Hitch mounted tire carrier

[Seanz0rz]

tubing is 2 x 2 x 3/16




using a 3/4 inch grade 8 bolt. the metal will fail far before that bolt will...

going to try and get the release pin part completed tonight, and the tire arm done tomorrow. im going to pick up some wheel studs and carefully drill the plate and push the studs in.

[2ndGen]

is it gonna open side ways or vertical?

i used a 3/8 bolt with metal sleeve cut to the full width of tubing and just a hair longer, a.) the bolt thread is protected by the sleeve, b.) when button down the bolt, the slightly longer sleeve works as a spacer so the joint won't be locked down solid.

[Seanz0rz]

it will fold down, just like yours. im kind of using yours as a very rough template.

got the mount to secure it vertically. will drill the hole tomorrow. im unable to get tubing at the moment, this tubing i already had around, just had to buy the bolt. i will probably sleeve it at a later date, and i have a good idea of how im going to do that.

im off to go get some wheel studs to press in tomorrow. the bottom half is done, top will be finished tomorrow! im trying to get that stupid full size spare out of my truck, im sick of smelling tire, and it just gets worse as the temp goes up.

[Seanz0rz]

so this is as far as i got tonight:



the horizontal pieces will be cut flush with the tube that holds the tire.


between the two vertical tubes, there will be a rubber pad to help reduce vibration.


this is as far as it extends down. ill be making a more substantial stop for it.


ill be welding a plate to the top of the short riser as a step, cover it in friction tape. got my studs, so ill be working on the tire mount tomorrow.

[Scuba]

Ermm, What is it JKJK

Ill wait till it comes together more, Looks nice for the moment though..

[2ndGen]

your welds are lot better. i can see you have a lot of grinding work to do when the welding is done.

[Seanz0rz]

pics are kinda light, been more worried about doing it, and doing it right, than taking pics as i go.





got the studs pressed in, half inch hole and a dremel to widen them out a bit worked perfectly. center of the tire is about even with the "4runner" badge on the license plate recess.

as for the welds, just looking for massive penetration and strength. i dont care too much if they are pretty or not!

should be "finished" with the fab work today.

[corax]

i will probably sleeve it at a later date, and i have a good idea of how im going to do that.

http://www.diy4x.com/suspension.htm

scroll 4/5 of the way down - $13.50 for greasable DOM sleaves with a poly bushing and bolt for the hinge

*edit* never mind, looks like you're already mostly done . . .

[Seanz0rz]

got the gusset done:
[img width=800 height=600]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/tire%20carrier/IMG_0781.jpg[/img]

found out mild steel doesnt like to hold the studs too well, so i tacked em in.
[img width=600 height=800]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/tire%20carrier/IMG_0782.jpg[/img]

heres what i got done earlier this morning on the receiver piece. rounded the corners:
[img width=800 height=600]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/tire%20carrier/IMG_0777.jpg[/img]
[img width=800 height=600]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/tire%20carrier/IMG_0778.jpg[/img]

do you think i should weld in these spots along the tube?
[img width=600 height=800]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/tire%20carrier/IMG_0780.jpg[/img]

waiting for it to cool so i can mount it on the tire, and mock up a 3rd stud. i mocked it up on the truck earlier, DAMN she looks good!!!

[04 Rocko Taco]

I would at least put a little 1" bead in the center of the area where the horizontal channels meet the vertical tube, but I wouldnt say you need to fully weld that side...