Gravity can be your friend, pull the tab and drop the spare to the ground.
Pull it out & put the empty cover back in place and put the bolt in.
After you change the flat toss the flat tire in back until you get to
somewhere you are more comfortable or go & get the flat fixed (or
replaced) and have them put it back.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

At  6/17/2011 09:53 AM, Dave Mcneely wrote:
>I guess that is true, Karl.  However, I am a small man, and getting
>a few years on me.  Not as strong as some folks.  I have dropped the
>spare (all four tires fully inflated and on the ground) but scooted
>under a bit to give myself enough leverage to feel comfortable
>holding the tray with the wheel and tire in it and easing it
>down.  Similarly lifting it back up till the catch engages.  Maybe I
>need to try this again to be more comfortable with what I am doing,
>and practice doing it without scooting under the van.  I don't want
>to find I am facing a more difficult task than I am comfortable with
>when in a less than ideal situation.  The driveway is one thing, the
>side of the road on rocks and so on is another.
>
>Thanks to all who responded.
>
>---- Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@q.com> wrote:
> > No need to "get under there" at all.  Just use a lug wrench, or 19mm socket
> > on a ratchet, and do it from above.  You'll need to feel around a bit, but
> > that's what fingers are for!
> >
> > Karl Wolz
> >
> > |
> > |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.  |
> > |mcneely
> > |-----
> >
>
>--
>David McNeely