DIY hitch-mount swing out bike/tire/accessory carrier ...

[wquiles]

I been wanting to make something like this:

or this one:

But I also wanted to make something stronger enough that could be used to carry a heavy spare tire as well, like this one:

So I spent months looking at videos, photos of about 10 different options, including some DIY designs, trying to come up with a version that had the features I wanted for my Toyota 4Runner. I actually started thinking about this project in late Summer, early fall of 2021, so it has been almost a year since I had the original idea for this project.

 

[wquiles]

Completed weight came to between 52 and 53 pounds:

The accessory mount can hold these of course:

and in the future I plan on completing the mount for the spare tire, along with a way to bolt it in place:

 

[wquiles]

Photos of closed position:

photo in the open position:

 

[wquiles]

Short videos:

1 - opening the swing out arm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPnc8wEe8QU


2 - good clearance with the gate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBkFZHpZW6A


3 - opening and closing (yes, the moving arm is tilted up, which was on purpose to counter the bikes' weight):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ4ObSgdkKo



I initially thought about doing this summer of 2021, so today is July 2022, and I am finally done!

Total cost was about $250 for parts, primer, paint, supplies, etc.. - still a lot less than the $1500 for the top-of-the-line model, and I would argue mine is probably strong enough.

I have a little to tweak, and touch-up paint in a few places, but I am pretty much done for now

 

[johnnygraphic]

Congrats!! Looks good. I’m about to embark into n a similar project. No need for a tire carrier for me, but primary use will be for gas and propane (maybe).


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[wquiles]

Congrats!! Looks good. I’m about to embark into n a similar project. No need for a tire carrier for me, but primary use will be for gas and propane (maybe).


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Thank you for your kind words, and I hope my project can help with ideas for yours

 

[wquiles]

Finished adding the SS wire to hold the safety pin:

 

[johnnygraphic]

Just ordered a hinge and latch for my upcoming hitch mounted gas can holder. No need for a spare tire carrier at the moment. A good buddy is doing the fabrication/welding etc. I'll be lending a helping hand and doing the beer runs.

 

[johnnygraphic]

The project is finally starting to take shape. Got the hinge and the latch delivered about a week ago, had the hitch test mounted and fab’d the first few pieces and welded the hinge backing plate and put a coat of paint on it. Next comes the swing out arm and the gas can carrier bit.


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[JaSC1]

The project is finally starting to take shape. Got the hinge and the latch delivered about a week ago, had the hitch test mounted and fab’d the first few pieces and welded the hinge backing plate and put a coat of paint on it. Next comes the swing out arm and the gas can carrier bit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Where did you get the hinge?

 

[johnnygraphic]

Where did you get the hinge?

I got it from 4X Innovations. It is quite beefy!

Swing Out Tire Carrier Hinge Assembly

The pics on their website don't really do it much justice. I can't really post pics for some reason. The turnaround was a little over a week after I ordered it to my door.

 

[wquiles]

FYI, for anyone following my thread on this build - I sold the 4Runner and have this hitch-mount accessory now for sale.

Please PM if interested. Link:
FS: DIY swing out bike & tire carrier - Plano TX

This has been sold!