Hitch Tire Carrier
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Brookfield, WI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.2L bored out 4.0L I6
I just finished building one of these yesterday. I had to buy the tubing at my local scrap yard. Cost me $2.99 a foot, but I was buying the steel for another project. The guy didn't want to make another cut, so I got 8 foot for free. So, all I had to buy for this build was the nuts, bolts, washers and a hitch pin. I'm getting ready to mount my hi-lift to it between the tire and hatch.
I was running with my spare up on the roof and I noticed that after I moved the spare to the rear, I was getting almost 2mpg better. I guess that it was putting up more wind resistance with it on the roof (we already drive a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick). I'm going to run with it on the rear and then try a while back up on the roof to see if it was make that much difference in mpg just out of curiosity. I have noticed that my XJ doesn't sway quite as much since it has moved the center of gravity a little lower.
I was running with my spare up on the roof and I noticed that after I moved the spare to the rear, I was getting almost 2mpg better. I guess that it was putting up more wind resistance with it on the roof (we already drive a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick). I'm going to run with it on the rear and then try a while back up on the roof to see if it was make that much difference in mpg just out of curiosity. I have noticed that my XJ doesn't sway quite as much since it has moved the center of gravity a little lower.
Indeed, I'll have you help me with that later if this really does take off as more then one wants to have me build them one!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 967
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From: Brookfield, WI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.2L bored out 4.0L I6
Originally Posted by xjboy14
where do you buy steel from?
internet or local store?
internet or local store?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 967
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From: Brookfield, WI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.2L bored out 4.0L I6
I'm going to be putting this Hitch tire carrier into production soon and i was wondering who would want one as a consensus of sorts to see the demand for it, here are some pictures;
All made from 1/4" and 3/16" steel, for tires as big as probably 38" with multiple options as to how high it sits on the back of the hatch.
I'm not 100% sure on prices yet, just comment with question and what not, these pictures are only of my first prototype and things will be tweaked for the better!
All made from 1/4" and 3/16" steel, for tires as big as probably 38" with multiple options as to how high it sits on the back of the hatch.
I'm not 100% sure on prices yet, just comment with question and what not, these pictures are only of my first prototype and things will be tweaked for the better!
Last edited by AoA; Jan 17, 2013 at 11:51 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 86
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From: Pennsylvania
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Pretty good idea! I'd be interested in this perhaps! Have you had any issues with movement of the spare when wheeling? I'd be putting a 33" on there, also what all is included with this? Everything to attach it to the existing hitch?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 967
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From: Brookfield, WI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.2L bored out 4.0L I6
Lmao! Those are long gone!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 967
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From: Brookfield, WI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.2L bored out 4.0L I6
