How to Remove the Spare Tire on a Dodge Caravan
by Kyle McBride
Dodge equipped its Caravan minivans with a spare tire stowed underneath the vehicle. A cable winch under the floorboards drops the spare tire down to the ground so it can be retrieved. Stowing the spare tire under the vehicle allows for maximum cargo and passenger space in the passenger compartment. With Stow 'n Go seating (second and third row of seats can be folded into the floor), the tire is under the center of the vehicle. Without Stow 'n Go seating, the spare tire is stowed underneath the rear of the Caravan.
Stow 'n Go Seating
Step 1
Open the lift gate of the Caravan. Pull up on the release lever on the left-side storage compartment. Remove the storage compartment cover. Remove the tool pouch from the compartment.
Step 2
Open the tool pouch and remove the three bars. One bar looks like a tall "L." One bar has a spring-loaded notch at one end. Insert the spring-loaded notched end of the second bar into the slot in the middle of the "L"-shaped bar. Insert the end of the third bar into the other end of the notched bar. The bars form a long "T" handle.
Step 3
Remove the cap on the spare-tire winch's drive nut on the floor of the Caravan between the two front seats. Insert the long end of the "T" handle onto the drive nut and rotate the nut counterclockwise until it resists being turned.
Step 4
Disassemble the "T" handle. Reassemble the bars to form a long hook. Insert the end of the third bar into the notched end of the second bar. Insert the other end of the second bar into the top of the "L"-shaped bar to form the spare tire hook.
Step 5
Reach under the caravan with the spare tire hook and use the bottom leg of the "L" bar to hook the edge of the spare tire rim and pull it out from under the car.
Non-Stow 'n Go Seating
Step 1
Open the lift gate of the Caravan. Pull up on the release lever on the left-side storage compartment. Remove the storage compartment cover. Remove the jack handle from the compartment.
Step 2
Remove the cap on the spare-tire winch's drive nut in the center of the cargo floor just inside the lift gate opening. Insert the jack handle onto the drive nut and rotate the nut counterclockwise until it resists being turned.
Step 3
Pull the spare tire out from under the Caravan.
References
- "2007 Dodge Caravan Owner's Manual": Chrysler Group LLC; 2006
Tips
- If either of the front wheels are flat, you may need to jack up the front of the Caravan to get the spare tire out.
Warnings
- Never get under a car or allow anyone else to get under a car that is supported only by the jack. Always use jack stands for safety.
- If any part of the procedure seems beyond your capabilities, consult a qualified mechanic before proceeding.
