Dual Swing-Out Design Pics:
Back View:
Side View:
Open:
Hinge:
Latch:
Sliding Blocks:
I have a ladder on the driver side, but it can be replaced with jerry can holders, etc.
Features:
- The swing-out arms (2.5 x 1.5 x .1875 thick wall rectangular tubing) both open 135 degrees.
- I used plastic blocks to provide a ramp lead-in when closing the arms.
- The plastic blocks also eliminate any metal to metal sliding contact (should be smooth and quiet).
- The hinges are 1.25 inch diameter grade 8 bolts with 2 bronze bushings each in double sheer. (larger than aftermarket versions)
- The swing arms are located up above the bumper as opposed to behind it, offering more protection of the arms, hinges and latch.
- Location for license plate mounting.
- 35 inch spare tire.
- I tried to hide as much hardware (bolts, nuts, etc) as I could for aesthetics.
- The latch is a compression latch, like what is used on some aftermarket swing-outs.
- The latch is set at an angle to clamp both arms in two directions (both down and back).
All aftermarket versions have the latch clamping the swing arm either straight downward, or straight back against the bumper. But this allows a degree of freedom of movement. My design clamps in both directions. Think of it as clamping or wedging the arms tightly into a corner, where there is no movement allowed in any direction. I believe this will eliminate any vibration issues also.
The downside of the dual swing-outs is that I had to add features to clamp the arms up against in the center of the bumper. With the plastic sliding blocks, this got a little bulky in the latching area. I'm currently working on a single swing arm design based on this design also. I think the single arm design will end up much cleaner looking.