Is this $5000 upgrade worth it??? (Full Install - Aluminess Spare Tire, Ladder & Storage Box)

[@frankwong1124]

Hi Bob, we both have things in common. We’re AF veterans, both bought our class B at LaMesa, Promaster, Thor, Tellaro.

[@vrp-geo0224]

So I've been watching videos of the Thule bike rack installation today and though yours is installing the ladder/spare carrier and box, it showed up in the search. When you removed the bottom bar of the bike rack for the storage box and were surprised how easy it was ... I was also surprised because it is supposed to be glued to the door along the length of the bar in addition to the side bolt clamp that you removed. As you said it was part of the van build by Thor, for the Tellaro model when you bought it new, maybe a good thing it was never used if they skipped out on the glue! I do like the ladder & spare install, will have to look at that upgrade in the future. 👍

[@Jason_Voorhees.]

I'm the head installer at aluminess in santee, and I gotta say you didn't too bad at all. The dodge rear door products are definitely the more complicated ones of the 3 vans we do these for. Funny video man lol

[@Vancaskeys]

Hi Jason! Wow...thank you! You made my day - Bob

[@Jason_Voorhees.]

@Vancaskeys you're welcome, sir! Enjoy the door products, they are very useful.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

I really like the look and practicality of the Aluminess ladder and wheel carrier, but have been a bit nervous by installation horror stories. Honestly, if your experience is as bad as it gets, that's a typical install for me! I'm great at doing things the second time. I keep debating with myself between this and the swing-out carrier that uses the tow hitch. I'll search your channel for an update after some use - thanks for taking one for the team and showing the pitfalls along the way!

[@deplorable_2024]

My wife and I did exactly the same upgrade this afternoon. Still have the box to drill and mount tomorrow. We also purchased the large Stowaway receiver hitch storage box on a 180 degree swing away frame. Getting ready for upcoming winter road trip. Very pleased with the storage this adds.

[@annekruszka8441]

We have the stowaway box and wanted to get the ladder and spare tire holder. Did you need the hitch extender?

[@deplorable_2024]

The spare tire may not interfere with stowaway if it swings the other way. That is why I would wait to order extender.

[@danhalpert2284]

Great work team😁. The rack and ladder look great. I totally agree that you are totally screwed if you get a flat in the middle of nowhere and Murphys Law will strike at the most difficult time and place. Thanks for helping our projects and for your sense of humor. Merry Christmas to you and all your viewers.🎄

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks Dan! Merry Christmas to you! 🎄❤️

[@mikewatkins978]

A recommendation I would make is that now everything is in its place, go back to every single nut, bolt, and screw to make sure they are all tight, doesn't take long and the extra measure is called "Quality Control". As you drive on your first trip I'm sure you'll be double checking things for looseness, if one or two keep loosening add a little drop of Loc-Tite to the threads. I'm adding a storage box to my Class C for the leveling blocks and camp tools. Good job!!

[@Vancaskeys]

Fantastic advice! Yes we have been double checking as we go on trips. Truthfully I (Bob) have a issue sometimes with over tightening things lol. We used to own a Jeep and let's just say I over tightened the lugnuts and a wheel fell off as we were driving. Super scary but we were ok!

[@jrwynia1]

Great video - always appreciate you showing the good, the bad and the fun along the way :-). We have the same van and agree that not having a spare is risky. 2 questions: 1. did you also purchase a jack? don't recall you discussing that. 2) on some spares I've seen a plug in 3rd brake light. Have you considered something like that? these additions do reduce the visibility for the backup and brake light. We live in CA and I'm concerned that the CHP might have an opinion :-) Thanks. Keep the videos coming. Love them.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks! We have not purchased a jack yet but we plan to. We have not thought about adding the 3rd brake light but that’s not a bad idea actually!

