allow a larger than standard spare to be mounted.

[benji]

That sounds a better design than mine, a dodgy shs frame bolted to the floor bosses. It's on the right hand side of the picture.

Sent from my GT-I9305T using AULRO mobile app

[rangerdanger]

This is my version, on the drivers side. It uses the original wheel retaining screw to hold it in position. It is a little wobbly without a strap over the top but still OK.

It is better than sitting flat in the loadspace, but you still need to pull the wheel out to access jack, spares etc etc in the old wheel well.

The rear bar with swingaway wheel has replaced it.

[bee utey]

Being a LPG fitter I could have sold a few in the past, I don't get to do many these days though. All the ones I did had anchorages built under the deck, with the wheel anchored flat to the floor through a hole in the hatch. Are you planning any engineering testing? Replacement spare wheel mountings are supposed to withstand a force of 20G times the mass of the wheel, in any direction, without separating from the body.

[DT-P38]

I have designed and am fabricating a spare wheel bracket to stand in the left hand corner of the P38 loadspace (similar to that in the Classic). It will enable the wheel to be clamped vertically. I have a 90 litre LPG donut tank in the spare wheel well and have travelled on short trips with no spare wheel. On long trips its either been loose on the rear floor or jammed behind the driver's seat - neither is safe or desirable.

It will bolt to the floor in place of the CD changer which, if still required (mine is long gone - replaced by an in-dash unit) and also utilises the tie-down bolt hole (hidden under the carpet if you don't have a tie-down. It is made from 5mm steel plate and will either be black powder coated, zinc anodised (gold colour) or galvanised. The wheel will stand vertically with a large, hand usable clamp holding it safe and sturdy. The space behind the bracket will enable storage of the jack, jack handle and wheel-brace removing the need to access the under floor storage.

I'll post some pix soon.

Anyone insterested? I need at least 7 orders to make it cost effective to produce.

Ron is never gonna sell me his kaymar rear bar (cheaply!) and I am not good enough with my welding to sort out the hayman reese mount, drop down, bike rack style, centred wheel carrier that I saw out at Wombat a while ago, so I might as well jump on board with you here!

Formally interested - for the right price of course!

[Hoges]

Being a LPG fitter I could have sold a few in the past, I don't get to do many these days though. All the ones I did had anchorages built under the deck, with the wheel anchored flat to the floor through a hole in the hatch. Are you planning any engineering testing? Replacement spare wheel mountings are supposed to withstand a force of 20G times the mass of the wheel, in any direction, without separating from the body.

That's what concerns me re. fitting drawers/second battery etc. 26kg of deep cell or spare wheel launching at 100km/hr in the event of a massive shunt ...would be interesting to say the least...

[Jezzbert]

Not sure about engineering testing. I have 'over-engineered' it in any case using 4mm steel plate. It has a 460x175mm floor plate using the original tie-down points for strength and the CD changer mounting holes for lateral stability.

I have spray painted it (roughly) but if I can get enough interest to make 7+ they'll be powder coated. Price will be around AU$350 depending on volume.

See pics. In one of them I have a 4 tonne bottle jack, jack handle and wheel brace strapped into the back of the carrier tower. I am also looking at making a colour matching soft cover to go over the wheel once fixed in place.

If anyone is interested let me know.

[Jezzbert]

Price once I get 7 orders (to get enough value out of a single sheet of 4mm steel plate) is going to be around AU$350 plus shipping. I've had a quote for about AU$200 to the UK. So at today's exchange rate that's a total of £280.00.


Ron is never gonna sell me his kaymar rear bar (cheaply!) and I am not good enough with my welding to sort out the hayman reese mount, drop down, bike rack style, centred wheel carrier that I saw out at Wombat a while ago, so I might as well jump on board with you here!

Formally interested - for the right price of course!

[Jezzbert]

Sorry DT-P38, I didn't notice you were also in Melbourne. The shipping cost for you could well be zero then!



Ron is never gonna sell me his kaymar rear bar (cheaply!) and I am not good enough with my welding to sort out the hayman reese mount, drop down, bike rack style, centred wheel carrier that I saw out at Wombat a while ago, so I might as well jump on board with you here!

