Alko spare wheel carrier

As part of this year's prep for touring I thought I would take a look at the spare wheel. I know, I should have looked in previous years. Nonetheless, undo the handwheel, pull out the carrier and discover it doesn't drop far enough to remove the wheel. Hmmm, jack up the caravan and find that the wheel won't go past the jack. Square one. Use mover to back caravan up on a levelling ramp and it works, don't know if a blow out happened that side and on a busy road how I would get on - a bridge to be crossed should it occur. Next thing, remove wheel. Well it's held on by a nut on a stud through a stud position and a giant sort of wing nut through the centre boss. This wing nut is locked down by a lock nut. Easy to remove with a 19mm socket. But then I find the wing nut itself is threaded on to the stud with a nut welded to the wing nut and it's done up tight, very tight.. The stud is so long that it cannot be reached with a standard socket. Much bashing with a hammer and eventually get an adjustable spanner to undo it. 

At least I know now and would recommend anyone to have a go at removing their spare wheel if on an underslung carrier before you set off. it might surprise you. Many years ago I did have a blow out and it was easy'ish then so wasn't anticipating problems now. Live and learn,