Defender (Puma) Spare wheel carrier

[SVX37]

Hello all - first post from me. First I would like to say thanks all the people that contribute to this website. Much of the knowledge I have used in deciding which accessories to purchase for my Defender. The question I have is on a single wheel carrier so I can take the weight off the door. My initial thoughts was for a Kaymar - market leader and quality product which has stood the test of time. However, I think I would prefer a wheel carrier that opens at the same time you open the back door. But again, do not want to sacrifice quality. Any recommendations???

[JohnR]

Opposite Lock Carrier. Made in South Affrica

[dmdigital]

The Bearmach one is good and robust. I've got one on each of my Defenders. The Puma's hasn't done a lot of travel yet, but the Tdi's had its share of rough roads and no problems. I also have 2 friends in town with the same carriers and again no problems.

Opposite Lock sell one as well but there's a few posts about failures on this unit. It may have been modified though to overcome this. Someone else can jump in here.

[Sleepy]

G'day SVX37 and welcome :)

Apart from the disadvantage of having to open the carrier to access the back door I am very happy with my Kaymar bar.

I have seen issues with the rear cross member cracking although Kaymar addressed this issue with a backing plate to spread the load.

I have not had any problems with it in 7 years.

[SVX37]

Thanks DM TD5! I too have heard of the problems with the opposite lock model. Do you know who supplies and installs the Bearmach ?

[SVX37]

Thanks Sleepy (or Paul)! I will look into the Bearmach one that dm TD5 spoke of. If that doesn't work out, the Kaymar will do the job. Thanks again!

[dmdigital]

In Melbourne you can get it from Ritter, Rovercraft, Range-Rov and probably others too. Make sure you get the one for the Puma as it has a different rear door bracket to earlier ones and doesn't require the door to be drilled.

[MinniTheMoocha]

I am going to open myself up for some flack but my preference is for a non door attached rear wheel carrier, why you ask?

Because when you reverse into a tree even at a miserly 1km hr (in low range admittedly) the rear door gets pushed in severely. Lucky for me the glass had window tint on it so didn't shatter all over the place and it was at the end of our family camping weekend on the way home.

The repair job on this was new rear door, rear glass and new wheel carrier as it was bent. I decided to go through insurance as the cost of doing it myself was more than my excess.

I opted for the Kaymar and its built like a tank. The rear cross member of the Defender is not super thick or strong so has a strap over the top to bolt to the chassis and spread the load. Being separated from the door would have prevented my slight mishap damaging the whole door, it wont completely remove the possibility of pushing the wheel into the door if your going fast but anything that helps is a good thing.

I must admit it takes time getting used to opening the wheel carrier first as you tend to open the door first expecting the carrier to move with it.

The choice is now up to you.

[rijidij]

My initial thoughts was for a Kaymar - market leader and quality product which has stood the test of time. However, I think I would prefer a wheel carrier that opens at the same time you open the back door.

Kaymar make a great product, but, I believe the price for a rear wheel carrier for a Defender, (Model K1700) is ridiculous at $1048 + $170 for fitting. (that might be ARB price I think)

Having just made a wheel carrier with some similarities, I know what's involved and how much material is involved, and I just couldn't justify the price of a commercially made one. Obviously people are prepared to pay the price, but I would have difficulty prying my wallet open. :p

Cheers, Murray

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/72442-rear-wheel-carrier-defender-county.html

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/857.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/858.jpg

[SVX37]

Murray - I read it has been said before but I will say again.

You are a very clever guy with far more skill than I will ever have! I appreciate the time and effort in you detailing to me and everyone else what you have done.

As for my lack of skill, I am looking at 3 different versions:
1. Kaymar (does not open with back door) - great but expensive, but certainly has the quality there and may be good value in the long run. You are correct at $1218 on the price.
2. Bearmach (opens with back door) - ? tba
3. Scorpian Racing (opens with back door) - $660 + GST + 2 hours fitting ($224). Total $950

I do not want the thing to fail on the outback roads, have high maintenence, or worse still.....rattle like b@#erry !
I need to decide on which one this week...mmmmmmm....

Thanks again.

[dmdigital]

Bearmach should be about $480. The Scorpion Racing one (if still available - I think they have completely folded now) is basically the same unit, but with a stand for a highlift and the SR price surcharge. There is also an excelent one from Mantec, but don't know if anyone in Australia imports them.

[Rugrat]

I do not want the thing to fail on the outback roads, have high maintenence, or worse still.....rattle like b@#erry !
I need to decide on which one this week...mmmmmmm....

Thanks again.

Different perspective -
I carry 2wheelers also and a swingway carrier (any of them) wont let me utilise the current bike carrier in the towbar.
I figure for the amount of time i will be travelling over corregations (my normal offroading isnt to hard for the standard spare wheel carrier - :D yet )

I'll throw the spare on the roof with a 2nd spare when outback.
Whilst I think the carrier is a good idea - if you use the 110 like me and carry bikes - be aware you may need to modify your carrier system.

Otherwise call Stu at Rovacraft in FT/Gulley... he can help - or like has been suggested Ritters or LRA in Thomastown.

[SVX37]

Thanks Rugrat! I have spoken to Rovacrat in FT Gully and they have quoted me on the Scorpian Racing setup.