>I really doubt it would be safe, even if it fit.  The Vanagon spec
>calls for essentially a commercial truck tire, 6 ply, or a
>sidew all-reinforced tire.  Notice that you don't get donut spares with
>trucks, you get full-sized ones.

Alan,

That's a very good point, but also consider that a E-class Mercedes wagon weighs 3850 lbs, more in AWD form, and a Passat W8 comes in at nearly 4000lb, which is very close to a Westy.  A Mercedes spare would be able to handle the weight of a Westy without a problem.  The bigger issue is that compact spares are typically smaller in diameter, which would cause the camper to lean.  If that's the case of a Mercedes spare, you can solve that issue by using an Audi compact spare which is designed to work with the Quattro system. Audi Quattro compact spares are the same diameter as a regular Audi tire/wheel combo.  So, for very short term use it would do just fine, providing it fits the offset.

Heck, it's just so much easier to stick with the Vanagon spare and buy a new tire for it!

Chris S.

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