Inverting the full size spare in a DS

[Johni]

Has anyone investigated the possibility and practicality of fitting the full size spare upside down, and using the space inside the rim for additional storage/

[Scott_Parkes]

I'm not sure the would work. The recess for the spare wheel does have tabs to attach the scissor jack and the fixation rod, and I think they would stop the spare wheel from seating properly in the recess.

But as an alternative, you can remove the styrofoam surrounds around the spare wheel, and this frees up lots of space. I have installed a dual battery system and an on-board compressor between the rear seats and the spare wheel recess. I have written a separate post about this.

Best
Scott

[Johni]

Hi Scott
I followed your 'spare wheel optimisation' project with interest. Since we do not regularly air down - only 2 or 3 big trips a year, I do not require an inboard compressor, but the wasted space bugged me so I persevered with inverting the spare.
Take out the scissor jack, cut 2 'rings' of carpet tile, protect the protruding bracket in case of a serious bump, return the spare upside down, and voila! more space to store tools, snatch, jump leads, and Adblue! should I need it.
I did follow your lead and take out the near half-circle of Styrofoam so that I could carve out a cavity to hold the new bottle jack. Came out quite easily.
Very happy with the outcome - thanks for paving the way.

144654Two layers of carpet tile 144655Original fastening screws retained 144656Lots of storage space

[Robbo DS HSE]

I also wanted to use the space in the void in the full size spare but was not keen on inverting, so I made a ring from 4mm MDF 100 high 430 diameter, put all the stuff I wanted to store in the void into the ring and the spare fits neatly over the top

148823
Ring made from 4mm MDF

148824
Gear stored in the ring

148825
Spare sits over the top in normal arrangement

A bit more controlled storage, and easy access to the valve on the spare for air top up