Bolt on rear tire carrier

[DavisTN]

I've been driving since 2011 without a spare in the car, and I've luckily never needed one. The stock thing was busted or missing parts when I got the car, but I just now got around to making a solution. Not trail tested yet, but seems to do just fine around the screets. Required minimal destruction of the rear bumper cover and uses only factory mounting points. Thought I'd share since I think it's cool, but also looking for feedback or criticism that could give me better ideas.

 

[Inv4drZm]

How does the hinge attach to the bumper crossmember?

Pics in the sunlight might help.

 

[Offcamber]

Interesting design. I'd also be interested in seeing clearer pictures.

 

[DavisTN]

How does the hinge attach to the bumper crossmember?

Pics in the sunlight might help.

Trying to get all packed up for the move, but here's what I have on the phone. Uses two M12 bolts to attach to tow point on frame bottom, one M10 on the side, two M16 bolts and 1/2" plate to mount at top, and went ahead and drilled 4 holes in face(?) of bumper support to add 4 more M10 bolts for good measure. The latch/lock piece bolts into place via the two top and two underside M12 bolts on the factory receiver mount.

 

[Angry_shoe]

For what it is worth, I would buy something like that if it was on the market.

For added strength, you could use the bolt holes on the other side.

 

[JD914]

What is going on with the hitch? It looks like the carrier covers where the V6 hitch would be, and then is somehow attached to a V8 hitch location?
I'm wondering if this could be designed to maintain the use of either hitch.


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[DavisTN]

What is going on with the hitch? It looks like the carrier covers where the V6 hitch would be, and then is somehow attached to a V8 hitch location?
I'm wondering if this could be designed to maintain the use of either hitch.


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Sorry it took me so long to respond...

I made a plate that bolts to the bumper using the top two/two underbody mounting bolts for the factory "V8 receiver". Looking back at the pictures that I used, it is a little hard to tell what's going on. The receiver is not blocked at all, and it seems to be holding up just fine after +/- 8,000 miles of roads/trails out here in CO. I have used the platform several times to stand on to load things on the roof, and it feels solid as a rock. I may change up the locking situation once I get a shop area set up out here, but it's doing what it was intended to do.

Anyone thinking about a rear tire carrier - I wouldn't suggest it if you're constantly in/out of your rear gate... I didn't realize how often I opened up the hatch until I put this thing on. Not that big of a PITA, but enough to make me try and squeeze things through the window before committing to opening

 

[DavisTN]

For what it is worth, I would buy something like that if it was on the market.

For added strength, you could use the bolt holes on the other side.

"the bolt holes on the other side." - Which bolt holes are you referencing? The carrier hinge mounts on the passenger side and terminates/latches at the center (the receiver). I considered making it with dual swing arms, but I decided to go with one and offset the tire to allow more opening clearance.

If I ever start pumping these out (unlikely), I'll make sure to let you know the price!

 

[Angry_shoe]

There are 8 bolt holes in the frame.

Plus the 6 used on the smaller v6 bumper mount hitch

If you ran a support across, it would add to the strength a bit. I was thinking something that you could make it look a bit like the hitch mounts already on the marked.

It looks good.

 

[DavisTN]

There are 8 bolt holes in the frame.

Plus the 6 used on the smaller v6 bumper mount hitch

If you ran a support across, it would add to the strength a bit. I was thinking something that you could make it look a bit like the hitch mounts already on the marked.

It looks good.

I have the V8, and it uses... has... what you're calling the smaller V6 bumper mount hitch. From what I've seen (and since your photo above is on a Lexus - presumably a GX470/460) the "smaller" receiver is for the V8 cars. At any rate, I agree that one solid piece bolted on would be stronger. I wanted to make a full bolt on bumper to completely eliminate the plastic bumper. Had the metal. Didn't have the time. Somebody got LOTS of 3/16" diamond plate for free when I moved... like 65-70 square feet of it.

 

[DavisTN]

Found this picture that I took of the latch plate. Probably makes more sense than my explanation above.

 

[DavisTN]

Latch

Should show up now...