Hitchgate™ tire carrier

[spartanrun2015]

Ok I'm seriously looking at getting this tire carrier installed on my truck, what can everyone tell me about it, I haven't heard anything negative about it from looking online at this point. Would I have to get my suspension upgrade to carry it or can the stock suspension work with it still? I'm also thinking about putting Jerry cans and also my Hi Lift bar on as well, would this carrier work to do all that if need be? Also dose the place in Santa Ann install it for you and if so what would it cost to do that if anyone remebers? How could it help if hit from behind as well?
Thank you

 

[calvinv8sr5]

Is there supposed to be a pic?

live action!!

 

[90goldtsiawd]

Here's info and pics on them: Tire Gate Hitch Gate Spare Tire Carrier - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine.

 

[spartanrun2015]

I ask Because

Well I'm getting a custom built trailer thats going to weigh about 1,500 pounds I have the V8 SRB 4Runner and I'm thinking about getting this tire carrier to complete my set up for off road adventures. I guess the biggest question will be do I need to upgrade my shocks from the stock ones and would I max out the hitch carrying all of this weight? I just want to make sure before jumping in and buying the tire carrier at this time. Thank you.

 

[MACT4R]

Well I'm getting a custom built trailer thats going to weigh about 1,500 pounds I have the V8 SRB 4Runner and I'm thinking about getting this tire carrier to complete my set up for off road adventures. I guess the biggest question will be do I need to upgrade my shocks from the stock ones and would I max out the hitch carrying all of this weight? I just want to make sure before jumping in and buying the tire carrier at this time. Thank you.

A member I wheel with has one of these and looks great. He's upgrading the rear with bilstein (already installed) and all pro 3.5 rear springs. It's heavy which requires you to upgrade all rear suspension, shocks and struts. If not, you'll have a reverse rake. The weight tends to shift side to side, tire gate/hitch connection requires reinforcement for stability. In regards to the trailer, if you don't have the class 3 hitch, you can still tow up to 5K, I think. If you have the class 3 hit, you can tow up to 7200# with V8. Hope this helps. Oh, Tacomaworld has a Wilco tire hitch gate feeler group buy if you decide to buy.

 

[spartanrun2015]

A member I wheel with has one of these and looks great. He's upgrading the rear with bilstein (already installed) and all pro 3.5 rear springs. It's heavy which requires you to upgrade all rear suspension, shocks and struts. If not, you'll have a reverse rake. The weight tends to shift side to side, tire gate/hitch connection requires reinforcement for stability. In regards to the trailer, if you don't have the class 3 hitch, you can still tow up to 5K, I think. If you have the class 3 hit, you can tow up to 7200# with V8. Hope this helps.

Yes it dose thank you for your help so in other worlds upgrade the shocks before going with this carrier..

 

[spartanrun2015]

A member I wheel with has one of these and looks great. He's upgrading the rear with bilstein (already installed) and all pro 3.5 rear springs. It's heavy which requires you to upgrade all rear suspension, shocks and struts. If not, you'll have a reverse rake. The weight tends to shift side to side, tire gate/hitch connection requires reinforcement for stability. In regards to the trailer, if you don't have the class 3 hitch, you can still tow up to 5K, I think. If you have the class 3 hit, you can tow up to 7200# with V8. Hope this helps. Oh, Tacomaworld has a Wilco tire hitch gate feeler group buy if you decide to buy.

tire gate/hitch connection requires reinforcement for stability How would you do that anyway?

 

[MACT4R]

tire gate/hitch connection requires reinforcement for stability How would you do that anyway?

Yes, upgrade shocks and springs. You need a heavy spring to carry the weight to minimize rear sag. All pro 3.5 rear spring for example is about 15% stronger than stock springs and there's others out there that has higher load. If you go to Tacomaworld, under group buys Wilco hitch gate, there's a picture of the accessories they sell. It's called the wobble free hitch extension.

Wobble Free Hitch Extension - WilcoOffroad.comWilcoOffroad.com

 

[HiVel-JR]

Hang on.... I just bought one of these. You do not need the wobble free device. It comes with the hitch gate.

Call WILCO, they will talk to you and answer your questions. Like do i need a center mount or an offset mount for my spare....

 

[HiVel-JR]

There is a back order on them as well so it will take a few weeks.

I will get more pics of mine, but they are worth it. And you can tow your trailer no problem.

Seriously call them, they will answer all your concerns and questions. Plus it is easier to order it over the phone.
CALL: 877-945-2684

You will want to replace your springs in the rear as well.

Lastly it should not require an install, if you can put your hitch into your receiver, you can install this tire carrier.
As for your suspension, depending on how good you are with tools, you could install your lift as well.

 

[HiVel-JR]

There is a bolt that gets tightened down that forces that anti-wobble lever to tighten up in your existing hitch. See pics. (Also see the Install PDF from WILCO's website.)

 

[steveni70]

This looks like a great option, does anyone know what it does to the departure angle?

 

[HiVel-JR]

This looks like a great option, does anyone know what it does to the departure angle?

I did not have any issues with it a few weeks ago on my trail ride. It appears to be built up high enough on the hitch and in line with the angle of the rear bumper.

It can also be removed in a matter of minutes if the trail gets too steep.

 

[ewxlt66]

This looks like a great option, does anyone know what it does to the departure angle?

Not sure if this has been answered yet but it doesn't go any lower than your existing hitch...it simply extends out a couple inches from there. The support arms begin to extend upwards immediately.

It would take pretty severe crawling to being making clearance an issue.

 

[J053619]

This looks good, but unless i'm missing something, why is it so expensive?

KunckleBone offers something similar for about 1/2 the price.
KnuckleBone

Or if you want to DIY, here's another option
DIY Tire Carrier

 

[HiVel-JR]

This looks good, but unless i'm missing something, why is it so expensive?

KunckleBone offers something similar for about 1/2 the price.
KnuckleBone

Or if you want to DIY, here's another option
DIY Tire Carrier

You do get what you pay for with this carrier. it is expensive, but the metal and the fab is top notch. Built like a tank. It beats paying 2k for a rear bumper with a tire carrier from some other companies.

 

[Inv4drZm]

So how does the latching system on this carrier work? Looks like it is just a pin? I built mine similarly but mine clanks around even with seemingly-little play.

 

[HiVel-JR]

So how does the latching system on this carrier work? Looks like it is just a pin? I built mine similarly but mine clanks around even with seemingly-little play.

It actually does not move around at all. WILCO put these little rubber cylinder shaped bumpers on the main bar and in the pin holder hole. When you close the arm it creates enough resistance to prevent clanking.

 

[HiVel-JR]

 

[ewxlt66]

This looks good, but unless i'm missing something, why is it so expensive?

You get a lot for the money and get an unmatched product.

The Hitchgate fully swings out of the way of the vehicle and supports the weight of the tire wheel without the user having to. This means, wives, g/fs and children can still access the back of the vehicle without hating the driver. :dance:

The Hitchgate supplies a secondary hitch that allows towing a max of 7,500lbs and up to 750lbs of tongue weight and has been SAE rated.

The Hitchgate comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.

The Hitchgate doesn't move, wobble, bounce etc...it virtually becomes part of the vehicle.

The Hitchgate can also (with optional equip) carry up to 10 gallons of fuel in 2 Jerry Cans and also a Hi-Lift Jack.

Made in America ain't cheap either. =D