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Give Me Your Tinkering Advice

Discussion in 'Recovery & Gear' started by BlackSheep, Sep 12, 2021.

  1. Sep 12, 2021 at 8:39 AM
    #1
    BlackSheep

    BlackSheep [OP] caffeinated member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2018
    Member:
    #18406
    Messages:
    1,163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black DC 5.7L 4x4
    held together by duct tape and baling wire
    I could use some input, guys. Recently, I made a hitch-mounted spare tire swingout mount. It works well, I'm really happy with it except for one little oversight: it hangs down below my bumper, the same height as the hitch receiver. See pic:
    version 1.jpg

    I modeled it after one that is available for purchase online, so I don't know why that shortcoming didn't occur to me when looking at the pictures of it or drawing up my version. But, I don't like the fact it could get snagged on an obstacle and ripped off, and potentially push the tire into my tailgate.

    So, I've drawn up two options to remedy this situation, but I don't know which one to do, or if there is something else I haven't thought of that would be better. The first is similar to the high-clearance version of the product after which I modeled mine, which would involve cutting the fixed arm in two places at an angle as it comes off the receiver tube, flipping the cut out portion, and welding it back in. Here's my drawing of this from straight behind the truck:

    upload_2021-9-12_10-28-2.jpg

    The second option involves cutting the tube as it exits the receiver, and welding in a new piece of tubing and some web reinforcing to raise up the entire device as one unit. Here's that drawing from the side view:

    upload_2021-9-12_10-31-44.jpg

    Which of these is preferable? I worry about the strength of the bend I'd create in option 2, right as the tube exits the receiver. But I like the fact that it would raise up the entire mount. Option 1 will be easier to construct, but it will leave a portion of the arm low enough it could still maybe get hung up on an obstacle. I welcome any thoughts.
     
  2. Sep 12, 2021 at 9:22 AM
    #2
    Half Assed

    Half Assed me ne frego

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2020
    Member:
    #48947
    Messages:
    830
    Heartland Florida
    Vehicle:
    Reg Cab Gang
    Build a new mounting point off the frame closer to the hinge point instead of using the trailer hitch. Or just build a new rear bumper and build the hinge off of that.

    Also that hinge is probably going to be too flimsy and the bolt is too small. There's a lot of leverage on that joint.

    But if you want to keep working with what you have, I'd go with option one.
     
  3. Sep 12, 2021 at 9:59 AM
    #3
    BlackSheep

    BlackSheep [OP] caffeinated member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2018
    Member:
    #18406
    Messages:
    1,163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black DC 5.7L 4x4
    held together by duct tape and baling wire
    Yes it does. I can relocate that easily enough though.
     
  4. Sep 12, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #4
    BlackSheep

    BlackSheep [OP] caffeinated member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2018
    Member:
    #18406
    Messages:
    1,163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black DC 5.7L 4x4
    held together by duct tape and baling wire
    Eventually, a new bumper is in order, yes. I don’t know how far down the line that is, though. I can probably reuse the arm that hinges and incorporate a hinge in the bumper when that time comes. Thanks for your thoughts!
     
  5. Sep 12, 2021 at 4:47 PM
    #5
    BlackSheep

    BlackSheep [OP] caffeinated member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2018
    Member:
    #18406
    Messages:
    1,163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black DC 5.7L 4x4
    held together by duct tape and baling wire
    V2 complete

    F54DC561-1AB9-459F-A9BB-6E353BD91AE4.jpg 518AF84E-C655-4D4D-9417-7DD2896447A9.jpg
     
    D4x4TRD likes this.

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