[@WitnessTheGreatestShowOnEarth]

Nice upgrades! Love the team work on the installs. Again, enjoyed the drone shots. Better to have it (spare), and not need it, than need it and not have it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@Vancaskeys]

Agreed! It’s better to be safe than sorry with the spare! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Todd!

[@sparks701]

Looks awesome. Looking for a swing out tire rack but with that Xtra storage box, this might be the way to go.

[@Vancaskeys]

We love it!

[@dianejimenez8327]

Hi Bob and Hillary 🤗 Thank you.. for the great video 👍 Guess what ? We got the same latter and tire rack like you guys! Guess what ?We haven't opened the box yet😁This video will help us..Thank you 👍Have a good evening to you both! 😊😁❤️

[@Vancaskeys]

Oh that’s great! We are so happy with it! You guys will love it! It’s not an easy upgrade but worth it for sure! You guys have a wonderful evening too! Merry Christmas! ❤️

[@dianejimenez8327]

@@Vancaskeys Merry Christmas !

[@AZ1RICK]

Nice Job!! Nice Christmas Present for the Van!! 🎁 Hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday … Merry Christmas. 🎄 Where in the Valley are you if you don’t mind sharing?? I’m in South Phoenix near South Mountain. I have the Rize 18M… I really enjoy your content! Rick

[@enneagramandcoaching]

@@AZ1RICK thanks Rick! We are in chandler!

[@dcell922]

This will make you feel better… I’ve watched you video a half dozen times in preparation to do my install and I still made the same mistake you did. Man do I feel dumb. LOL

[@hsuderman]

I really enjoyed watching your video on adding the Aluminess spare tire/ladder and storage box. I would like to do the same, but I have a request. Could you measure the depth of the spare tire mount and ladder from the rear door surface to the rear of the spare tire, as well as the depth of the storage box from the door surface to the rear surface of the storage box? I have a Thule bike rack that goes into the hitch receiver and I want to be sure that the spare tire and storage box won’t interfere with my bike rack. Thanks.

[@RobinT-treehugger]

Thanks, great video! That will be a big help for us. We are currently looking at buying a Class B, probably aThor Sanctuary, and it doesn't come with the spare tire on back. Thanks again.

[@stephenvogel4647]

About to install the deluxe box on my Transit and it’s true that the instructions are pretty much useless! What drill bit size did you use to create the holes through the arms and box?

[@Vancaskeys]

Very cool! Unfortunately I do not remember the drill bit size. Sorry!

[@annekruszka8441]

We’re looking to do the ladder and spare tire carrier on our 2023 Nova 20c (the one with the sofa bed) that we’ve had for a year. We have a stowaway box on our hitch and wondered how far the tire sticks out and how far above the bumper it is.

[@bee-anca236]

lol @ “oh Dangit this is a never ending project” 😹 sounds like me with the my husband

[@floridahermit4874]

I love this video. You guys are great should have a lot more subs.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks!!! ❤️

[@timfetters5115]

Most impressive is that aluminess actually shipped parts to you.

[@cj9667]

Looks great! So nice to do tasks by yourself….no spare is playing Russian roulette…crazy! One less thing to worry about now…..where are we going next?

[@Vancaskeys]

Agreed! Hmmm…we are trying to decide Beach or snow…😅

[@remocres]

seems it was your rv converter . i would sugest getting your van weighed rv makers often add too much weight . so removing the spare cuts couple hundred . did you get the jack and lug wrench under passenger seat my 2021 has a spare it fits under the rear of the van a decent jack under the seat and i carry a harbor freight air pump i sure would refuse to but a new van if it dident have jack and spare you have opition to say no sale

[@rickt1951]

Looks good 👍 just curious did you get a lock for the spare tire?

[@Vancaskeys]

Yes I did

[@mweber2000]

Great video since I am also looking for spare tire option for my promaster based camper, but, what caught my attention was when you took off the Thulle bike rack rail, which appears wasn't glued to the door. I just installed the same bike rack and the instructions clearly indicated that the rails have to be glued. Did you ever use the bike rack with the weight of the bikes?

