rear wheel carrier (again) effective? (defender)

[Jimmy]

Hi all,

I know this topic been done over and over, but I wanted to get peoples opinion on whether their spare wheel carriers have been a success, particularly when the door is sagging already.

The rear door on my 2001 defender is dented inwards by about 3cms in the middle and everytime I hit a bump (on the tarmac) with the spare on it rattles - alot. Also the weight of the trye is making the door sag and not closing flush. However, if I take the tyre off then the rattle stops and the door seals properly.

So my question is, if I get one of those wheel carriers that close/open with the door (perhaps bearmach) will it solve all the problems? does the door still take some weight or is it all on the carrier mounts?

I've seen alot of examples where people have put the spare wheel carrier on 'before' issues have developed. I on the other hand would be putting it on as a result of issues developing.

any thought and ideas would be much appreciated.

cheers
Jimmy

[BMac]

It will solve all your problems :D

Get one that opens with the door and you wont regret it.

Bruce.

[p38arover]

Yes, you need one that opens with the door. It was a pain on my County to have to open the carrier first. Ditto on my P38A.

Ron

[seqfisho]

I have both styles on my previous Defenders, one that opened with the door (Greame Cooper Model) and one that didn't (Kaymar) although the Kaymar is probably over priced, they are indestructible and my choice by far, the one that opened with the door still rattled and was mounted to the body work and chassis.

I much prefer the direct chassis mounting with no body panel contact of the Kaymar, and so what if you have to open it first at least there is NO weight from the spare on the door if parked on a side angle passenger side downhill and try to squash you, as the GC one used to rely on the original door stay to hold open.

[discoute]

Check the condition of the hinges they sre a spring loaded and retained unit, pull them to pieces clean and grease re adjust, you may find this is one of the problems, a properly adjusted door hinge will operate as it should. common problem that most overlook.

glen

[rangieman]

my defender door did the same i welded gussetts in the supports of the door that also support the wheel mount
no more probs:D

[Mulgo]

7 years ago I bought the one from Mantec (www.mantec.co.uk (http://www.mantec.co.uk)) and still using it. Opens with the door.
Can recommend it.
You can get it through British Motor Imports