Formally interested - for the right price of course!

[DT-P38]

Sorry DT-P38, I didn't notice you were also in Melbourne. The shipping cost for you could well be zero then!

Cool. Need it to be able to handle both my std size road rims and off road 33's. Not worried about expensive powder coat finish... in fact, happy to paint mine myself out in the shed.

OK to dump CD Changer as its hardly ever used... but do I have to lose my sub?

[intheozone]

Cool. Need it to be able to handle both my std size road rims and off road 33's.

Trying not to hijack this thread but...

What mods did you make to get 33's in? Did you need to trim any panels? Do you have a link to what was done?

Steve

[Pete38]

Cool. Need it to be able to handle both my std size road rims and off road 33's. Not worried about expensive powder coat finish... in fact, happy to paint mine myself out in the shed.

OK to dump CD Changer as its hardly ever used... but do I have to lose my sub?

Unfortunately a 33 will not stand up in the boot without touching the rear window. Even deflated it's still too big. Maybe a more worn 32 might fit...

I'd be happy with painted as well if it brought the price down. And my spare actually works with it and it fits.

Peter

[davidsonsm]

If you put a 1" spacer between the seat and the seat locking bracket it moves the rear seats forward an inch. You need to use longer bolts. The rear seats become more vertical. I've done this with a fridge in mind, given I've got child seats in the rear anyway. It can always be reversed/undone. Might be a workaround?

[Pete38]

Good idea. Simple and safe.

So I'm thinking the hole positions will likely be different for the mount when used with the larger spare. If the height can take the larger tyre, then I guess the holes can be slotted so the bracket can be slid forwards. Or a new set of holes I guess. And maybe a spacer used to deal with the taller tyre...

[glenhendry]

This looks great and I would buy one, but I have my dual battery sitting in that spot, hidden behind the stock facia panel that hid the subwoofer.

[Jezzbert]

Cool. Need it to be able to handle both my std size road rims and off road 33's. Not worried about expensive powder coat finish... in fact, happy to paint mine myself out in the shed.

OK to dump CD Changer as its hardly ever used... but do I have to lose my sub?

Take a look at the picture with the carrier exposed. I'm not sure where your sub-woofer is fitted now but it may go into the space behind. If not I could do a right hand side version but the floor plate rear holes would have to be drilled through the floor and large washers used for strength and stability. See pic of mine in place with the new vinyl wheel cover - its a standard 29" wheel with the original Michelin tyre.

The 33" wheel will not fit between the tailgate and the seat back unless it is folded down. There's a post below suggesting a workaround to move the seat back to a more vertical position that would solve the problem.

I would also have to allow for to wheel clamp holes, one for standard wheels at 385mm centre and for your 33" wheel at 419mm.

[Jezzbert]

This looks great and I would buy one, but I have my dual battery sitting in that spot, hidden behind the stock facia panel that hid the subwoofer.

In your case I could do a right hand side version but as mentioned in my other posts the rear holes which would normally use the CD change mounting holes, would have to be drilled through the floor and nuts and large washers fitted. The front holes would still use the tie-down bold holes on that side for strength,

[Jezzbert]

Unfortunately a 33 will not stand up in the boot without touching the rear window. Even deflated it's still too big. Maybe a more worn 32 might fit...

I'd be happy with painted as well if it brought the price down. And my spare actually works with it and it fits.

Peter

Powder coating is actually cheaper when doing a bulk quantity anyhow (7+) so that's not the issue. I will look at doing a vertically slotted nut to accommodate 29" to 33" wheels assuming users will fold or modify the seat. I need to get orders for 7+ to get a good price.

The wheel clamp utilises the wheel's centre hub hole (not the bolt holes) which means there is some space to allow a wheel to be positioned slightly forward anyhow. I used two large nylon disks 150mm x 5mm on the inside and outside of the wheel clamp to ensure it clamps tightly, without squeaking and does not mark or damage the alloy wheel.

[Pete38]

OK here is the honest truth.