[@Vancaskeys]

Wow. It should have been glued? It was a factory installed option and we never used it. Sounds like it’s a good thing we didn’t try and use it lol

[@mweber2000]

@@Vancaskeys Yes good thing! Even glued I am still a little concerned

[@marshallallied]

Loc-Tite compound on the bolts would have been a good idea.

[@esthers5772]

I don’t understand why the holes weren’t pre-drilled. 🤔 I have a spare for my Promaster, I desperately want to get it out of the garage. I like the Aluminess but I wish there was somewhere to have it installed in the north east. Did you purchase a new holder for the license plate?

[@Vancaskeys]

Right? We didn’t understand that either. We got the aluminums license plate holder.

[@xleblanc2000]

You didn’t show the details on putting the door straps, did you have to remove the door inserts to install the loop bracket holding the strap on the door end ?

[@gerryc270]

I’m thinking of adding the exact setup to my van. Would you mind letting me know the distance from the rear door sheet metal to the outermost edge of the box and tire? I want to be sure my bike rack (with Kuat pivot) will still fit. Currently have a Landed Gear tire carrier and Prime Design ladder. Thanks!

[@RollieMcNeil]

Hey Guys, good job. Question, how did you get a light to your new license plate location?

[@Vancaskeys]

We bought the license plate relocation stuff from them.

[@ambydaly5713]

If you fit a removable pin which lines up with a fixing hole in the wheel it will make it easier to mount the wheel on the door .

[@landb1873]

Great video! What was that Thule piece mounted on the inside of the driver's side rear door? Looked magnetic as you pulled it off.

[@Vancaskeys]

That piece is the magnetic bracket that is used to mount the ladder. You can move it anywhere around the van that you need it.

[@goldwing987]

Looks great, did it come with a license plate bracket? And is the Thule bike rack for sale?

[@Vancaskeys]

Yes it came with a license plate bracket…the bike rack could be for sale if your in arizona 😅

[@goldwing987]

@@Vancaskeys I wish, I live in cold CT. I really want to use this ladder/spare tire assembly, but I also want to use the Thule bike rack. Neither company can tell me they're compatible. What do you think? I know the Thule rack has a high/low setting. I try to judge by the top of the tire aligning with the window. I watched and froze your video many times. Looks like your spare is as low as it can go.

[@backlaboy]

Hi, did u install the clear tape? What is its purpose? Is is neccessary?

[@dwoodygura]

Great upgrades, but we will be going into the shop for all that!

[@lindahardy8713]

I’m trying to understand the need for the ladder… it appears the spare blocks access to it.. or does the spare swing away from the ladder?

[@Vancaskeys]

There is steps around the spare so you can go up the ladder to access the roof. It does not swing around.

[@davekent20]

The good thing is at least you're not going to have anything wrong with this because you installed this considering all the lemonade you made with the lemons you guys got with this van.

[@Vancaskeys]

Hahaha! This is a great Point!😂

[@KnightsandWeekends]

Did you use the protective tape? I'm very confused as to its purpose - and the instructions don't provide any explanation and are vague about where to apply it....

[@user-vm3yd2rp7f]

Thanks for doing this video. Just got finish doing this install. Your video makes more sense than thie instructions,lol lol.

[@Vancaskeys]

You're welcome! We are so glad it helped!!

[@brianprawitz4027]

Bob! What's with the white tape part of the installation? Wth?

[@traceekelly2150]

I'm putting the ladder / tire holder on my Tellaro 20A but cannot get the hinge screws loosened. Can you tell me how?

[@Vancaskeys]

Oh darn we just saw this! Sorry! Did you figure it out?

[@lonnyrollins6488]

Where did you pick up the spare tire wheel?

[@tkbansko]

Spare is a must for these vans. For your next one just install a roof cargo basket and trow the spare inside.

