Has anyone used a Hitchgate? Feedback?

[SLO Rob]

I'm looking at getting a Hitchgate or one like it. http://www.wilcooffroad.com/shop/hitchgate-tire-carrier-toyota/

I asked a while back, but there's so many more members now I thought there may be more chance someone has one. Does anyone have one and have any feedback?

 

[maktruk]

Everything I've ever tried to carry in a hitch receiver rattled until I couldn't take it anymore. I even bought a "hitch vise" and it did no good.

I imagine the weight of that thing plus a D-E load range 33" tire would break 100 lbs. Maybe it wouldn't rattle that much.

 

[SLO Rob]

Wish I could take one for a spin!

 

[TreXTerra]

I'm not sure I would trust it, a tire is pretty heavy and there are multiple potential failure points on that: the hitch itself, the hitch pin, the hinge on the carrier, the arm, and the studs. A 265/75/16 BF Goodrich All Terrain in an E-load rating is not a lightweight bit of kit. Every bump will multiply the weight of the tire and how far it sticks out will multiply that weight again.

Honestly, I think a proper bumper that ties into the chassis would be much safer and last longer. Plus it won't drive you mad on a washboard road with the rattling.

 

[VCeXpedition]

I can't tell for sure but those look like double-shear hinge and pin. I would not hesitate to put a large tire on that at all, looks overbuilt to me actually, plenty strong. I don't have one, nor do I need one but if I was in the market, that would definitely be on the list.
It looks like they sell a double gerry can carrier as well, and that would add another 100 or so lbs. To me it looks like the only issue is the rattle thing on a bumpy road. ...just don't go on any bumpy roads!

Dan.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

If it rattles we can shim it........

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

I pulled up the installation instructions. It appears that there is a screw wedge built into the receiver insert for the rattle issue.

http://www.catalograck.com/ImgVD/TIR/HitchGate_UHG1010.pdf

 

[Overland-Indiana]

I had this one built for me. It mounted to the receiver, had no rattle or wobble. I could stand on the outside edges and it wouldn't even budge.

 

[hardtrailz]

I have wheeled with people running a hitchgate and they work. They work well. You can build one cheaper, but they do as intended without worry.

I saw them hold up to tons of rough road and trail use with 33-35 inch tires as well as extras, like hilifts and shovels.

I built a fold down version before my rear bumper was done and it worked, but was in the way alot compared to one able to swing sideways.

 

[VCeXpedition]

Another issue I might think is important to some is the angle of departure. My receiver is sort of my last line of defense when I drop off a ledge or transition to a steep slope. I know if I drag that, nothing is going to get hurt. If I were to have something in there it would definitely change where I go or at least how I would drive an obstacle. FWIW.
Dan


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[Mad Garden Gnome]

In the situation where you would drag during a departure, I wonder if it would be better to drag the hitchgate, mated to the hitch receiver, than dropping vehicle weight on a thin sheet metal bumper.

 

[hardtrailz]

I am sure it would be in that case. However if you already have the receiver as your spot to hit, the hitchgate will lessen the departure angle and add stress via the extra leverage to the hitch and mounts for the hitch.

 

[GoldenStateAdv]

For the cost of that thing you can have a full bumper

 

[maktruk]

HOLY CRAP! I didn't see the cost! Get a bumper from Hefty or Calmini for that much SHIPPED!

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

Where we are at, it'd be cheaper to drive to Calmini than the freight.

 

[SLO Rob]

I didn't think calmini had anything for my rig. I'll look again. I'd really like a swing out, to get the spare out from underneath. While I use my roof rack, I'd like to keep that weight to a minimum, and have fuel, water, and spare over the bumper. (Without the huge cost of what I really want!)

 

[roamingtimber]

Buy a welder and build your swing gate. It's easier than you think and tons of fun.

 

[Wolvee]

I have been planning on getting one since no one makes a rear bumper for my truck. I know two people with them in the local group, one holds a 35" with a steelie and the other holds a 40". Neither have any trouble with them and they've been on for just over a year as they both bought them at the same time.

It also goes with the modular nature of my build. I'll take it off when I don't need it; like I'll do with my lights and rack.

 

[briankennedy]

For that amount of money I'd just wait and get a bumper with a swing out


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[SLO Rob]

While I'd love one from cbioffroad or something, it is my DD, so while its wait and see right now, I may be with @Wolvee right now...wanting to be able to remove everything when I get home.