Bongo Fury

I have never had the misfortune to have to use this as yet bit I thought I would post this warning to others and ask for advice on a couple of points!

Just like to say this was the first time I had checked this wheel since buying My Bongo in July 2006 (Just never entered My head at all ).What a pain in the arse to get at it .

When I finally got it down to check it over My first thought was that I wouldnt like to faff about like that on a busy road.
On inspecting it mine doesnt really seem in fantastic condition I dont think it had moved in 10yrs and had loads of debris in it.My main concern was the tyre walls didnt seem too great with a lot of lines in the rubber (could be rubber fatigue) even though it looks unused.
Basically I would advise everyone to check this spare wheel out as even though its a pain to get at You need it to be in good nick if You have to use it.
My question is and I know its been done to death can You substitute this spacesaver for a full size if so what are the requirements tyre wise.

Cheers Dave

Yes.

Dunno.

In that order.

Too wet and windy and dark to go out and check the full-size one I obtained recently.

Dave, I've just replaced my space saver with full size steel wheel & 215/65/15 tyre. I picked up a rim f.o.c from a fellow club member. I then had the misfortune to get an unrepairable puncture in one of my brand new Avon tyres, so decided to buy 2 new Conti Vanco tyres to fit on the front & had the other Avon fitted to the spare rim. It fits in the space fine, although I was concerned that it was twice the weight of the space saver & was a bit paranoid about the wire snapping. I have fitted a steel safety wire thru the holes in the wheel & the cross-member where the winding mechanism is - just in case.

As to the size of tyre, well, I have the same all round, so not an issue. If you have the different profile front & rear, then I don't believe it matters which size you go for as they have the same rolling circumference.

I used the space saver once to drive about 3 miles & it seemed ok, but any tyre that is heading towards 10 years old is bound to be coming towards the end of it's lifespan, regardless of whether it has been used or not.

Cheers Simon and Pippin,
I think My best course of action will be to take the spacesaver in to a tyre fitter and have them check it out.
I think I will be considering a full size spare at some stage it doesnt seem right something the size of a Bongo on a little wheel like that even if it is temporary!


Now what can I do about the storage place (Not a lot I dont think).

Cheers Dabs

We did 50 miles on the spacesaver, not a nice experience, Our spacesaver had no been used, R.A.C. man checked it, inflated to correct pressure(most important) and said"No more than 40m.p.h." but get it checked P.S.I. is somewhere close to 60 P.S.I.

Dave - I happily slung a full width steel under the boot in place of the space saver and, to me, the cable looks strong enough for towing a Bongo let alone just holding a full width spare wheel in place. I must admit I've done it a few times now and find lowering, removing and replacing the spare a painless experience (apart from first removal of the cruddy space saver). I've now put the 4 15" steels and tyres that I got of ebay on the Bongo. I now either have to revert to the space saver or put one of my lovely 17" alloys under there. Strange decision to have to make!?!

I have not tried, but does anyone know if you can still fit a standard size wheel as a spare when a towbar is fitted - I know I could go outside and check, but just looking for an armchair response.

And thats a Yes from me too as I have a towbar. But you are right, it is fairly snug up against it. I think on one of my windings up the spare did actually attempt to use the towbar as the limit to its retraction. I just eased it forward a bit and carried on winding until it was fully retracted

I've got a tow bar too & yes it is snug, but it fits fine

Tyre pressure for spacesaver is 4.2.kg/cm2 or 60 lbs/inch2.
Would not like to be near that if it went bang.

Has anyone a spare steel standard wheel they want to get rid of?

If anyone has a spare one for me to, would be really grateful???happy to pay as well if a spare one going cheap, maybe someone has a full set they wish to sell individually for a spare? pm me if you do, cheers

I think four of us should club together and buy a set... or eight of us and buy two sets... or.... i think you get the picture

P.S. any luck with ya nuts mel?