Is there a Lightweight or aluminum spare tire carrier

2212 Views 18 Replies 9 Participants Last post by moscar45, Nov 9, 2010

moscar45

Discussion Starter · Nov 7, 2010

Hi guys, I've been looking for the lightest spare carrier combo I can come across. I've searched, googled, etc.--not much out there.

My next rear bumper will be aluminum....I put my big arse on a diet and now the next Jeep will follow suit!

So far I have not found any aluminum swing out carriers...and it doesn't look like a good idea to weld a steel spindle on an aluminum bumper to make a light hybrid setup. I wonder if there are any aluminum carrier spindles out there.

Does anyone know if there is a lightweight simple tube carrier that attaches to the tailgate hinges? I'm open for options-just want to find out if obsessing about the net weight difference between steel and aluminum is worth messing over. I don't have a style preference-just want it to do the job. I've seen the orfab one but it looks pretty heavy. The T&t one may be an option.

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C4

· #2 · Nov 7, 2010

I'm wondering the same thing. I could of sworn that I read two different articles that stated that Gen Right makes their swing down carrier in aluminum but I can't seem to find it on their website. I'm starting to contemplate building my own.

Squatchy07

· #3 · Nov 7, 2010

The thing about aluminum is it's prone to stress fracturing. Especially at welded joints. Where a steel weldment will handle flexural stresses day in and day out without a hitch, aluminum has a tendency to do that for only so long then it cracks.

Not saying it can't or shouldn't be done, but I'm sure this is part of why you don't see them.

KaiserJeep

· #4 · Nov 7, 2010

Of course you can mount up to a 33"x12.50 on the stock tailgate, depending upon the bumper clearance and whether or not you have a body lift. It doesn't get any lighter than zero extra wieght over stock - I've got an LT305/70R16 on my tailgate, and it has been there for 5 years with no problems.

It's not aluminum, but the very lightweight Bestop tire carrier accepts up to a 35" tire and does not attach to the bumper, instead it attaches to one body mount and the right rear sport cage bar. The tailgate and tire carrier swing open togather, real convenient.

How big a spare are you trying to carry?

Phillip

· #5 · Nov 7, 2010

Savvy Offroad is working on a tire carrier. They already have a rear bumper, but not the tire carrier.

They have stated that it will be tub mounted and not bumper mounted. Call Gerald and see how the progress is coming!

sacdaddy03

· #6 · Nov 7, 2010

moscar45 said:
Does anyone know if there is a lightweight simple tube carrier that attaches to the tailgate hinges?

Doesn't the Or-Fab connect to the hinges?

kidmugg

· #7 · Nov 7, 2010

sacdaddy03 said:
moscar45 said:

Does anyone know if there is a lightweight simple tube carrier that attaches to the tailgate hinges?

Click to expand...

Doesn't the Or-Fab connect to the hinges?

Nope, to the body. The tailgate remains connected to the hinges.

moscar45

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 7, 2010

Thanks for the replies. I'll be carrying a 35, or 37.

Phillip-I will call Gerald and see what's up his sleeve. I'm not in a hurry.

Genright has an aluminum carrier out for the JK-that design looks like an aluminum Orfab style, maybe they'll make a TJ variant-but $900...c'mon

Sacdaddy-I've seen and mentioned the Orfab, but look at the thing-its massive. Anyone running that carrier probably chose it for aesthetic reasons not weight savings over the swingout alternative.

I do like bob's design-I wonder what the net weight gain was after removing the factory carrier.

Beau Bo

· #9 · Nov 7, 2010

Phillip said:
Savvy Offroad is working on a tire carrier. They already have a rear bumper, but not the tire carrier.

They have stated that it will be tub mounted and not bumper mounted. Call Gerald and see how the progress is coming!

They have been promising that for a LONG time, I'd be surprised if we ever see it. Don't get me wrong, I like to see it, just think they are working on other things and this doesn't have a high priority...

Phillip

· #10 · Nov 7, 2010

Beau Bo said:
Phillip said:

Savvy Offroad is working on a tire carrier. They already have a rear bumper, but not the tire carrier.

They have stated that it will be tub mounted and not bumper mounted. Call Gerald and see how the progress is coming!

Click to expand...

They have been promising that for a LONG time, I'd be surprised if we ever see it. Don't get me wrong, I like to see it, just think they are working on other things and this doesn't have a high priority...

They just started production in May 2009, and they will clearly admit that a tire carrier is lower on the priority list.

As for me, I hope they hold off on everything until they finish up the Rubicon under-armor system. :laugh: :rotflmao:

bob1340

· #11 · Nov 8, 2010

3

I have never liked the spindle mounted tire swings. I built some hinge replacements and attached my tire to it. This is way over built. I used 2" square, but 1"X2" would probably be just as strong.

