Swing out Tire Carrier Build - Need some ideas...

[Dahoe]

Alright... looked at the hitch mounted deals and not impressed. I did do a search, with a lot to weed so decided to post. I'm going to build my own (like I did for my Jeep) but looking for more ideas/layouts to hold more than just a tire. Show me what ya got! Hinges, clasps, mounting setups, single, double, etc.. This is for my 04 Tahoe so aftermarket options are slim to none. Also, pros/cons on your set up. What would you have done differently?

 

[ChasingOurTrunks]

I built my own for my JK; I don't have a pic handy on this machine but you can see what we built at this link (Don't feel you have to watch the video, I linked directly to a frame that has an image of the carrier over 3 steps -- the initial start, the frame complete, and then the full carrier finished).
If you'd like more photos, let me know. Essentially it was a single hinge, that was supported in 4 places, and latched on the driver's side. It would hold our full size spare, two jerry cans, and a hi lift jack. I used a DeStacko clamp rated for 2,000 lbs, and cannibalized the aluminum tire carrier mount that came with the JK (which I bolted onto the steel frame I made), but otherwise everything was home made 100% using basic hand tools -- the cuts and such were done with an angle grinder, the metal was bent with a vice and a hammer, etc. The hinge was homemade and could be greased via grease nipples I tapped into the body of the hinge. Also, since I wasn't confident that I would like the design and function, I made it so it bolted to the bumper instead of being permanently attached so I could take it off and modify it; turns out it was a pretty functional design from the start so I never needed that feature.

If I were to do it again I would consider the following:

1) Weight. The tire carrier I designed was very strong, but heavy. I would probably build it the same way but out of lighter materials (like thinner steel or in my case, aluminum).

2) Usable space when open. I designed this one from the perspective of 'carrying' stuff, but when a tire swing-out is open, the rear of the swing out portion can be utilized with water storage, fold-down tables, etc. I would probably do that the next time.

3) Swing Lock-out/open assist. My next one will use a spring-ram to assist and hold it open or something like that. Being able to hold open the swing outs makes a big difference in uneven terrain, especially if you use number 2)'s idea above.

4) Dual versus Single Swing out. The dual swing out is more complex, and its an additional step to mess with, but it puts less stress on the hinges and can help create that 'usable space' at the back of the rig.

 

[Dunnage Garage]

At work, so I'll try to post pics later...biggest regret, my spair sets too low. Its I can only pull a trailer with a drop hitch...or else the tounge latch will not unlock.
I used a 4-wire trailer wire kit to wire the accessories to the swing out. That way I unplug the wire to remove the swing out for service/repairs/mods
Also, unless you like sanding and painting I'd bed-line it when you are done...that is after you run it for 6-12 mo to make sure you are happy with it.

 

[DannyS96]

I just got finished building one for my jeep. I built the bumper out of 3/16" steel. And the tire carrier is built from 2x4x3/16 steel, I would have preferred to make the tire carrier from smaller and lighter steel but it is what I had laying around

 

[Dahoe]

I built my own for my JK; I don't have a pic handy on this machine but you can see what we built at this link (Don't feel you have to watch the video, I linked directly to a frame that has an image of the carrier over 3 steps -- the initial start, the frame complete, and then the full carrier finished).
If you'd like more photos, let me know. Essentially it was a single hinge, that was supported in 4 places, and latched on the driver's side. It would hold our full size spare, two jerry cans, and a hi lift jack. I used a DeStacko clamp rated for 2,000 lbs, and cannibalized the aluminum tire carrier mount that came with the JK (which I bolted onto the steel frame I made), but otherwise everything was home made 100% using basic hand tools -- the cuts and such were done with an angle grinder, the metal was bent with a vice and a hammer, etc. The hinge was homemade and could be greased via grease nipples I tapped into the body of the hinge. Also, since I wasn't confident that I would like the design and function, I made it so it bolted to the bumper instead of being permanently attached so I could take it off and modify it; turns out it was a pretty functional design from the start so I never needed that feature.

If I were to do it again I would consider the following:

1) Weight. The tire carrier I designed was very strong, but heavy. I would probably build it the same way but out of lighter materials (like thinner steel or in my case, aluminum).

2) Usable space when open. I designed this one from the perspective of 'carrying' stuff, but when a tire swing-out is open, the rear of the swing out portion can be utilized with water storage, fold-down tables, etc. I would probably do that the next time.

3) Swing Lock-out/open assist. My next one will use a spring-ram to assist and hold it open or something like that. Being able to hold open the swing outs makes a big difference in uneven terrain, especially if you use number 2)'s idea above.

