Removable spare wheel carrier

[mtb_gary]

For those of us who have chosen to keep the rear bumber standard, when using oversized tyres the options for carrying the spare have been either on the roof, which is awkward and bloody heavy to lift up. Or put it in the rear cargo area and lose a lot of luggage space. Whilst trawling the net during lunch (as you do) I came accross these removable wheel carriers from Tiregate called the "Hitchgate" that are manufactured in USA that utilise the tow bar 2" hitch.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

The claim is to be able to carry up to 150lb (around 68kg) in extreme conditions.

Has anyone seen or better still used one of the carriers? They retail for around US$700

Gary

[Hoges]

Great idea! However, the stumbling block is probably the ADR governing the position of tail lights... with the spare wheel in said position tail lights AFAIK need to be in the bumper bar, because apparently we all look at tail lights from an angle at the side of the road and the wheel in the middle might block us seeing both at once. :wasntme: Of course the fact that when driving behind such a vehicle both sets of lights are visible... :bangin:[bigwhistle] need I say more? ?????????

[DT-P38]

There was a dude at the last Wandin 4wd show selling them. From memory he wanted $1,300-$1,400 for the base model.

Some had BBQ's on them!

[33chinacars]

Why didn't I think of that. :idea::idea: Looks good

Gary

[benji]

For 1300-1400 you can get a proper rear bumper. Not much more than that and you can have a dual swing away carrier.

[Keithy P38]

I rekon for $1300 you could probably have one made! Just a matter of finding someone to do it! None of the steel workshops around seem keen for anything custom these days... Who would you use?

[benji]

Unfortunately I don't think any business would be willing to make a custom thing like that, as it involves the towbar = liability.

I'm sure if you made up all the pieces, and swapped beer for welding with a mate it'd be great though.

[Keithy P38]

Yeah, I had considered that. Just need to find a mate who can weld!

[mtb_gary]

I have tracked down a couple of distributors in Aust. Avenger 4x4 and Perth 4x4 here in Perth. It appears the price got somewhat inflated crossing from USA to Aus.

Direct from manufacturer in US (retail)

US$100 for the license plate relocator
US$330 for the dual jerry can holder
US$690 for the base unit

Australian prices:

$1295 for the base unit
$100 for the license plate relocator
$395 for the dual jerry can holder

$500 for shipping sounds rather high for the base unit! :o

[Keithy P38]

Ouch! Better off getting the one from the mob in Melbourne. $1700 is from memory and that's a whole rear bar not just an adaptor to fit your tow bar...

[Robsrod 58]

The mob in Melbourne are not doing them any more according to an email I got from Michael and I'm desperate for a rear wheel carrier.

Other than that silly thing that goes into the tow bar receiver, does anyone no where I could get one made or buy, also has anyone tried to strengthen the existing bar and mount a rear wheel carrier to it . As I said getting desperate!

[glenhendry]

I like this hayman reece mounted carrier because I would like to keep the standard rear bumper.

If you are desperate, and nothing else is materialising, I think a roof rack and basket would be the cheapest readily available option for your spare. It also isnt a waste of money as it will be usable or sellable after you eventually sort out a proper solution on the back?

[Robsrod 58]

Yeh, I know I called it silly but sadly it maybe my only alternative. I already have a rack and Rhino tray on the car and thats where the spare is now, but I'm doing the Simpson and surrounds in June and I'd like to carry 1 complete spare and 1 spare tyre.

With all the gear that you need to carry, even the roof rack will be full.

What I can't understand is if a company is already jigged up to make the bar, why won't they make any number to order as required. Rockrover wont send to Aus and has no plans to.

Anyway is there any one in Sydney who sells the Hitchgate or is it only in WA?


Rob

[mtb_gary]

Rob
Avenger in Melbourne still sell them. I made contact only a few weeks ago at the time of the original post. Apparently with stock on the floor ready to ship (for a price :o).
Gary

[Robsrod 58]

Rob
Avenger in Melbourne still sell them. I made contact only a few weeks ago at the time of the original post. Apparently with stock on the floor ready to ship (for a price :o).
Gary

Thanks Gary, I've just emailed them to see what the damage to my wallet would be.

Rob

[51jay]

I rekon for $1300 you could probably have one made! Just a matter of finding someone to do it! None of the steel workshops around seem keen for anything custom these days... Who would you use?

Outcast offroad, Burleigh Heads 0424705300, Greg loves doing custom steelwork. Does it very nicely too

[Keithy P38]

If only I lived in SE QLD!

[mtb_gary]

Keith, at least you are in the same state!
Gary

[Hoges]

Yep.. Qld... is in a "state" at the moment:D

[benji]

Mmm, when did you recive word from Michael Samootin? I bought one of him just a few months ago.
He does need a number of people to run a batch though.

There is a guy who lives in Bendigo who has a rear wheel carrier that bolts through the origional bumper and welds to the chassus and rear body hanger - very neat. When it bought the car the 'kit' was in the boot. If I can track him down I'll find out where the kit come from and get some photos - would be very easy to make.

So jelous of you doing the Simo; would you be able to do a detailed write up about it?