Hitch mounted tire carriers

[Big B]

Kind of a long review on a Wilco Hitchgate. Enjoy!

Hitchgate™ Offset | WilcoOffroad.com

Ive owned a wilco hitchgate for two seasons now (discontinued but they still make the hitchgate offset model). My requirements were something to give me access to my spare on the trail, carry trash & still maintain a bike rack. I went with a hitch mounted instead of full bumper because it had to be removable for winter / ski season. I didn't want to deal with the weight and lift gate access during winter especially if the swing-out or pins were to freeze in place.

Overall a great product and I really like the full width lower bar here as opposed to most swingouts that only cover the passenger side. Ive had bad luck with oblivious drivers in Denver so I see this as "urban armor" from rear-end accidents. I hope that it scares drivers behind me from tailgating. Combined with a Yakima Spareride (SpareRide Yakima) and a trasharoo (mounted backwards) It checked everything on my list. Yes its big, bulky, adds length to the vehicle but functionally it is perfect for my use. See some picks at bottom.




Wedge Lock stops the wobble & knock.
Gives plenty of clearance for accessories mounted behind tire.
Swings out to allow liftgate access?
Relocate kits are available but if you rely on the backup camera then thats your problem.
Reducing departure is fair. Im no rock crawler but have not had any issues.
Looks again is your problem. Its highly functional and I like the rugged look of it.

looks like with some quick chopsaw work, you could make that thing a coupla inches tighter to the bumper :thumb3:

 

[TheWraith]

Wobbly
Sticks out too far
Interferes with liftgate
Interferes with rear camera
Kills departure
Looks stupid

I hit the swing out once while on John Bull ...right where I was climbing the gate keeper.

Sticks out too far = not really; it can be adjusted. I have mine adjusted to the closest adjustment.

Interferes with the lift gate = so does every full bumper on the market with a swing out.

Interferes with rear camera = so does every bumper with a swing out. Thats why they have relocation kits. Here's mine with a modified relocation kit.

Looks stupid = thats your opinion and luckily. We all have freedom of choice and freedom of opinions.

 

[El Dusty]

looks like with some quick chopsaw work, you could make that thing a coupla inches tighter to the bumper :thumb3:

I had considered trying to shorten mine. The only issue is when you shorten the tube you also need to cut the tube at a 45° angle (see the zinc plated piece in the link below) to give the wedge a good surface to contact. I unfortunately dont have the fab skills for this...

Wobble Free Hitch Extension | WilcoOffroad.com

In the end I like the extra space between the hatch and tire. My trasharoo (when full) takes up this space perfectly. Maybe next season Ill take it to a shop to have done when Im not camping as much. :cheers:

 

[rageandlove]

I'm confused.

There seem to be TWO companies named Rigid making spare tire hitch-mounted carriers.

RIGd - theirs is $1,200 for a swing-out.

Rigid (Armor) - they have a swing-out for $960 and a drop-down for $460.

I think you guys are talking about the latter company, correct?

 

[LA260]

I've ordered the DOM swingout. Should have it in couple of months.

Sent from my moto g(7) plus using Tapatalk

 

[scrap metal]

Let's add another one to the list!
Trail Swing by Dirtcom Inc.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]www.dirtcomusa.com[/COLOR]
This is from Dirtcom Inc built with 1.5" x .120 wall chromoly tubing with 3/16" steel plate for added strength and multiple places to mount accessories. Rotopax will bolt directly to the vertical plate.
The tow hitch receiver is lifted up higher to help with departure angle. Also the entire arm sits up pretty high on the 5th gen. I will be posting a more detailed thread soon with discounted prices for you guys here. If anyone is in the SoCal (IE) area and would be willing to let us mount one on your 5th gen for a few pics, it would be greatly appreciated and we'll make it worth wile. In the meantime here's a video link First Look! Dirtcom Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier! - YouTube

Limited Spare Wheel Mounted. We are looking for SR5 or TRD for pictures!

35x12.5x17 Tire

35x12.5x17 Tire

 

[youngwas]

【44】Swing-Out Rear Tire Carrier Hitch Off-Road | Install | 5th Gen 4Runner Mod [4K]

I bought a Detours of Maine rear hitch tire carrier. I like this one because the tire is angle mounted and it's close to the rear body of my 4runner. Other brands are so far away from the body that it's ugly imo. anyways, I made a video of the tire carrier.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TJBlhIVW-Yk" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[mteolus]

【44】Swing-Out Rear Tire Carrier Hitch Off-Road | Install | 5th Gen 4Runner Mod [4K]

I bought a Detours of Maine rear hitch tire carrier. I like this one because the tire is angle mounted and it's close to the rear body of my 4runner. Other brands are so far away from the body that it's ugly imo. anyways, I made a video of the tire carrier.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TJBlhIVW-Yk" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You ever had any issues with the Rotopax leaking since you have it mounted flat?

I do like the positioning on the Detour's of Maine. But yea, kind of a hassle to get it powder coated. I guess you have to take all the parts off and then get everything power coated.

I also checked out the dirtco one and looks pretty sweet. I like how you can mount a Rotopax to it as well. I assume you can push the tire in more towards the bumper if you do not mount a Rotopax on it?

YouTube video of the Dirtcom one. The more I look the more I like. $1100

 

[youngwas]

You ever had any issues with the Rotopax leaking since you have it mounted flat?

I do like the positioning on the Detour's of Maine. But yea, kind of a hassle to get it powder coated. I guess you have to take all the parts off and then get everything power coated.

I also checked out the dirtco one and looks pretty sweet. I like how you can mount a Rotopax to it as well. I assume you can push the tire in more towards the bumper if you do not mount a Rotopax on it?