Here is one of the tire swings I built many years ago.

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moscar45

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 8, 2010

Hahaha--love the tire swing Bob. I really like your design, and how the gate bolts directly to the carrier.

Do you have an idea on how much it weighs?- that style design out of 1x2 would probably be my best bet. That design coupled with a savvy aluminum bumper is probably the lightest possible combo-do you mind if I use your design for inspiration?

Did you have to disconnect the stock latch?-is it still lockable?

bob1340

· #13 · Nov 8, 2010

moscar45 said:
Hahaha--love the tire swing Bob. I really like your design, and how the gate bolts directly to the carrier.

Do you have an idea on how much it weighs?- that style design out of 1x2 would probably be my best bet. That design coupled with a savvy aluminum bumper is probably the lightest possible combo-do you mind if I use your design for inspiration?

Did you have to disconnect the stock latch?-is it still lockable?

Stock latch/lock still in use, but I added a De-tas-co to keep the pressure off the stock unit. I am guessing with the 2"X2" 3/16 frame it weighs somewhere about 50 lbs? Not sure. Of course I welded it to Rokmen full corners which weigh a ton. But this can be done without the full steel corners. If I built another one I'd probably keep the 2"X2" on the top rail but go to 1/8" thick stuff on the bottom rail to save weight. All in all it may be heavier than a swing set up by 10 lbs or so.

moscar45

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 8, 2010

Wow-at first glance I would have thought it was lighter than a swingout unit. I think my current swingout is roughly 65lbs with the bumper-I'd have to put that design on a diet.

I'm not sure I follow you when you said you welded them to your corners. It looks like the base og the hinge is attached to the tub as it normally would, then your unit is hung in there with pins in the hinge. Do you mean the base of the hinge is welded? Sorry for not following you, I've never disassembled the hinges.

bob1340

· #15 · Nov 8, 2010

4

moscar45 said:
Wow-at first glance I would have thought it was lighter than a swingout unit. I think my current swingout is roughly 65lbs with the bumper-I'd have to put that design on a diet.

I'm not sure I follow you when you said you welded them to your corners. It looks like the base og the hinge is attached to the tub as it normally would, then your unit is hung in there with pins in the hinge. Do you mean the base of the hinge is welded? Sorry for not following you, I've never disassembled the hinges.

This is what the hinges and pins go into. The hinge pin brackets are welded to the corners

No screw around 1" pins. Overkill! 5/8" or 3/4" are plenty.

But for whatever type of deal you build I strongly suggest a "rest" to take the weight and keep from distorting things

I replaced the stock Jeep hinges altogether.

And I could be wrong on the weight. It is still not bad and it also has that weight closer to the Jeep than many of the swing mounts. Perhaps 1"X2"X3/16" for the Horizontals and 2" square X 3/16" for the upright to mount the tire on. You can use a 3/16" plate 6"X16" (Or tub height) to support the hinge end. 3/4" bushings and pins. I doubt it'd weigh 30 lbs and be just as strong as what I have.

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moscar45

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 8, 2010

ah, I understand now. Thanks for the details!

I'd have to make the hinge assembly bolt on since I'll be going with aluminum corners- I'd consider making it out of bent tube also, or the 1x2 like you suggested for some of it.

C4

· #17 · Nov 9, 2010

Squatchy07 said:
The thing about aluminum is it's prone to stress fracturing. Especially at welded joints. Where a steel weldment will handle flexural stresses day in and day out without a hitch, aluminum has a tendency to do that for only so long then it cracks.

Not saying it can't or shouldn't be done, but I'm sure this is part of why you don't see them.

I don't know about that, I think it depends on who builds it. I got two buds in Colorado that each have a front one with a winch sitting on it. They pretty much do nothing but 8 to 10 rated trails and I've never known them to have any issues and I bet their each a decade old. Not mounted on light vehicles either by no means.

C4

· #18 · Nov 9, 2010

moscar45 said:
ah, I understand now. Thanks for the details!

I'd have to make the hinge assembly bolt on since I'll be going with aluminum corners- I'd consider making it out of bent tube also, or the 1x2 like you suggested for some of it.

Why not make it out of aluminum and weld it on?

moscar45

Discussion Starter · #19 · Nov 9, 2010

C4 said:
Why not make it out of aluminum and weld it on?

Probably wouldn't just form a serviceability standpoint. If something gets damaged I wouldn't have to cut he mounts off or fab new ones if they were bolt on. And due to cost also-I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap to have al hinges fabbed.

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