John wrote:

I have to admit that the carrier looks sharp. But a word of caution; you're
putting something on your vanagon which sticks out past your bumper. The
slightest impact on that tire will do thousands of dollars damage to your
vanagon. I know from personal experience. My wife drives a '96 Bronco (No
anti-SUV flames please. Her in-home nursing job takes her down all kinds of
dirt roads in all kinds of weather.)
------ snip ----------

------------- reply --------------------

John,
Thanks for writing.
I think tire carriers are mainly of interest to people who have put bigger
15 and 16" wheels on their vans, there's lots of them out there now.  It's a
common thing for syncro owners anyway.
The larger spare tire does not fit in the carrier tray under the van, which
would be the first choice for most people.
So, some people don't have a choice but to use an external carrier.  VW
makes/made a rear swing out tire carrier intended for the syncro 16, it's
around $3000.

A bumper impact is not an issue because the tire is well above bumper
height.

Gary