Initial impressions are the price is quite steep. My xrox bar cost under 3.5 times this. And there is a large amount more fabrication and steel in that... But its closer to being mass produced so the costs come down in manufacturing so understand the increase in price.

But your design looks well thought and if its tailored to fit up to a 33 in the boot with the rear of the tyre close to touching the tailgate (using the slack in how the wheel attaches through the hub hole and the seat drama being sorted however we feel fit) and the height suitable to take up to a 33 with no mods to the bracket...... Then count me in. Was thinking of making a mount myself a while back, but your design looks good and if its an off the shelf item saves the hassle of spending design, drawing and fabrication times (which you have obviously done already) then I'm willing to hand over my money.

I actually have a worn 33 so its more like a 32 to match my 32 muddies...

I'm in the process of a rear tube bar to match my front xrox bar, but undecided on whether to have a wheel carrier on it... But no harm in having two spots for a spare for that trip up past Keithy :)

So count me in, if it suits my "32" inch spare. You've done a good job here :)

[Jezzbert]

OK here is the honest truth.

Initial impressions are the price is quite steep. My xrox bar cost under 3.5 times this. And there is a large amount more fabrication and steel in that... But its closer to being mass produced so the costs come down in manufacturing so understand the increase in price.

But your design looks well thought and if its tailored to fit up to a 33 in the boot with the rear of the tyre close to touching the tailgate (using the slack in how the wheel attaches through the hub hole and the seat drama being sorted however we feel fit) and the height suitable to take up to a 33 with no mods to the bracket...... Then count me in. Was thinking of making a mount myself a while back, but your design looks good and if its an off the shelf item saves the hassle of spending design, drawing and fabrication times (which you have obviously done already) then I'm willing to hand over my money.

I actually have a worn 33 so its more like a 32 to match my 32 muddies...

I'm in the process of a rear tube bar to match my front xrox bar, but undecided on whether to have a wheel carrier on it... But no harm in having two spots for a spare for that trip up past Keithy :)

So count me in, if it suits my "32" inch spare. You've done a good job here :)

Could you place your 32" wheel standing in the vertical left hand side position (assuming it is to go on the left) and measure from the inside of the closed lower tailgate to the centre hub hole please? Then I can check whether this needs to be a 'special' build or not. I assume you also want it to hold the standard 29" wheel?

Will you want the wheel cover too? If so what colour?

If yours is confirmed then I will need another 6 orders unless I build it as a one-off special.

[Pete38]

I'll go make some measurements in the next hour or so.

Although trying to find another 6 might be a little hard... There's what, 2 other maybe's on this forum so far?

I'm based in Sydney but the freight shouldn't be too high should it?

Edit: I'd consider a matt black if there is one. But my interior is the same colour as yours.

Edit 2: Not so fussed on fitting the standard although would be a bonus. My original spare could go in the wheel well. Main reason for mine being moved is because the 32's don't fit in there, especially with my dual battery.

[Jezzbert]

I have interest from at least 2 and 2 in the UK from other forums. But it looks like they might all wait until the new year to commit. Are you in a hurry?

So on the left side yes?

I have asked for a quote to Sydney but it won't be through to me until Monday.

If you want a matt black vinyl wheel cover you can get a cheaper one for large wheels on ebay. See Land Rover Discovery 94 04 Spare Wheel Tire Soft Cover 31 32" W Logo US Seller | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/141115337200?limghlpsr=true&lpid=104)

Looks like you'll need to chock the seat back forward in any case to accommodate it.



I'll go make some measurements in the next hour or so.

Although trying to find another 6 might be a little hard... There's what, 2 other maybe's on this forum so far?

I'm based in Sydney but the freight shouldn't be too high should it?

Edit: I'd consider a matt black if there is one. But my interior is the same colour as yours.

Edit 2: Not so fussed on fitting the standard although would be a bonus. My original spare could go in the wheel well. Main reason for mine being moved is because the 32's don't fit in there, especially with my dual battery.

[Pete38]

Oh yeh. The left/passenger side.

Thanks for the link of the cover.

I wouldn't say it's urgent but I'd likely do it Monday if all the details were worked out and the postage reasonable.

