Thread: Alternate Hitch Usage

Well the ball weight maximum is what, 150kg? Surely it would be ok.. a trailer would move laterally too. I've been thinking about the exact same thing, i hate swing away carriers and this could come off the car completely at the campsite or when not in use. I was going to build one however.

Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

I'm not an engineer and this device may be designed to take the weight but just thinking about it bouncing up and down on 5 billion corrugations supported on one pole sends a shiver down me. Shown there is about 80Kg on the tow ball so you'll have to consider the ball weight of any trailer. You wont have much vertical articulation either when it comes to creek crossing etc. with the wheel getting in the way. Depending on how many people need to fit in the car, removing seats, storage boxes, roof racks, long range tanks are the norm. However if you are sticking to the bitumen it may do.

Good luck in which ever way you go.

I am not an engineer either But that "Double Up" contraption looks to be seriously UNDER Engineered to Me and I can see it falling to bits on any seriously corrugated stretch of track in pretty short order loaded up with 2 jerries, a spare wheel AND the weight of the frame.
If the double up is needed the why not simply transfer the jerries and the extra spare to the trailer/caravan and use a standard hitch instead.
Or just use the other carrier for the jerries and spare using the hitch receptor on the truck if not towing anything, Personally a roof rack would be the better option.

In my case I have ordered a Rhino platform as I slowly build up. I was thinking that the 2nd spare would live up there so not considering the tyre hanging off the back in the picture shown. The pictures are just some things I came across.

The option at the back would be for fuel, rather than buying the long range tank and rear wheel hanger. Though, unless some lucky ticket comes in that is a way off. Again thinking tried and tested is the best way to go when in doubt.

My concern was the corrugations rattling it apart. Perhaps the reason you don't see them is that they don't work. You would need to carry, what, 4 x 20 Litre Jerry cans. Perhaps too much weight. Also need to consider the safety issue of a rear end shunt I suppose, though you would keep them empty till needed.

Just thinking into the future to think about what I add next.

I had a 2nd spare on my D2 mounted on a similar mount for a Simpson trip many years ago. The wheel had to be also strapped to the normal spare to prevent constant rattling from the sideways movement that became very annoying. I've considered making another one for my L322 but it would also be bolted to the L322's tow hook that protrudes from under the right side of the bumper to prevent movement.

Originally Posted by Strop

In my case I have ordered a Rhino platform as I slowly build up.

I've got a RWC, a long range tank and 3 x Rhino bars. If I was to configure this again I would seriously look at a platform instead of the bars and put 2 spares up there. That would be about 80Kg. The only other items would be 2 swags. I don't think this would overload the roof too much. This also means easy access to the boot to. The $1500 saved on the RWC would pay for the platform.

Originally Posted by rocket rod

If I was to configure this again I would seriously look at a platform instead of the bars and put 2 spares up there. That would be about 80Kg. The only other items would be 2 swags. I don't think this would overload the roof too much. This also means easy access to the boot to. The $1500 saved on the RWC would pay for the platform.

But what do you do when you get back? Rip out the long range tank and put the spare back in place or drive around with spare on roof permanently?

After looking at lots of photos of LRs not many appear to be loaded within specs for big trips. Not what I would call overloaded but over 75kg.

Your idea is in the back of my mind also.

I actual drive around without a spare because I remove the RWC. I take a plug kit with me everywhere but I know driving without a spare may concern some folks.