[Full_Throttle]

Now I know what you are thinking....that won't work. Hear me out.

My plan at this moment is to utilize my re-worked factory trailer hitch as a base to add additional framework to the passenger side of the rear frame-rail. If you go to my build thread, you will see that I re-worked the factory trailer hitch to sit inside the frame rails(Link HERE), raising the hitch to be just under the bumper for greater clearance. Here is a couple of pics to show you what I have.





So as you can see, I have a nice mounting platform directly behind the factory bumper. I believe if I extend the framework to the passanger side to the point where the "seam" is on the rear bumper, I can then mount a hinge in this location to the frame, and cut out the bumper area so the hinge "passes through" the skin of the bumper. I want to do something similar to this (Link HERE). Props to mien4x4 for doing this. I have been wanting to do this, so I figure why not. here is a pic of what he did.



So, what do you all think?

I have no idea as to what type of hinge to use, latch, etc. So I will be depending of this list for advice as to the specifics of this.

[mien4x4]

I say go for it bro I only down side of my carrier on my hitch Isend that I dnt hav alot of clearence compared to urs n aftermarket bumpers wit varrier but im plannin on redoin my hitch. maybe like urs but with the hitch stil showing

[Full_Throttle]

Oh, and this build thread will be SLOWWW going at first since I am sitting at home. I Just had knee surgery. A pic is worth a thousand words

[Whitson Metalworks]

Yuck

[Full_Throttle]

I see that there is a couple of types of hinges out there. one that mounts INTO the bumper and a surface mount type. Given that I will be needing the carrier to mount to the rear of the framework, I believe a surface-mount is the way to go.

Here is a pic of a surface mount that uses roller bearings instead of brass bushings.


I figure I can build this so this piece is mounted to the frame build out and sticking through the rear of the bumper just at the seam of the center piece of the bumper and the passenger end cap of the bumper. This should give me the clearence I need to swing the carrier out and be able to open the rear hatch.

So I have some questions as to metal thickness. When I go to make a mounting point on the frame for this hinge, is "c" channel acceptable? Should it be boxed completely? What thickness steel should I use as the frame mount point?

As for the carrier itself, I believe I will be using square tubing. What is recommended for this? 33" tire plus a couple of Jerry cans is my plan as far as weight goes.

I do not know what type of latch to use...I see several out there, some look bulky, I would like something that has a clean look. I also want the carrier to lock into an open position so it doesn't get in the way when the rear hatch is open.

Lots of design ideas to hash over.

I know, search is my friend

[mikebontoft]

tasty.

good luck with the build, look forward to it. I wanted to do it like his as well but the two biggest issues I came across were:

-the swiveling hitch piece is essentially nonexistent according to everywhere.
-his hitch assembly sits past the bumper far enough that the structure for the carrier latch is useable. Nothing terrible, just inconvenient.

I gave up on the idea and think Ill just build a bumper. lol.

[Full_Throttle]

Since I am really thinking and planning at this point, I figured I should also consider what is really my FIRST choice, and that is the factory option that was available over seas. If I could just get my hands on this, I have no problem making the necessary support for it. I love the look of it,and it goes with the factory look that I still have on the rear. I just don't know where to get one.

anyone know how to get the tire carrier and the latch without buying the entire rear hatch?

[MountainBiker]

Originally Posted by Full_Throttle

I really like this hitch mod! I've been looking at doing the same thing, perhaps tucking the receiver even higher up, with a cutout in the stock bumper.

I can't say I have any good ideas on your tire carrier project, but I look forward to seeing the result!

[Full_Throttle]

It's a funny thing being on Vicodin with lots of time on your hands......

After reading and looking and searching I may just have to go and build my own rear bumper!! Maybe it is the drugs talking, but after looking at my plan to just "add" a tire carrier onto the factory bumper, while I know it will work, I just don't think I will like the look of the carrier itself being on the "outside" of the bumper itself. I like the look of the tire tucked up against the body and above the bumper. This leaves just two choices...Build a bumper or do the over seas "factory" mod.

Hmmmmmm....... I sure do like the looks of the new rear bumper that outdoor logic is making....isn't imitation the greatest form of flattery??

[KidVermicious]

Second gens have a factory tire carrier, is the body shape close enough that you could adapt those mounts for your use?

[Full_Throttle]

Originally Posted by KidVermicious

Second gens have a factory tire carrier, is the body shape close enough that you could adapt those mounts for your use?

The hatch is different enough that it is not a great fit. I have found a guy in England who has three of the 96-02 hilux surf tire carriers and he is going to get me a shipping quote. I figure I can find a couple of people on here who want to do something similar and share shipping costs...

[DemonSpeedn]

Originally Posted by Full_Throttle

The hatch is different enough that it is not a great fit. I have found a guy in England who has three of the 96-02 hilux surf tire carriers and he is going to get me a shipping quote. I figure I can find a couple of people on here who want to do something similar and share shipping costs...

Any word on these, yeah I know it's been a few months but curious about the tire carrier, I want one too.

[Full_Throttle]

Originally Posted by DemonSpeedn

Any word on these, yeah I know it's been a few months but curious about the tire carrier, I want one too.

It all fell through....
Honestly, I seem to change my mind every other day. My old cheep welder finally gave up the ghost and I bought myself a better welder so I may just take up the challenge of building my own rear bumper/tire carrier. The factory bumper is a joke, and mine has seen better days already.

[DemonSpeedn]

Yep looks like i'll be leaning that way myself