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

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

Рет қаралды 26,664

Күн бұрын

VAN LIFE VLOG: Ep:60 → Aluminess Spare Tire, Ladder & Storage Box. We have wanted to do this Van Upgrade since we bought the van! We added a driver-side tire/box rack and a passenger-side box rack for the Dodge Promaster. Not having an actual spare tire made us worried every time we would take a trip. And truthfully this is by far the BEST upgrade we've ever done! Now did it go smoothly?? Absolutely not. Did we make a bunch of mistakes so you don't have to? Of Course! Watch and learn from our mistakes!
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Episode 1 → Arizona - New Mexico - Texas | • Our Epic Van Road Trip...
Episode 2 → 24 hours in Texas | • 24-Hour Texas Adventur...
Episode 3 → Big Travel Day! We overnight at a THEME PARK! • Parking our Van for th...
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Episode 7 → We Make the BIGGEST Rookie Mistake! • We Make the BIGGEST Ro...
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WHO ARE WE?
We are Bob and Hillary, from Chandler, AZ. We have raised our kids (they are in college) bought the house, worked the 9-5, and now we are in our 40s finding out that what we really want is time and freedom more than anything! So we bought a van (1st step) and for now take epic road trips. Eventually though we could see ourselves doing this full time. At this point we have bought a Thor Rize 18T and quickly found out that it was to small for us (we are both over 6 feet tall) and so we traded it in for our current van a Thor Tellaro 20A. This van while brand new has given us lots of headaches...Who knew buying a brand new van would lead to having to fix everything!? This has us thinking that eventually we want to build out a van...more to come later on that 😉
What is our WHY? Why do we want to share it with you? The biggest reason is we have had some hard times and lost very dear people in our life which has caused us to want to make the most out of every moment we are given! Our goal is to inspire everyone to chase their dreams no matter their age and season of life, to help people see the behind the scenes of a couple doing that very thing! And if we can help you achieve your very own home on wheels that's icing on the cake! #couplevlog #vanlifeadventures #vanlifeusa #vancaskeys #vanlife #tellaro20a #thorrv #bucketlist

Пікірлер: 107

@Livefreewhileucan 4 ай бұрын

What the hell. A man reading the instructions. This is epic

@Vancaskeys 4 ай бұрын

😂😂😂

@JustinOpinionChannel 23 күн бұрын

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!

@Jason_Voorhees. Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@Jason_Voorhees. Жыл бұрын

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

@dcell922 Ай бұрын

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

@danhalpert2284 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan! Merry Christmas to you! 🎄❤️

@kqschwarz Ай бұрын

One you your best videos.

@Vancaskeys Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

@deplorable_2024 9 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@deplorable_2024 8 ай бұрын

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

@mikewatkins978 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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!

@marshallallied Жыл бұрын

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

@floridahermit4874 Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!! ❤️

@WitnessTheGreatestShowOnEarth Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@jrwynia1 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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!

@sparks701 Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

We love it!

@RobinT-treehugger 8 ай бұрын

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.

@dwoodygura 10 ай бұрын

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

@davekent20 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Hahaha! This is a great Point!😂

@dianejimenez8327 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@Vancaskeys Merry Christmas !

@AZ1RICK Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@AZ1RICK thanks Rick! We are in chandler!

@allankawakami Жыл бұрын

Looks badass!

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!!!

@tkbansko Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@tkbansko Жыл бұрын

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

@ambydaly5713 Жыл бұрын

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 .

@user-vm3yd2rp7f 10 ай бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys 10 ай бұрын

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

@brianprawitz4027 5 ай бұрын

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

@cj9667 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@annekruszka8441 8 ай бұрын

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.

@hsuderman 11 ай бұрын

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.

@mikeallensonntag Жыл бұрын

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.

@danettehead7353 Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

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

@randelpompey3545 Жыл бұрын

Love it. You guys rock.

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Thanks Randy! Merry Christmas!

@ambydaly5713 Жыл бұрын

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

@TheMarpalm 11 ай бұрын

$5000!? Wow

@taepae4132 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

❤️

@justincpa1 Жыл бұрын

Love that red Miata!!

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

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

@kallet13 Ай бұрын

Great video, did you consider the hitch mounted tire rack? Like RIGD? If you had it all over again would you choose Aluminess?

@Vancaskeys Ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Yes, we would choose Aluminess all over again. We have had a great experience with it.

@waynec2962 11 ай бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys 11 ай бұрын

True!!!!!

@waynec2962 11 ай бұрын

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

@lonnyrollins6488 15 сағат бұрын

Where did you pick up the spare tire wheel?

@Vanrchy Жыл бұрын

Much appreciate and subbed for it. :)

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@xleblanc2000 11 ай бұрын

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 ?

@rickt1951 Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Yes I did

@mweber2000 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@philc.9280 Жыл бұрын

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.

@stephenvogel4647 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@rebbar64 Жыл бұрын

Now you need a jack and lug wrench

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

Haha! Yep!

@RollieMcNeil Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

We bought the license plate relocation stuff from them.

@traceekelly2150 Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

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

@landb1873 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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.

@backlaboy 3 ай бұрын

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

@lindahardy8713 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@gerryc270 Жыл бұрын

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!

@art_of_jing 7 ай бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys 7 ай бұрын

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

@esthers5772 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@goldwing987 Жыл бұрын

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

@Vancaskeys Жыл бұрын

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

@goldwing987 Жыл бұрын

@@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.