Emergency Extra Spare Wheel For Your Caravan - 1kg

Article by Peter Smith - Caravans Plus

Tow vehicles often have different stud patterns than caravans

Unless your caravan/trailer was custom built, it is very likely that your tow vehicle wheels will differ from your caravan or trailer.

This usually means you have one spare wheel for the tow vehicle and one spare wheel for your caravan/trailer.

When going to more remote areas, especially on gravel roads, it is recommended to carry a second spare for your tow vehicle. We fully agree with this, but.......do you then take a second spare for your caravan/trailer? Weight restraints often prevent this........until now!

In my situation I have a 5 stud Land Cruiser tow vehicle and 6 stud wheels on my off-road caravan. On outback trips I do take a second spare for the Land Cruiser - but if I get two flat tyres on my caravan I need to unhook and travel maybe a hundred or more kilometres to have a tyre repaired or replaced if I cannot fix it beside the road. An extra 30kg spare carried all the time seems excessive for an extremely rare event.

This single spare wheel also hides a 1kg Solution

This standard wheel cover hides one spare plus a magic second spare — Increase your spare wheel options when tow vehicle has different wheels

Look behind the original spare

The identical stud pattern of the tow vehicle is found on non-braked removable hub. In this case I've mounted it behind the existing spare wheel, so I don't misplace or damage it. It also allows the bearings to be fully greased, sealed and ready for a quick transfer. If the tyre is not needed then perhaps the bearings or wheel studs may be needed.

This extra hub can be stored anywhere — The tow vehicle stud pattern is on this RED non-braked hub

The hub is well protected behind your standard spare wheel.

The stub axle can be welded anywhere — In this case a stub axle has been welded onto the existing bracket just for convenience

The hub can also be stored under your bed.

Red hub behind — The hub could also be stored under your bed, or in your vehicle.

How to use a tow vehicle spare wheel on your Caravan/Trailer

This method is not recommended for hydraulic brake drums, as hydraulic oil may discharge. Electric or Mechanical brake drums are suitable

You need to remove your existing brake hub. This will require removing the axle cap, then the split pin and finally the castle nut.

The brake drum will now slide off the axle, ensure your existing bearings don't drop in the dirt. Store them for later reuse.

Original full brake hub — The existing braked-hub that needs to be temporarily removed.

The electric brake magnet, and its spring needs to be removed to prevent damage and loss. There should be two wire joiners behind the backing plate, that need a screw driver to release. These can be later reconnected and the polarity is NOT important.

Remove magnet — The magnet also needs to be temporarily removed.

Finally the non-braked hub that suits your tow vehicle spare is placed onto the axle, and the washer, castle nut tightened. This nut should not be overtightened, you can back off 1/6 or 1/4 turn until the split pin can be re-inserted.

Ready to fit wheel — The hub must easily rotate, but should not be a sloppy fit.

Limitations: While heavy duty smaller wheels can be used with caution to get to the next location, check clearance inside the mudguard.

Limitations: Larger wheels should not be used, unless all clearances between tandem wheels and mudguards will accommodate the full movement including rise and fall over corrugations

Limitations: You will have reduced caravan/trailer braking, and extra care should be taken

Limitations: The bearings need to be identical - you should check this before purchasing any additional hubs. Caravans Plus details the bearing included with any hubs we sell.

Caravans Plus sells only a limited number of popular non-braked hubs, see below

Other trailer retailers may offer additional hub options. A heavier option is to carry a fully braked hub drum, but these can weight up to 12 kgs each.