I have the same problem.  I'd driving with a nearly worn out spare because
the good tire I'd like to carry won't let me close the tray.  If anyone
answers Alan via pmail on this one, I'd appreciate a copy as well!

TIA.

Dave in KC
85 Westy (with leaky head... After numerous estimates, lowest of which is
$1300 just to replace the gaskets,  I'm thinking of fixing it myself.  How
hard could it be?)

----- Original Message -----
From: Alan Pickersgill <alanpick@MAGMA.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2002 5:27 PM
Subject: Spare Tire Too Big?

I recently bought 4 new tires and threw out all but one of the old ones.
Kept the best of the old as a spare. The "new" spare is nominally the same
size as the old spare, 205/75 -14 but the guy who put the new tires on
couldn't make the tray close without seriously forcing the tire against the
rad hoses that run throught the spare tire compartment. He didn't want to do
that, so I put the spare in the back. Anybody had this situation. Any big
problem in making contact with the hoses - doesn't seem like a good idea,
but would like some experience advice.

Alan Pickersgill
Ottawa ON
Canada
'85 Transporter converted to Westfalia.