I built a storage box in the cargo area and no longer had room for my spare tire. The boredom sat in and the desire to build something else, I looked around and found some 2x2x1/4" square tube and some 1/4" flat plate. I decide to build a fold down hitch mounted spare tire carrier. In the up position, there's no rattles or wobbles. In the down position there's easy access to lug nuts in case I need to use it. I'll let the final pics do the talking I guess.

 

How did you get it to not rattle? A wedge?

 

(Top right portion in picture) There's a plate that bolts on to snug up the hitch insert. I also welded on a horizontal latch to keep it tight when it's up. Works great.

 

Looks real good man!

 

Looks really cool, awesome build

 

Very good idea having it swing to the side and not back as so many do.


Well Done

 

Nice. I like the latch and pin idea to lock it in the up position. I have an extra hitch mount bike rack I was going to convert. This idea is much better. Someone will be mass producing them soon. Lol

 

Thanks for the positive comments. I'm satisfied with how it turned out. I was expecting to hear more comments on how I should just throw it on the roof rack or to build/buy a bumper with swing out carrier. Waynerd, Maybe I should get a patent put in so those mass producers can give me a cut.

 

wanna sell me one? lol I need this in my life!

 

This is really nice. I've been toying with the idea of something like this and this is the best one I've seen so far.

 

I went the roof rack for a while and a 75# tire covered with mud/snow/ice going back up there gets old fast. I went with a rear mounted bumper one for mine cost was very reasonable at the time $600 shipped. It came with a Hi-Lift, antenna, receiver, d-rings mounts all powder coated. Very HD with tie ins and nut strips included if needed with all new hardware.


To bad not enough people bought his XJ bumpers and no longer in business.

 

That makes good sense!

 

Where can I buy One?

 

It’s a cool idea, and I considered something similar. I couldn’t get my head wrapped around it (the spare) being in the way when standing behind the XJ. I need the area clear behind there for camping/cooking under the hatch when open. Nothing I came up with for a fold-down got the tire out of the way. Ultimately I made my own swing out spare carrier, which will also serve as a table top/work surface when open, as well as carry extra fuel and water.

 

I guess the only way I can get one is either making one myself or having one made?