On Sat, Aug 29, 2009 at 5:56 PM, Melissa Mourkas<westywoman@mac.com> wrote:

>
> How do you all with 15" wheels handle the spare? �There was
> discussion on the Samba that mentions a Van Cafe "cage". �That's all
> the info I gleaned that was of use.
>

The Van Cafe spare tire carrier replaces the stock "clamshell" and
permits a fully-inflated 215/75-15 tire between the frame rails.  The
Eurovan Agilis tire (195/75-15 or 205/65-15) may fit without removing
the curved rods, but the 215/75-15 requires their removal.  If you go
this route, you need to check carefully to ensure that the steering
rod does not rub on the spare tire.  I am using one with Yokohama
tires and the South African "Rhein" wheels.  With the tire inflated to
the maximum sidewall pressure, a small rubber washer between the Van
Cafe carrier and the van frame is enough to prevent rubbing.  I have
more than 7000 miles under my belt with this setup, and am very happy
with it.

-- 
Michael Snow
1982 Westfalia 1.9TD
http://slowmachine82.blogspot.com/