Chevy Roadtreks, like my Addie, have the spare tire attached on the back of the van. To open the back left door, I would have to lower the tire. The problem with this setup is the tire weighs over 70 pounds when lifting it back into place.  Due to this, I try my best to never open the back left door.

On my Roadtrek owners’ Facebook group, I learned that a fellow Roadtrek owner, Bruce Haag, designed a swing-away modification to the tire holder, allowing one to open the back door without having to lower – and even more important, without having to lift – the tire.  Planning this trip, I knew I wanted Bruce to add the swing-away to Addie.

So this morning, I left Portland, drove through the smoke hiding Mt. Hood, and arrived around noon at Bruce’s six-acre home in Redmond, about 20 miles northeast of Bend.

Since each Roadtrek is slightly different, installation requires a bit of tweaking and customizing. While Bruce worked on Addie, I wandered around his property taking some photos.  

Curiosity, though, grabbed me – and I soon returned to Bruce’s shop to watch and take photos of him welding, filing, drilling, and whatever else he needed to do!  I enjoyed having Bruce explain to me what he was doing and why.  I may not be handy, but I am curious!

Not only is Bruce a skilled craftsman, he and his wife Marilyn are fabulous hosts.  They have hook-ups for two rigs, so I’m camping here tonight.  Marilyn made us a delicious dinner!  Afterward, we watched the moon and stars through their telescope.

Walkabout

Cars and License Plates

Bruce’s dad drove this car in many car shows and parades. Side note: his dad was the Exalted Ruler who approved women joining the Elks.

This is a Model…something a car enthusiast knows!

My favorite color is blue.  Guess what Bruce’s favorite color is?!

There are several “doubles” in his collection, increasing the value if he were to ever decide to sell any of these plates.

Bruce at Work

Final result!  Bruce also fixed my bike rack so it no longer wiggles while I drive.

The modified “arm” that allows the tire to swing out without lowering – and subsequently raising – the tire.

The chain allows the tire to be lowered just a bit – just enough to open the left door to grab what’s needed.

Magically both my bike rack and tire can be lowered just a bit, allowing me to access the back cargo area!