YouTube video of the Dirtcom one. The more I look the more I like. $1100

No issues with rotopax. I only fill it up when I go off-roading so it doesn’t wear down as much.
I like my detours of Maine tire carrier. Lots of other options for different needs. Mine has a similar tire profile look as the CBI dual hatch metal bumper(angled tire mount).

 

[scrap metal]

I also checked out the dirtcom one and looks pretty sweet. I like how you can mount a Rotopax to it as well. I assume you can push the tire in more towards the bumper if you do not mount a Rotopax on it?

YouTube video of the Dirtcom one. The more I look the more I like. $1100

We were conservative in our initial clearance measurements with the one currently pictured. Now that we have real world tests we were able to add another hitch pin hole to move the entire assembly 1" closer to the bumper on the 4runners. It will look closer to the bumper like it is on the 3rd Gen Tacoma pictured on the website Offroad Automotive Parts and Design
– Dirtcom Inc.

Yes it, will still be able to fit the popular 2 gallon and 4 gallon rotopax.

Let me know if you have any more questions! Group buy will be posted soon!

 

[mrblah]

if only there was a tire carrier that fit a tire + 1 or 2 jerry cans (not rotopax), that would be daaaa shizznit

 

[El Dusty]

if only there was a tire carrier that fit a tire + 1 or 2 jerry cans (not rotopax), that would be daaaa shizznit

Wilco has had this for multiple versions of their hitchgate setup.

Hitchgate Dual Jerry Can Mount | WilcoOffroad.com

 

[Toyota.ARK]

Love it. I considered the others as well and narrowed it down to Rigd vs Detours of Maine. The Rigd unit comes assembled, powdercoated, and accessories are easily added. The DOM unit is cheaper, but comes raw steel. It sits a little closer to the truck which I like and slightly better departure angle for offroading. Overall I decided to go with the Rigd unit because after powdercoating the DOM unit the price difference is little. I also like that I can mount my accessories easier with it. Quality piece.

I'm diggin your setup, what did you do about lighting and camera situation?

 

[Offroad Architect]

Let's add another one to the list!
Trail Swing by Dirtcom Inc.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]www.dirtcomusa.com[/COLOR]
This is from Dirtcom Inc built with 1.5" x .120 wall chromoly tubing with 3/16" steel plate for added strength and multiple places to mount accessories. Rotopax will bolt directly to the vertical plate.
The tow hitch receiver is lifted up higher to help with departure angle. Also the entire arm sits up pretty high on the 5th gen. I will be posting a more detailed thread soon with discounted prices for you guys here. If anyone is in the SoCal (IE) area and would be willing to let us mount one on your 5th gen for a few pics, it would be greatly appreciated and we'll make it worth wile. In the meantime here's a video link First Look! Dirtcom Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier! - YouTube

Limited Spare Wheel Mounted. We are looking for SR5 or TRD for pictures!

35x12.5x17 Tire

35x12.5x17 Tire

I'm really liking how the options are playing out with this one. I sent out an email for ordering information.

 

[Offroad Architect]

As a follow-up to the Dirtcom Hitch Swing Tire Carrier, I reached out to the distributor for pricing. This is the price quote for just the Standard Size Trail Swing that is the offered model for a 5th gen 4Runner:

"Standard Size Trail Swing (DCTS10-1) $1750
Free set of locking lug nuts included."

It looks like a really nice product. But, at that price point, it's hard for me not to just go ahead and consider a bumper replacement with a tire carrier.

 

[Doza615]

As a follow-up to the Dirtcom Hitch Swing Tire Carrier, I reached out to the distributor for pricing. This is the price quote for just the Standard Size Trail Swing that is the offered model for a 5th gen 4Runner:

"Standard Size Trail Swing (DCTS10-1) $1750
Free set of locking lug nuts included."

It looks like a really nice product. But, at that price point, it's hard for me not to just go ahead and consider a bumper replacement with a tire carrier.

I think they have 200 dollars off. Still kinda pricey. But it looks like you get all the extra stuff other manufacturers make ya buy.

 

[Motory]

As a follow-up to the Dirtcom Hitch Swing Tire Carrier, I reached out to the distributor for pricing. This is the price quote for just the Standard Size Trail Swing that is the offered model for a 5th gen 4Runner:

"Standard Size Trail Swing (DCTS10-1) $1750
Free set of locking lug nuts included."

It looks like a really nice product. But, at that price point, it's hard for me not to just go ahead and consider a bumper replacement with a tire carrier.

Holy crap that's absurd. I paid $667 shipped for my Detours of Maine two years ago and I thought that was expensive. Welded on a $40 Amazon Hi Lift carrier, spray painted it for $20 and have had zero problems or maintenance needed in the last 2 years. There is no reason a hitch mounted carrier like this should cost nearly the same amount as a full sized metal bumper.

 

[daytonaviolet]

Holy crap that's absurd. I paid $667 shipped for my Detours of Maine two years ago and I thought that was expensive. Welded on a $40 Amazon Hi Lift carrier, spray painted it for $20 and have had zero problems or maintenance needed in the last 2 years. There is no reason a hitch mounted carrier like this should cost nearly the same amount as a full sized metal bumper.

Totally agreed. I’m 8 weeks into my DOM RidgeRunner order.

 

[RedEarth]

Have any of you guys had issues with the DtM carrier anti wobble device getting loose?

Mine wobbles around like crazy now and ended up stripping the hex key it came with trying to retighten the anti wobble device…

Damn thing doesn’t sit level either when you open it nor can you easily mount a table to it

Bunch of other issues too. Going to put the Wilco back on and toss the DtM in the dumpster if there’s no other way to fix it

 

[HighLighter]

Wobbly
Sticks out too far
Interferes with liftgate
Interferes with rear camera
Kills departure
Looks stupid

What option do you like?