A manual winch winder would have to go through the radiator.  Small electric winch might work.  Mounting in the confined area behind the radiator would be difficult though with all the hoses, cables, etc.

 

An alternative is this:  http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/swingtire/swingtire.htm  Then you can put a humongous house batteries where the spare used to be!

 

Stuart

 

From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Harry Hoffman
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 9:11 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Larger wheels and spare holder

 

Hi All,
So I'm planning a move to 17" wheels. I'd like to carry a full spare, but from reading the archives realize that it won't fit in the holder.
Has anyone modified that area to adopt a truck/SUV model where I winch/pulley raises and lowers the spare?

Cheers,
Harry