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Swing Away Spare Tire Carrier.

Phil513

Phil513

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So, I'm going to get a matching rear bumper made from RLC, to my new front one I just got.

I'm debating adding the swing away spare tire carrier. It's something like $400 bucks more.

I currently have a 31 inch spare in the factory spot. I need to put a 35 inch tire on it, probably won't fit the factory mount.

So, it would free up room, and look cool on the back. The larger tire would have to lay flat in the back of the truck I imagine.

The bummer part is, having to swing it away every time I lower the tailgate, or possibly lower the back window (I have a manual rear window crank). And would be in the way when I take the top off (I use a forklift).

Any thoughts on if it's worth it or not?
 
Build it so it works like a wheelie bar
 
wheels87k5 said:
This is from RLC and I love it.





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You are the exact reason I bought my RLC front bumper. I got mine without the brush guard, cause I didn't want to reach around it every time I checked the oil and such. lol.
 
Because of the lift I either use a small ladder or start with the wheel hub as step one, then top of the tire for step two and on to the bumper. James does some awesome work.
 
wheels87k5 said:
Because of the lift I either use a small ladder or start with the wheel hub as step one, then top of the tire for step two and on to the bumper. James does some awesome work.
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Well, I really admire your truck.

And yes. He was great to work with, and I have no doubt the bumper will be fantastic. I dropped it off at the powder coater today, so I don't know about mounting it, but it sure looks like top notch work.
 
Let me know how the fit is.

When he made my rear bumper he went off a different type of truck pattern and it didn't match the blazer. I ended up re-drilling some holes to mount it properly. I talked to James to let him know so he could correct it. And then I shipped him my stock bumper so he could use it as a template.
 
wheels87k5 said:
Let me know how the fit is.

When he made my rear bumper he went off a different type of truck pattern and it didn't match the blazer. I ended up re-drilling some holes to mount it properly. I talked to James to let him know so he could correct it. And then I shipped him my stock bumper so he could use it as a template.
Click to expand...

Wow, then I guess I owe you a thank you for when I order mine! I'd like to add a receiver to mine as well, I'll talk to him about it.
 
If you put the spare in the back, you wouldn't really have a reason to use the tailgate at all because you wouldn't have room for anything back there. Do you plan on using the space back there at all?
 
You have room to roll down the window with the swing away in the stow position.



 
JoshHefnerX said:
If you put the spare in the back, you wouldn't really have a reason to use the tailgate at all because you wouldn't have room for anything back there. Do you plan on using the space back there at all?
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Well, yeah, for all my camping stuff, toolbox, all that. I don't think it would take up the whole back, and I could stack stuff on top of it. Probably fold the rear seat forward too, I don't see ever needing it on an off road trip.

But your point is well taken.
 
Anybody ever turn the tire 90 degrees so it doesnt block your field of view as much? It would prob look goofy, but i wonder if it would really get in the way much more when wheeling?
I guess the tread would be facing out in case you backed it into anything... Bad idea?
 
My only regret about my swing out tire carrier is you cant drive with the tailgate down now. So no more hauling sheets of plywood.
 
I like having as much cargo space as possible for camping so a tire carrier would be a necessity. I hate the spare in the bed of my truck, can't imagine having one in a k5 with a backseat. Just my opinion.
 
TommyD11730 said:
My only regret about my swing out tire carrier is you cant drive with the tailgate down now. So no more hauling sheets of plywood.
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Didn't think of that. I have to haul a bed this weekend that I'll need to leave the tailgate down. hmmmm.
 
I have one of those "tiregate" carriers. So a 3/4 socket and some heft and it's off. Enough of a PITA to consider buying a trailer or a old K10.
 
TommyD11730 said:
I have one of those "tiregate" carriers. So a 3/4 socket and some heft and it's off. Enough of a PITA to consider buying a trailer or a old K10.
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Yes, actually when I can afford it, or when my poor old lexus finally dies, my next purchase will be a pickup of some kind. But until then . . .
 
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