How big is the spare? Mine would not fit either, its a 195 14 size tire on a 14" VW alloy. I was able to modify the stock carrier so it fit. I removed the stock carrier and bars. Took my angle grinder and trimmed off the area straight across the back of the carrier right at the hinges. I used two U shaped hanger to drop it down about an inch and a half and the spare fits perfectly. Got tired of running around town with no spare and throwing it up on the roof for long trips. Jeff Jeff Stewart ----- Original Message -----
> Spare in front of radiator not a good idea. You will need the fan full
> tome for cooling. Unless you have a Syncro just get a smaller spare
> that fits.
> Dennis,
> From my phone.
> ________________________________
> From: Pat Patterson<mailto:SESRating@AOL.COM>
> Sent: ‎9/‎11/‎2013 12:34 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: looking for a front reciever
> Where can I find a front receiver for my vanagon. I put up to 4 bikes
> on
> the back (5 once) and tow a trailer sometimes. My spare is too big to
> fit
> under and I would like to mount it on the front to keep some weight on
> the
> front wheels in case I lose some weight on my diet. I seen a couple
> photos
> and would like to keep my front bumper to reduce costs but am not
> ruling
> out a new front bumper with a 2 inch reciever.
> Pat
> In SC just south of Charlotte NC