4) Dual versus Single Swing out. The dual swing out is more complex, and its an additional step to mess with, but it puts less stress on the hinges and can help create that 'usable space' at the back of the rig.

I like the idea on a drop down table as you mentioned in #2. Been seeing several of those and they are slick!

I also saw one yesterday on another sight using a strut from a hatchback to open.. Killer idea there...

I like the look of the dual swing out, and for the strength it makes sense as I was looking to incorporate a stubby ladder on the short one to help access items on the roof rack, but was worried it would be cumbersome every time I needed in the back.

I'm seek the standard clasp to hold these shut on everyones, but was wondering about a car door latch system to make closing and opening easier. Seen anything like that?

 

[Dahoe]

I just got finished building one for my jeep. I built the bumper out of 3/16" steel. And the tire carrier is built from 2x4x3/16 steel, I would have preferred to make the tire carrier from smaller and lighter steel but it is what I had laying aroundView attachment 116708View attachment 116709View attachment 116710View attachment 116711View attachment 116712View attachment 116713

That looks just like the one I built for my Jeep! I used 2x4 but quickly realized it was overkill, but thought I needed something strong. I even did the same with the trailer spindle hinge.. I like the tool hanger setup. What are those exactly?

 

[ChasingOurTrunks]

I like the idea on a drop down table as you mentioned in #2. Been seeing several of those and they are slick!

I also saw one yesterday on another sight using a strut from a hatchback to open.. Killer idea there...

I like the look of the dual swing out, and for the strength it makes sense as I was looking to incorporate a stubby ladder on the short one to help access items on the roof rack, but was worried it would be cumbersome every time I needed in the back.

I'm seek the standard clasp to hold these shut on everyones, but was wondering about a car door latch system to make closing and opening easier. Seen anything like that?

The car door latch -- also known as a "Bear Claw" latch -- is the easiest to use on a day to day basis, but it has a flaw and that is the slop in the latch itself. On car doors, the door is held under tension because of the weather stripping -- if you've ever tried to use a car door without weatherstripping, you'll know just how much the latch itself will rattle and vibrate. That rattling in an overland application translates to wear, and that wear may mean sheared pins and hinges, and eventually a tire carrier hopping down the road and creating a hazard.

I looked at bear claw latches, but the rattle was a deal breaker. The other problem I ran into is finding one that would be strong enough for the hugely variable torques that are applied to latches and hinges in an off-road setting. They jostle around so much that I wouldn't trust anything made for a lighter application like a car door. That being said, there are a few options out there.

There are a few companies that offer fabricator specials to build your own bumper around, but I've got no personal experience with them. Still you may want to explore that option too.

Destaco latches are proven, so for my next build I'll be using them again.

 

[Gabriel Bozeman]

Alright... looked at the hitch mounted deals and not impressed. I did do a search, with a lot to weed so decided to post. I'm going to build my own (like I did for my Jeep) but looking for more ideas/layouts to hold more than just a tire. Show me what ya got! Hinges, clasps, mounting setups, single, double, etc.. This is for my 04 Tahoe so aftermarket options are slim to none. Also, pros/cons on your set up. What would you have done differently?

Wanting to do this with my Range Rover. I thought about drilling through my stock bumper and mounting it to the frame underneath. Sadly, don't have welding equipment or the skills to do it. [emoji22]

I found a very helpful video about a guy who made one for his 4Runner. (). Figures I'd base my ideas off this and then go from there.

Make sure to post what you end up with.

 

[DannyS96]

That looks just like the one I built for my Jeep! I used 2x4 but quickly realized it was overkill, but thought I needed something strong. I even did the same with the trailer spindle hinge.. I like the tool hanger setup. What are those exactly?

They are quick fist clamps. I just drilled and tapped 1/4 20 bolts to mount them. And yeah 2x4 is way overkill but it should definitely be strong. Figured since I'm not an engineer I'll just overbuild haha

 

[Dahoe]

Wanting to do this with my Range Rover. I thought about drilling through my stock bumper and mounting it to the frame underneath. Sadly, don't have welding equipment or the skills to do it. [emoji22]

I found a very helpful video about a guy who made one for his 4Runner. (). Figures I'd base my ideas off this and then go from there.

Make sure to post what you end up with.

I watched that video then spent half the night wondering about doing something similar... ugh... I just need to buy some metal and start welding it up. Ill plan myself to death!

 

[Gabriel Bozeman]

I watched that video then spent half the night wondering about doing something similar... ugh... I just need to buy some metal and start welding it up. Ill plan myself to death!

I'm the same way. Want to (and need to) get my spare out from under the vehicle, but don't have welding equipment or experience. [emoji22]