To Jeff's point, go to 1:20 in this video and you will keep a fully inflated spare in the clamshell at all times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO_AfCFQR2M 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Schwaia
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 3:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Need a shower? Got tools?

FYI... the spare tire is part of the crash protection design of the Vanagon.

We usually put a rear swing away tire carrier on the Westies we refurb, but we always leave a stock spare in the clamshell.

Cheers, 

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Ralph Meyermann
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 2:25 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Need a shower? Got tools?

I am kicking around the idea of using my modified clam shell for tool storage, thinking my 215/75/15 bfg all terrain may be restricting air flow through radiator. Thinking on how to  build my own swing away spare tire carrier.