[@Vancaskeys]

Agreed!

[@tkbansko]

@@Vancaskeys We should go camping together. I have almost the same van, I am in Gilbert

[@allankawakami]

Looks badass!

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks!!!!!

[@garygilliam2470]

I have a 2022 Tellaro Made my own spare tire rack for the same rim I bought off Amazon.- the tire rack it cost me &12.00 for hardware (bolts etc) Used scrap metal tubing on hand. Rattle can paint - black looks great will do the box later Also have a hitch mounted rack that holds air compressor and gas cans. dont trust solar Gary Texas yeehaw

[@art_of_jing]

After iinstalling the license plate bracket I'm now getting a license plate light out indicator.. Did I tap into the wrong wire?

[@Vancaskeys]

We had the same issue...Not sure how to fix it.

[@mikeallensonntag]

I'm going to say this I had this setup quoted for my promaster also. Fact that this stuff is not predrilled at what they charge for the cost of this is a real face slap I'm just saying. I mean the profit margin they must have on this is outrageous.

[@philc.9280]

Just curious instead of spending so much on a special ladder that has a tire carrier why can't you just find a tire carrier that clamps onto the existing ladder? The ladder holds about 225 lbs which should be fine for all spares. I saw a few models for less than $100 but may require more brackets for support. I purposely try to use what I already have instead of reinventing the wheel.

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

What existing ladder?

[@philc.9280]

@@CanadianTexaninLiguria Sorry I forgot the ladder is an optional item. It already came on my Travato along with a bike rack too.

[@kqschwarz]

One you your best videos.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you! 😊

[@JenniferCaubarreaux]

what do you keep in the box?

[@randelpompey3545]

Love it. You guys rock.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks Randy! Merry Christmas!

[@waynec2962]

fun install, but all you need now is a custom spare tire cover to match the logo on your van lol

[@Vancaskeys]

True!!!!!

[@waynec2962]

Did you get all those problems you had with your van fixed?@@Vancaskeys

[@ambydaly5713]

What on earth do you need a box for when you got a van full of storage?

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Tools and accessories that get dirty, and sewage hoses... things one might not want to have inside.

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

Mine arrived with the ladder mounts bent and unable to mount correctly $1400 wasted. Instructions didn’t even mention mounting the ladder.

[@danettehead7353]

Bob looks like he has a brother on KZbin.... Mat's off road recovery. Bob and Matt look alot alike

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha!!! It’s a little freaky how much we look alike 😅

[@justincpa1]

Love that red Miata!!

[@Vancaskeys]

It’s our oldest sons car. Would you believe he’s 6’5 😂

[@Vanrchy]

Much appreciate and subbed for it. :)

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!

[@TheMarpalm]

$5000!? Wow

[@kellycorf9011]

Hi I like the idea of getting rid of folding ladder , I might have missed it but where did you get the accessories from. Thanks I love your videos

[@Vancaskeys]

Hi Kelly! Thanks! We got it all from Aluminas!

[@taepae4132]

Thank you

[@Vancaskeys]

❤️

[@rebbar64]

Now you need a jack and lug wrench

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Yep!

[@dlmcder]

Spray paint that room matte, black and you will be set, travel, safe

[@FEARNoMore]

Aluminess should replace their instructional video, with this "instructional" video. This one is funnier & waaay more entertaining. lol 😜

[@Vancaskeys]

LOL!!! Love this!

[@Donald-dt1dp]

Hello and if you don't mind me asking where did you purchase the tire and how much was it? I have the same camper.

[@Vancaskeys]

We purchased the tire from Amazon for around $90

[@turdboman]

THAT STUFF COST $5000, SPARE TIRE AND RIM WITH MOUNTING, BOX AND MOUNTS ??

[@kona_moon6055]

Thanks for the video. I’m gonna go with a hitch-mounted spare tire carrier.🛞