Homebuilt tire carrier

[FirecrackerRubi]

Guys,
This is my first attempt at building a tire carrier so bear with me. I am not a professional fabricator nor welder so please keep that in mind.

Parts list:
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/STIRES.html Spare tire spindle $80
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/R2125.html Swing out tire carrier latch $36.50
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/R2215.html Locking T-Handle pull pin $20.00
https://www.motobilt.com/product/jeep_jl_spare_tire_tag_relocation_kit_camera_mount $149.00
LOD camera extension cable 10' not listed on website. Call for special order - $63
2"x3"x3/16" = 4'. $0 I had the steel already
2"x2"x3/16" = 6'. $0 I had the steel already
1'x1'x3/8" plate. $0 I had the steel already

Day one build pics below:

Hopefully I'll finish the uprights today after work then paint and wiring on Sat. Stay tuned.
Thanks for looking.

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[VA72mlibu]

I'm not an expert, but those welds look pretty darn good! Awesome build!

 

[sourdough]

Glad to see a DIY project on this JL forum. Your welds do look good, especially for a “not a welder”.

 

[UTES]

You have done an excellent job.

Hunter

 

[FirecrackerRubi]

Day 2 and completion.

Again, I'm not a fabricator nor welder. This design won't win any awards but I've already put close to 300 miles on it. No rattling or shaking whatsoever. I do plan to attached my pull pin on the spindle end of the bumper to hold it open if the jeep is on an incline. I also "might" add a gas strut to it so it doesn't swing so freely.

 

[wibornz]

Nice work. Simple not over complicated. Very clean.

 

[JesseRohr]

Very well done sir!

 

[KeithM]

Great job!

I've been toying with idea of doing something similar (although relying on friends' welding skills). Did you consider tying the swing arm to the tailgate? I was thinking it would be great to have the convenience like many aftermarket carriers but retain the option of locking it down on the trail (particularly when going fast through the dessert/dunes). One of the unsolved pieces for me is figuring out a way to latch it down when I want but have it open for daily use in a discreet/clean way.

This is the spindle I was leaning towards: https://www.comp4x4.com/collections...rier-hinge-kit-heavy-duty-1-3-4-spindle-shaft

 

[FirecrackerRubi]

Great job!

I've been toying with idea of doing something similar (although relying on friends' welding skills). Did you consider tying the swing arm to the tailgate? I was thinking it would be great to have the convenience like many aftermarket carriers but retain the option of locking it down on the trail (particularly when going fast through the dessert/dunes). One of the unsolved pieces for me is figuring out a way to latch it down when I want but have it open for daily use in a discreet/clean way.

This is the spindle I was leaning towards: https://www.comp4x4.com/collections...rier-hinge-kit-heavy-duty-1-3-4-spindle-shaft

Keith,
I did think about a tailgate mounted system that seems to be very popular but they are SO expensive IMO. I had not thought of a swing out carrier that's also attached to the bumper. I've seen a few but the design and work involved is a good bit more extensive I feel. I built what I knew I could build strongly for a good price.

The link in your post is a beefy unit for sure but at almost double the cost of the RuffStuff one that's still 1.5" thick. If you mount it in the bumper double shear and weld both the inside and outside (4 welds) of the bumper it'll be plenty. My MotoBilt bumper doesn't move at all with my big ol E rated 10 ply 37" tire. Good luck with your adventures.
Thanks

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