Dave,

never found a clearance issue with a front flat on the road. I can see
it being a problem in rougher terrain (or, gads, snow), but just
guessing. I'd take the chance reaching under (but my body not under)
with my van raised a bit with my high lift jack.

the clip does have that function, I do want to retain it on my friends
van.

alistair

On 17-Jun-11, at 9:05 AM, Dave Mcneely wrote:

> Isn't the function of the clip to catch the tray and hold it in
> place while one is working with the bolt?  Especially when one is
> lying on the ground, that whole assembly is pretty heavy.  I would
> not want to drop it on myself.
>
> That also reminds me of something I have thought of before, but put
> out of my mind.  It needs attention.  What does one do if there is a
> flat on the front, and he needs to get at the spare?  I would not be
> able to get under there, I believe.  And I would not want to get
> under there with the van on a jack.  Do you folks carry jack stands
> with you?  Perhaps I need to let the air out of a tire, and see how
> well I can do at getting under there and dropping the spare.  Will
> it even come down and allow one to get the tire out with a front
> tire deflated?  It must, though.  Maybe I am making up a problem
> that doesn't exist.
>
> mcneely