Still heading out to check those dimension. Lazy Saturday.

[Jezzbert]

Oh yeh. The left/passenger side.

Thanks for the link of the cover.

I wouldn't say it's urgent but I'd likely do it Monday if all the details were worked out and the postage reasonable.

Still heading out to check those dimension. Lazy Saturday.

Too early. Even making my 'standard' unit will take at least a week by the time I've ordered materials and organised the welding. If its a 'special', that is with some changes to accommodate your larger wheel then it might be a little longer as I'll have to amend the engineering drawings. Obviously if you want it that quick it won't be a 'production' laser cut/folded unit, it'll be hand cut and welded - unless you want to wait until the new year.

Shall I use your private email address from here on? I see it in your profile.

[Pete38]

Here are some rough dimensions.

- height to centre of hub is about 400mm which makes sense for the tyre size.

- Distance from the centre of the hub hole to the plastic bit that lines the top of the lower rear hatch is 440mm.

Now the tyre rests on the fascia thats on the top hatch that holds the rear brake light. Doesn't quite touch the lower hatch nor touch the window. This is probably a conservative distance (as I could trim the fascia that holds the rear brake light if I "had" to) that means the rear seat needs to be tilted/spaced about 25mm at its latch so still OK angle. MAy be able to reduce that further once everything is in place.

Edit: Yeh feel free to use that email address

[DT-P38]

Take a look at the picture with the carrier exposed. I'm not sure where your sub-woofer is fitted now but it may go into the space behind. If not I could do a right hand side version but the floor plate rear holes would have to be drilled through the floor and large washers used for strength and stability. See pic of mine in place with the new vinyl wheel cover - its a standard 29" wheel with the original Michelin tyre. The 33" wheel will not fit between the tailgate and the seat back unless it is folded down. There's a post below suggesting a workaround to move the seat back to a more vertical position that would solve the problem. I would also have to allow for to wheel clamp holes, one for standard wheels at 385mm centre and for your 33" wheel at 419mm.
Still in dude! PM me account details so I can deposit 50% of price for your up front costs.
I will stick with your std version and modify if I need to. Let me know when they are ready and we will organize a catch up to talk Labdies/Rangies!

[Jezzbert]

Still in dude! PM me account details so I can deposit 50% of price for your up front costs.
I will stick with your std version and modify if I need to. Let me know when they are ready and we will organize a catch up to talk Labdies/Rangies!

OK. But I won't take any money off you yet as I need 5 more orders to get the value out of a full sheet of 4mm steel plate. Also, PBrown is checking his measurements today to confirm the wheel centre for a 32-33" wheel. If that works out it will suit yours too. If I make 2 units the price to you guys will be $400.00 each. If I make 7 out of a sheet and get them laser cut this can come down to less than $350.00 (closer to $300.00 but won't know exactly until its done).

Are you in a hurry? If not we could wait to see if another 5 people come on board.

After more info from PBrown, I've made some changes to the design that will allow for both standard and 33" wheels assuming, as someone suggested, the seat back is moved and a spacer added and/or the tailgate centre brake light housing cut to shape. This is achieved by adding a second hub clamp hole above the standard height one and slots instead of holes for the floor plate to enable some adjustment forwards and backwards.

[DT-P38]

Are you in a hurry? If not we could wait to see if another 5 people come on board.



Happy to wait and take the discount from volume.

[Jezzbert]

Looks like my post about the diagram was deleted. If anyone prefers that option please go to www.facebook.com/RRP38sparewheelcarrier.

[Jezzbert]

Now added a modified loadspace cover to restore the 'boot' access. For detail go to www.facebook.com/RRP38sparewheelcarrier

[Keithy P38]

Looks great! Good work mate!

[ECX]

Hi Jezzbert - hope all well.

Im looking for a stowage solution - yours looks great - re you still making these?

Might you have one available?

Mine is a 1998 P38, and wheel is 16 inch with 265 / 70 - i presume this would work fine?

thanks a lot

[p38arover]

Try sending him a PM or email - he hasn't logged onto the forum for 2 years.

Click on his Username to see the menu for that.