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© Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc
Spare Tire Storage
Optional Rear Door Spare Tire
Supplied with your new Aktiv are two types of small keys. One is for the storage compartments and the other is to unlock the chrome surround on
your continental spare tire kit. Find both keys, put one of each on your key ring and carry them with you whenever you drive your Aktiv. If you ever
need to change a tire, you will need this key.
If your new Aktiv still has the blue coating on the chrome spare tire cover, remove it as soon as you can. If left on for an extended
period, particularly in the hot sun, it will become very difficult to remove.
To open the driver's side rear door, you must lower the spare tire. (Picture 52.1)
To lower the optional continental kit spare tire and gain access to the driver's side rear door of the Aktiv, unlatch the retaining spring and pull the pin
out while supporting the top of the tire with your other hand. It helps to wiggle the tire back and forth to allow the pin to slide out. Place the pin where
you won't lose it and grasp the top of the tire with both hands. Lower it into a horizontal position to allow the driver's side rear door to open freely.
The tire will latch when horizontal.
While the tire is spring loaded, it is still fairly heavy. Use proper lifting technique or get help.
To raise the spare tire back into position, lift the guard over the cable mechanism enough for the catch
to clear and allow the tire to be raised. Raise the tire back up into position and insert the pin. Flip the
retaining spring over the end of the pin to secure it.
To use the spare tire, lower the tire, unlock the chrome surround with the key supplied with your Aktiv,
unbolt the tire from the carrier with your lug wrench and lift the tire off the carrier. Follow the Ram
Promaster manual for instructions on the use of the jack and other tire change procedures. Install the
flat tire on the spare tire carrier and reattach the chrome surround.
Do not attempt to raise an empty tire carrier. If you change the tire, put the flat on the
carrier before attempting to raise it. Never release the latch on a tire carrier without a tire
on it. The spring will move the arm of the carrier upward with great force and speed.
Picture 52.1
