Aluminess Tire Carrier Install on Thor Sanctuary Ford Transit Van with Vinyl Install too

[@michaelburt1946]

At 68 years old, there’s no way I’m going to be able to pull a tire off of the ladder and put it on the ground. I tried on my brother’s van and it’s just not gonna happen. I ended up going with a different arrangement. Roadmaster makes one that hooks onto your hitch. Seems to be in the future for me.

[@jtbrv23]

Yeah, I’m glad the Transit tire isn’t gigantic. The Mercedes tires are significantly bigger and that vehicle sits higher too. That Roadmaster carrier is a good option.

[@OverlandCitrus]

Nice I have the same one but with ladder

[@jtbrv23]

I debated so long on the ladder. My van parks in the driveway and pretty much every kid in my neighborhood is at a fearless age. I worried about the safety of it when they climb up there and fall off.

[@OverlandCitrus]

I hear ya law suit Right crazy world we live in

[@junglehomes6525]

Hello Thank you for sharing your Aluminess Tire Carrier install on the Ford Transit 350. I was wondering if this carrier is constructed of all air craft quality aluminum? You mentioned that it was powder coated which is often applied to garden furniture which is not aluminum. Its of particular concern to me as I live on a salt water bay. I have in the past experienced powder coated lawn furniture fail due to rust in a relatively short period of time. Also, now that I think about it the bicycle carrier is probably not aluminum and will not last as well. Your thoughts on this are always appreciated.

[@jtbrv23]

I’m pretty sure the entire carrier is aluminum. The hinge mount points and hardware are stainless I believe. Bike carrier I suspect is all aluminum too. Both are super light weight. Aluminum should be ok as far as rust goes but they can suffer from corrosion. Bike carrier gets pretty salty on the back of the van in winter up here and I haven’t noticed any rust forming yet.

[@junglehomes6525]

I had the opportunity to examine the OWL tire carrier installed on a Sprinter and was wondering what your later opinion is of the Alluminess tire carrier and if you are still happy with it.

[@jtbrv23]

Overall I think I would put it as a positive. I have three negatives in my mind. 1. Aluminess doesn’t permanently attach the pegs that support the tire. This saves on shipping but if they loosen up then extra weight gets placed on the center bracket wedge. 2. The center bracket wedge is plastic. If you over tighten the single screw going through it you can weaken the wedge. Because of those 2 reasons I place an extra strap through the top of wheel and around the solid crossbar of the carrier that’s horizontal at near top of tire. 3. The extra weight on the door seems like it could potentially be a problem if you repeatedly slam your back door hard. I try to not even use that door and when I shut it I use as little force as necessary. After more than 3000 miles, none of those have actually been a problem so that’s why overall it’s a positive. I’m just cautious with it and check on it often.

[@junglehomes6525]

@@jtbrv23 Hello again... Based on your latest comments I have decided to go ahead and order the Aluminess tire carrier. I'll check back when it arrives to refresh on the videos and any question or tips on the install to watch out for. Thanks again!

[@jtbrv23]

Sounds good. Hopefully they have some good deals going on. If you have any questions you can post them

[@junglehomes6525]

I had a chance to examine the front passenger side wheel assembly and located the covered alternator lead. It did not appear damaged in any way. The Van only has 5300 miles on it so I will check again.

[@jtbrv23]

@junglehomes6525 that’s good to hear

[@junglehomes6525]

Hello I purchased carfax reports and they just sent me a notice of the blue screen recall and advised that my local Ford dealer has the capability to repair or replace camera? Also, I was wondering if at any time you experienced your van remaining motionless while the engine is running and you are stopped at a traffic light with your foot off the brake? This is so strange as most if not all vehicles will move when you are in drive and remove your foot off the brake?

[@jtbrv23]

There are lots of grumbles about the camera thing in the forums. I don’t know if it’s an official fix as some have reported they got the cameras done but it continues. The blue screen started with the update for basically everyone. Let us know how it goes if you get the upgrade. It might be different now. Mine is sporadic. For the motion thing, is your auto hold enabled? Should show a (A) on little screen by speedometer that turns green when you stop. I love that feature on all my vehicles. I haven’t experienced it doing that with auto hold disengaged but 99% of the time I have auto hold on, so I don’t not notice. Auto hold does remember when you use it last and will stay engaged until you turn it off. Even after shutting off van. That (A) button is near your headlights you can try pushing it on and off to see if dash changes.

[@billbeyatte]

I wish I had found your channel before I paid $230 to have my tire carrier/ladder installed. As soon as I read that it was a two-person job I quit. They did a lousy job.

[@jtbrv23]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it’s salvageable and can be improved.