I mounted my swing away carrier to the body

I have been checking this forum for months for getting ideas on a suitable tire carrier. I wanted to stay away from mounting it to the rear crossmember because I already have two D rings and some backup lights mounted there.

I kept going back to the body as a mounting location because I had a nice flat and unobstructed surface to work with. I was also concerned with flexing the carrier too much with the weight several inches above the mount.

So here is what I came up with. All of the mounts had to be fabricated by me as no one had exactly what I wanted. The two mounts on the drivers side are 2 1/2" square tubing with 2" angle iron providing the mount against the Jeep. The second mount is on the rear crossmember and is made of 2 1/2" square tubing as well. This was welded directly to the crossmember.

The tire mount is a Ford Bronco axle shaft. I welded that up to the frame which is all made of 2" square tubing. When I first put the tire on, the whole thing fell away from the Jeep and I knew it would be too unstable. I had to construct a third mount which is accomplished by using the tailgate chain. I welded one end to the frame and the other end attaches to the body/tailgate mount, through an additional tab I welded on to the frame. With that mount, this tire carrier does not move or rattle around at all. It is very solid.

The whole project was completed in three different phases. The first phase was building the body mounts and was the most difficult and time consuming. At the same time, I had the tire frame in its basic configuration to aid in the placement of all the mounts. I placed 1/8" steel plate inside the wheel well, formed it in the shape of an L so I could also bolt up to the inside fender. Once I did this, I decided to run a mount down to the rear crossmember too. I then welded the rear crossmember mount.

Months later I finished up the tire carrier itself. My first design only carried one Jerry can (I was getting tired of working on this and chose the easiest way out ). I found a decent tire and wheel at a wrecking yard for $20 and mounted it up.

After a month or two of not working on it and always being bothered I didn't have a second Jerry can, I went back and retrofitted the frame to hold two Jerry cans. The mount is nothing more than 2" square tubing coming off the frame with Jerry can holders bolted together.

I haven't had any problems with this at all although filling the tank with the tire in the way means I have to hold the Jerry cans upside down. Other than that this works for me. It isn't as nice as you guys build but for my Jeep I am very pleased with it.

 

Looks great,I like your design. Nice clean garage...I wish my looked that uncluttered

 

Nice job, Tex. Very functional. You must back up more than me. I only put on one backup light.

 

It has been my experience 4wd just means you get stuck further from the road so there is more backing involved.

 

I hate to rain on your paraide. I would of mounted the tire on the drivers side. That way you can see behind you when you are driving.

I have mine mounted on that side but it's not that high.

 

You aren't raining on my parade. I had a few designs before going with this one. The way my design is, there would be no room for a spare and gas tanks if they were reversed. The tire is so high so I still have access to the fuel tank and I am able to see cars behind me in the rear view mirror.

 

The perfect spare tire would fit in a fanny pack, and inflate by pulling a cord.

 

I hope that it floats on the frame mount. Being bolted to the frame and the body something to going to give over time with flexing.

 

I have a rubber washer in between the mount and the crossmemeber. No problems.

 

I would reverse the design so the tire mount is closer to the hinge. Same amount of weight on it, but the effect on the bodywork isn't as great.