Mounting Spare on Roof Rack

[PlainWhiteXJ]

Another problem with the hitch mount tire carrier...

That carrier will not fit snuggly into the hitch, and everytime your truck shifts, or you hit a bump, that carrier is going to move. I can only imagine the noise that it will make driving down the highway with the metal hitch rubbing and hitting the metal carrier, especially with a heavy tire mounted to it!

It may not be really loud, but it will be constant, and I, for one, couldn't live with that.

Tried to mount a 32/11.50-15 on the back of a 73 Blazer with a popup camper this way (stuck in the reciever hitch)- the tube rattles bad and the sway of a heavy tire is at least 1/2" side to side. Tried to bolt the spare mount to the reciever frame with two 3/8" bolts - less rattle but still big sway. Used 2 x 2 x 1/4 A500 steel tube with gussets at joints. Mount weighed maybe 35 #. Ratchet strap to tension fixed most sway, but big, hinged, purpose built carrier sounds better. Never tried one to be sure.

 

[VincentH]

Well I guess that answers the receiver hitch question. I still think if someone was a good fabricator they could make it work soundly...just takes a little engenuity.

 

[rokbrkr]

Owners manual states that you can put 200 lbs up there but I sure dont think I'd want to.

I'm curious why I never see anyone making a receiver hitch style rear tire carrier?? It would be very simple to weld one up using some square tubing and a couple of bends here and there.

It would certainly be very stout... you could make it rattle free by snugging it down with something externally.

I suppose then if a person had to tow something they could just place the spare inside temporarily....heck, I think I just talked myself into my next project!!

I made a fold down one for my 4 runner and hated it the whole time, I had the high lift and lug wrench mounted to it also, it made for a very heavy and usually dirty chore to open and close the end gate, also robbed alot of departure angle, my 2 cents.