DIY hitch-mount swing out bike/tire/accessory carrier ...

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I been wanting to make something like this:

or

But I also wanted to make something stronger enough that could be used to carry a heavy spare tire as well, like this one:

So I spent months looking at videos, photos of about 10 different options, including some DIY designs, trying to come up with a version that had the features I wanted for my Toyota 4Runner. I actually started thinking about this project in late Summer, early fall of 2021, so it has been almost a year since I had the original idea for this project.For the moving arm, even though my implementation is a little different, I went with the excellent design from Taboo Customs:Hub and Spindle Kit-Side Mount-Double Shear P0498Like most of the better/premium solutions, I am creating a built-in anti-rattle mechanism:


Reply:I welded everything with my Tig setup:



Welded the spindles (part of the kit from Taboo):



Reply:Then worked on blending the pieces:

Getting ready to weld:




Reply:Welded end caps (all hollow pieces are sealed):

Welded other piece to fix arm:



Reply:I welded additional support pieces:


Test fit:



Reply:This is where you can access the anti-rattle "mechanism":

Then started work on the bike carrier's hitch mount on the movable arm:

Since the arm will bend with the weight, I angled it a little bit up:

Then weld:



Reply:This will be the safety pin (5/8"):

I also designed an accessory mounting platform, to be welded in the movable arm:

Then tack and weld:

This will be the automatic 1/2" pin to keep the arm closed or open in place:



Reply:Finish welding the mounting platform to the movable arm:




Reply:Get ready to sand, prime, and paint:


For the top coat, I used the left-over Raptor finish from the roof rack project:

Although I ran out and had to touch it up with this:


Reply:All painted:

Then tap grease fitting:

Start assembly - pack and grease bearings, and dust seals:


Assembled:


Reply:Completed weight came to between 52 and 53 pounds:

The accessory mount can hold these of course:


and in the future I plan on completing the mount for the spare tire, along with a way to bolt it in place:


Reply:Photos of closed position:



photo in the open position:


Reply:Short videos:1 - opening the swing out arm2 - good clearance with the gate3 - opening and closing (yes, the moving arm is tilted up, which was on purpose to counter the bikes' weight):I initially thought about doing this summer of 2021, so today is July 2022, and I am finally done!Total cost was about $250 for parts, primer, paint, supplies, etc.. - still a lot less than the $1500 for the top-of-the-line model, and I would argue mine is probably strong enough.I have a little to tweak, and touch-up paint in a few places, but I am pretty much done for now


Reply:Nice Job!Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:

Originally Posted by Freebirdwelds

Nice Job!
Reply:Great quality work !  Did you make the roof rack also ?
Reply:

Originally Posted by robson1015

Great quality work !  Did you make the roof rack also ?