Which swing-away tire carrier?

[Jon_slider]

Here is another example of a Pathfinder rack
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3626536&highlight=pathfinder#3626536

I agree a regular jack with 3 pieces of 2x4 stacked under it will allow me to lift my Van with 245x75x16 tires barely off the ground enough to change a tire, on pavement.

I also agree a HiLift Jack is a better option.. after you build a suitable kit that includes the needed Jack point adapter.

For winching with a High Lift you want the ORK kit from the HiLift company, and you need chain to use the HiLift as a winch.

A HiLift can also be mounted to the swing out tire carrier
Here is an example from Rocky Mountain Westy

[Gpeck96]

I have the now old version of GW swing away bumper. On our road trip it worked fine however there were some things that I did not like.

1. Both swing out arms, when loaded down, put some strain on the hinges, causing them to scrape the bottom locater tabs.

2. It is only connected through the 2'' receiver, there fore there is a little play in the connection. It wiggles a bit when you stand on it, not a big deal but a little annoying. And if you have one side weighted and nothing on the other, play in the 2'' reviver shows, tilting the carrier just slightly towards the weighted side.

3. Lastly, it is heavy causing the back of the van to sag a bit. Luckily I have leveling spacers so the van does not sag to bad.

Now there are some things that I do like about it.

1. There are no holes that you have to drill into the body work. This is a major plus for me.

2. All of that weight does add some protection if you were to be hit from behind, and it is detachable just in case you do want to take it off. However, who would ever do that. It looks to cool to take off.

3. Having a place out side the van that is not on top and hard to get to with out a small later or stool. You can easily store firewood, jerry cans or it can be used as a platform for your BBQ that is at the right height is nice!!

The bumper came with the van so I am not complaining, however if if could change something about it i would add beefier hinges, a better connection system to get rid of the wiggle in the 2'' reviver, and perhaps make it a bit lighter. I have the GW plated bumper, then the swing away is in addition to that. I am not sure you need all of that weight at the back of the van.

[2doorsdown]

Thanks for the breakdown on that bumper. I always wondered about it. They make anti rattle and hitch silencers you could possible add to your to stop the rattle. Search the web as there are a few different makers. I have had good luck with them in the past.

[Gpeck96]

Thanks for the heads up 2doorsdown. That will be something that I will address next week.

[chojinchef]

[syncrodoka]

[joseph928]

[tarandusVDub]

Many folks don't like drilling their sheet metal for install. I don't have a problem with that personally, as long as the sheet metal is supported and bare metal treated to avoid rust issues down the line.

If you do go that route, it seems like one of the big differences between Gary Lee and the Burley racks is that Burley has a interior support plate to reinforce the sheet metal under load, while the Gary Lee has a long plate that goes the length of the inside of the hatch from top to bottom.

Anyone have opinions and/or experience with the pros and cons of those approaches?

Seems like an interior brace would be a really strong way to reinforce the load...
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
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Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

[j_dirge]

[2doorsdown]

I seem to think that GL has a backing plate as well for his swing away. Maybe I am mistaken...

[syncrodoka]

[timbo]

No pix but............ I put a Pathfinder one onto my 88 GL. I sectioned it a footshorter and flipped it so it swings off the drivers side. Cut off the factory Nissan latch assembly and welded on 2 catches for slip pins with cotters to keep it snugged down. It sets the tire off center to the drivers side. No wiggling on washboards or gnarly roads, I use it as a step to get up onto my roof carriers, it's been un-expectly burly since putting it on last year. This winter plans are to attach a platform for a gas can and fasteners for a hi-lift jack.

Total cost :

carrier from wrecker $40
black tremclad $ 15 +/-
misc hardware $15 +/-
mig gas/wire $10+/-

I'm always budget minded...........and I don't charge myself for labor which saves money for local craft beer consumption !!! -

tim
_________________
1988 Vanagon GL/ 1991 2.2 Subie power
"Never tell a lie and you'll never have to play dumb" Anthony Kiedis

[zippyslug31]

Will you PLEASE post some detailed pics!
I plan on doing exactly the same thing very soon; would love (even more) details and fabrication ideas before I start on mine.

Thanks in advance.
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previous:
'80 westy
current:
'90 syncro westy 2.5L subi, triple knob, 16" wheels.
'84 sunroof van, 2.1L motor.

[jkidd152]

[dubbified]

I have already designed my swingout, and am going into fab mode for a hitch mounted, removable double swingout specifically adapting to the hitch and rear D rings (for stability) intended for use with Pikes Peak RMW bumpers, one side will have tire/can/box shelf.. the other a ladder upright, Bike hangers, can/box shelf.. using high security locking hasp (no cheesy hasp/bail design) The thing which will set this apart, is that it will have a rear flat platform you can stow your gear on, disconnnecting skid w/plugin wheels to move your gear if camping away from the van, for outdoor seating, for sitting off the rear bumper (lady wants to sun herself), and the arms will lock in position while swung out. It will also be black texture powdercoated to match the RMW.

Definitely will be posting pictures, but I could be persuaded to build a couple. haha.

[TopBud]

build it, post pics, and buyers will follow...
_________________
86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia

[zippyslug31]

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

[shadetreetim]

[Kombi Dad]

I made up a carrier. I used a bar that replaced the bumper. One side is a swing out jerry can holder other is wheel. Both use a stub axle and bearings for the pivot. They are held to the bar by an over center catch. I have not had any problems with this arrangement over the past five years and 200,000 kms.