Hitch tire carrier
Posted by SignificantOption349@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 18 comments
If you’re using a hitch carrier, do you ever wish you had a full bumper with the carrier already part of it? Does your hitch carrier ever give you issues that would be resolved by having it a part of a bumper instead?
This is specifically for a Tacoma, but not sure that it’s too important.
I just bought a hitch carrier, and of course now came across a used bumper with the carrier on it, which I originally wanted, for a really great price. Debating if I should make a swap. Haven’t even had a chance to really use the hitch carrier yet.
I’ve been raw dogging my trips with a bunch of tire repair gear but want to do this to be sure I won’t get us stranded out in the boonies.
tcgJimmy@reddit
They both suck. But the bumper at least will have a better departure angle.
Under the bed or in the bed is just better in almost every way.
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
That’s what it sounds like I’ll be doing. I’ll squeeze it under the bed one way or another. Might just be deflated and wedged between the hitch and diff but I’ll get it in there
smashnmashbruh@reddit
I have a carrier on the back of my ram 2500 and I hate it but I don’t have a choice. I run 40s that weigh 140lbs. The tire is massive. It giggles The jiggles the whole truck. And it’s on a swing arm that is annoying to operate and it’s always in the way. Especially the camera and sensors.
The ideal location is under the bed but alas the good sizes don’t fit
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
That’s fair. I don’t really have much choice either unless I bend the stock mount and basically have it deflated an even then I think I’d still be on the exhaust. The Tacoma mounting area really doesn’t have much beyond the original size and I’m on 35’s.
That weight on the hitch is also another reason I’m considering switching to the actual bumper that’s designed for it
smashnmashbruh@reddit
I think bumper is better, no question, I just wanted to provide some downsides. In a perfect world, I would get a truck camper top, minimum gfc or super pacific and remount the spare inside, a) so its not stolen b) so its accessible but not adding rear weight c) remove the swings so that the camper works better. If I loved this hobby more i would get a flat bed
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
Yeah I was looking more into it last night. There’s a chance I can squeeze a full size tire under my bed if I really work at it. It’s not ideal, but if I can do it then it seems to be the best option right now. May just have to keep it at like 5-10psi unless it’s needed
smashnmashbruh@reddit
I did that on 35s. Low psi. Having the air compressor handy. Since most people have one doing this activity.
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
Yeah I’ve got one already. I was under my bed a little bit ago looking at it and it honestly seems nearly impossible to fit it in there…. But it sure sounds like people are making it happen.
Unicorn187@reddit
Would the total weight of the bumper be less or equal to the stock (or whatever you have) bumper and hitch carrier? If it's lighter, that alone would be reason enough for me. Its already too easy to overload, and any and all weight makes everything wear faster. Anything to reduce weight helpsneverything.elsenlast longer.
chronicinfusions@reddit
The bumper is only going to add to the inconvenience of the swing out tire carrier because it's permanent. At least with the hitch swing, you can pull it when you're not using it. I don't have a bumper mounted, hate the hitch swing, but what are you going to do?
dmtx22@reddit
I had one and ended up selling it. My rear tire would shake the whole truck and was a pain in the ass. Plus it made my already long jeep gladiator even longer.
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
Hitch carrier or bumper with the carrier built into it?
dmtx22@reddit
Hitch carrier. It was by all means a good one and high quality but it worked better for the guy I sold it to. He has it on a Lexus SUV.
Either-Onion-7532@reddit
I have a swing out bumper on my gx460. I went with the dissent bumper/swing out. It's extremely well made.
Swing out bumpers are a pain in the ass. No way around it.
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s the only reason I’m even hesitant because at least I can take a hitch mount off…. But that’s also a lot to put on an aftermarket bumper. Supposedly it’s been tested up to the same load as the OEM bumper but it’s not officially rated for it.
Still seems like a the full bumper is the better option to me
Either-Onion-7532@reddit
I think I'd rather have the swing out personally. But it is for sure a compromise. My wife and kids can't open it without me.
Lost_On_Lot@reddit
I have a super cheap, sub $100 hitch tire carrier and we had to do a lot of work to it to be safe and functional.
SignificantOption349@reddit (OP)
That’s fair. I don’t really have much choice either unless I bend the stock mount and basically have it deflated an even then I think I’d still be on the exhaust. The Tacoma mounting area really doesn’t have much beyond the original size and I’m on 35’s.
That weight on the hitch is also another reason I’m considering switching