I made my own hitch mount spare tire carrier.

[ctnewman]

As promised yesterday, I got the wheel holders all welded up.

Flux core is very satisfying to weld with. I reverse crowned the stainless wheel plates before welding on them to combat distortion. When cooled the plates were perfectly flat. You will notice I didn't wrap the weld around the gusset. What isn't shown here is that I actually TIG welded the end of the welds in those areas to ensure clearance for the stud head.

Here are all the arms done. Still need the secondary latch added (one is tacked on here) and the license plate bungs on the centered arms.

I had to order the new secondary latch lock plates from the laser shop, so it will be a few days before I weld those on to the lower arms. I think my next move will be to get the receivers welded on. I'll probably use my own truck for mockup/fitup purposes.

 

[Saker]

[MENTION=602811]ctnewman[/MENTION]

It is satisfying to see raw metal being worked to create a quality product. To see the welds and understand the process as well. Most times (unless you order bare) products are powder coated and you never see this stage.

Thanks again, they look good and are coming along fine !

 

[Ferd_4R]

What a beautiful piece!! True masterpiece!!!
Can’t wait to rock that on my rig.


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[Pirate-Burt]

This is phenomenal. Nice job!


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[Saker]

Progress is still happening on the builds!!!
Saw stuff but will wait on photos.
>>> Thanks [MENTION=602811]ctnewman[/MENTION]

 

[ctnewman]

Hi guys. Been a minute. Here are some updates:

Got the camera mounts welded up with a camera test fit in there. These mount in the center of the spare tire, so on the offset version your camera will be 7 or so inches off center, but it shouldn't be a problem.

All the receivers are drilled for the new 3 plane locking system, and some of the locking components are welded up as well. These parts are fully tig welded.

Next I got all of the lower arms welded to the receivers. I did the mockup on my own vehicle to ensure everything fits well. Also in the pictures you will note that the female part of the receiver protrudes a lot less than it does on my early prototype. Much better looking. The second picture is the unit for [MENTION=103267]Saker[/MENTION].

Lastly, I was able to do a test of the new secondary latch system I mentioned earlier. It works great and performs exactly as expected.

Things left to do:

1) weld on secondary latch plates and spring plungers
2) fully weld striker tabs on lower arms
3) weld on license plate brackets and bungs
4) weld on zip tie tabs for camera/license plate light wiring
5) powdercoat, press in wheel studs and ship!

I am hoping to get at least the first 3 items done this week.

 

[Saker]

Hi guys. Been a minute. Here are some updates:

Got the camera mounts welded up with a camera test fit in there. These mount in the center of the spare tire, so on the offset version your camera will be 7 or so inches off center, but it shouldn't be a problem.

All the receivers are drilled for the new 3 plane locking system, and some of the locking components are welded up as well. These parts are fully tig welded.

Next I got all of the lower arms welded to the receivers. I did the mockup on my own vehicle to ensure everything fits well. Also in the pictures you will note that the female part of the receiver protrudes a lot less than it does on my early prototype. Much better looking. The second picture is the unit for [MENTION=103267]Saker[/MENTION].

Lastly, I was able to do a test of the new secondary latch system I mentioned earlier. It works great and performs exactly as expected.

Things left to do:

1) weld on secondary latch plates and spring plungers
2) fully weld striker tabs on lower arms
3) weld on license plate brackets and bungs
4) weld on zip tie tabs for camera/license plate light wiring
5) powdercoat, press in wheel studs and ship!

I am hoping to get at least the first 3 items done this week.

[MENTION=602811]ctnewman[/MENTION],

Thanks for the progress report.
As usual, your engineering skill are are showing themselves without even trying!

Everyone should see in these photos how well built and how much attention to detail has been thought out on this carrier.
I see you have been doing a lot of the tedious work in the background and now it shines on display.
I see as well the receiver protruding is less! Kudos!

Thanks for the sneak peek on the center carrier, that’s awesome.

Can’t wait to see the next round of progress photos….
You never stop working!

 

[Ferd_4R]

Thanks for the updates!!!
Once again beautiful work.
I got my license plate lights ready to go!!
Can’t wait!! Xmas will come early this year hahah


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[Saker]

Thanks for the updates!!!
Once again beautiful work.
I got my license plate lights ready to go!!
Can’t wait!! Xmas will come early this year hahah


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Same here [MENTION=198722]Ferd_4R[/MENTION],
Got backing plate and lights. Has previously ordered all wire and looming needed to relocate my camera and Lic plate lights. Got waterproof connectors so I can remove the carrier at will (if needed) by disconnecting them near the receiver. That’s going to make it really easy to do.

 

[Ferd_4R]

Same here [MENTION=198722]Ferd_4R[/MENTION],
Got backing plate and lights. Has previously ordered all wire and looming needed to relocate my camera and Lic plate lights. Got waterproof connectors so I can remove the carrier at will (if needed) by disconnecting them near the receiver. That’s going to make it really easy to do.

@%1; I was going to do it myself but I stumbled on the Rigid Supply license plate kit hahah

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[Saker]

@%1; I was going to do it myself but I stumbled on the Rigid Supply license plate kit hahah

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I ordered these:

Oznium Side View LED BoltS
LFPartS Stainless Steel Backing Reinforce Plate for License Plate (12"x6", Black)

 

[ctnewman]

Hey guys,

Almost done fabricating. The three things I wanted to get done this week I was able to. Got license plate mounts done. Got secondary latch plungers and plates done. Got striker plates fully welded.

Still to do:

1) Main latch mount (needs to be cut from 3/8 plate and drilled/tapped for latch bolts)
2) Zip tie tabs (place and weld on)
3) 3rd plane mounting tab for optional extra mount and adjustment (weld on)

Then blast/powdercoat

I have one of each style unclaimed.

Some pics:

 

[Sundy]

Hey guys,

Almost done fabricating. The three things I wanted to get done this week I was able to. Got license plate mounts done. Got secondary latch plungers and plates done. Got striker plates fully welded.

Still to do:

1) Main latch mount (needs to be cut from 3/8 plate and drilled/tapped for latch bolts)
2) Zip tie tabs (place and weld on)
3) 3rd plane mounting tab for optional extra mount and adjustment (weld on)

Then blast/powdercoat

I have one of each style unclaimed.

Some pics:

Sending you a PM

 

[omega3651]

Sent PM for details


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[ctnewman]

Now there is one left unclaimed. Offset style.

 

[Saker]

CTN_Carrier Latching Mechanisms Displayed

 

[granjour]

Sent PM for last offset model

 

[11SR5teve0]

PM sent. Not sure what your price point is, but definitely interested.

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

What is the largest spare that can be conventionally located before these hitches become a necessity?


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[Ferd_4R]

@%1; I hope you got me down for an offset one [emoji1787]


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