Broadway spare wheel, etc

My wife and I have just acquired a new Broadway. Very pleased with it, ex Autotrail people! Compares well. My wife has found this strange circular "thing" in a grey felt bag under the seat, and I wonder if anyone can tell me what it is and what it's supposed to do? It's a metal ring with a hole in the middle, about 4 or 5" in dia (old money!) with three set screws and tapered plastic sleeves.
I think it may have something to do with the spare wheel - a steel one with the vehicle on alloys. I battled with the spare wheel mechanism last weekend, which I have to say is a serious design flaw. The Watling towing bracket conveniently blocks access to the winder, so I had to sort that out, and wonder if the "ring" has something to do with putting an alloy wheel back under the chassis?
Any tips on changing a wheel, other than "don't do it" and "call the RAC", by the way?
Regards,
Nippy 35

Hi nippy35... there are one or two Broadway owners on the forum so hopefully someone will be able to advise, in the meantime as a new member to the forum (welcome) you may like to introduce yourself in the welcome section

https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/f36-welcome-section-new-members-please-introduce-yourself-here



CC

Hi, and welcome on board. I have to be honest and admit that I wondered what it was for as well, but had every intention of calling the RAC in the event of a flat. The Watling tow bar worries me a bit but mine is on an Al-Ko chassis and I thought looked ok. Is yours Al-Ko or Fiat? Cheers!

Its actually a Fiat Camper chassis, so its dropped, as per Al-Ko, but the mounting to the chassis is likely to be the same either way.
To be honest, I'm inclined to take the spare off and the winding gear, jack, etc, and save myself some payload. So many m/h's and cars do this these days. A good 12v pump and a couple of cans of good "squirt" should cover it! I can't remember the last time I actually changed a wheel on any car.
Regards,
Nippy 35

Just had a quick look and mine is pretty easy to get at despite some of Watling's finest. When I looked at the A/S brochure, the Broadway was not recommended for towing due to the rear axle loadings and overhang so I found the special edition with the Al-Ko chassis which was OK. I took the precaution of putting the van over a weighbridge fully loaded with bikes on the back and had plenty to spare so not a worry, but mine is a 4 tonne chassis. Have you had your axles weighed? It is a really good idea, even if only for tyre pressures (now reduced from 80psi all round to 52psi front and 63psi rear based on axle weights - much better ride). Sorry for slight deviation

We took delivery yesterday of out new Broadway and are very pleased with it. Lots to figure out! However when we had our handover we were told this 'implement' was to help you to relocate the spare wheel if ever you felt the need to. Hope this helps.