Yeah, for about 5 times the cost.

 

Sheesh!

 

May be a little late for this, but i know a company called HK Offroad is making something very similar for XJ's, basically just a hatch mounted tire carrier - might be worth checking it out... they're using gas struts, same as you, and mounting to hatch.

 

Oh right on. They're literately mounting a spare tire bracket to the hatch - so just using the stock lifts (or possibly stronger one). Mines a little different since it pivots off the rack. I'm trying to keep the hatch out of it all. I may base the lift stuff off the hatch, but it's going to operate differently. Currently working on mounting an independent lift strut for the ladder.

 

I looked at their setup. They replace the lifters on the hatch with much heavier ones. Check out their page for the WJ setup, there is detail there about it. Not a bad option, simplifies daily operation.

 

Oh right on. They did look a little beefier. Again, I would have to tie the ladder into the hatch at the bottom with a linkage. They're pivoting at two different locations up top. The way I have it setup, the hatch is left out of it completely. I realize it adds an extra step, but I just didn't want the movement that compressing the weather seal underneath the hatch would bring in.

 

I've also looked at that setup myself. My thing is, aside from the fact that I have the fiberglass hatch, the mounting points for the struts on the body and hatch itself aren't really all that strong. They're fine for the factory hatch without anything on it, but while I like their design, I think it's really testing the limits of those mounting points.

 

I agree 100%. I would be leery of mounting that setup to my second gen hatch with a large spare and it's steel.... I wouldn't even consider it if I had a first gen. Although I zero experience with a first gen Cherokee hatch.

 

Honestly, I've had ZERO issues with it other than the trim not staying on it... but that's due to the trim clips, not the hatch. I just know the limitations of fiberglass and the limitations of the factory strut mounts... upgrade the mounts and reinforce the hatch and it would probably be fine... but then you'd probably be in it for about as much as it's taken you to do what you've got going on there lol. Your setup would be stronger anyway, so why even tempt fate, ya know?

 

Wow, haven't checked in on this in awhile, it's looking AWESOME.

 

Thanks!

Made a quick video of it latching, but forgot to post it. Obviously before I painted it. Still working on my gas strut mounting.... I've got a plan

Ladder Latching

 

Solid! Great action on that latch.

 

X2 No kidding that is slick as hell!

 

Thanks guys! It honestly turned out better than I had hoped. I really didn't want this thing rattling back there.

 

...and a couple glamour shots just because. Still haven't had the time to knock out the strut mount. Hoping for a little time this weekend.