To not have to get under that vehicle to get my spare when I need it would be worth it to me. The first time you have a flat in the rain or bad weather you’ll be glad you have that hitch or one similar, I know I would.
I've had the Wilco Offset for 4+ years, caries 2 jerry cans and a hi lift when needed. Under bed spare is OK till you need it and the truck is in a hole. When the swingout is locked it's one more level of security. The only negative I've found is a slight decrease in departure angle. I don't have the flex issue or need to grease my pin. Today I would look at the Rigid swingout, better departure angle.
I'm in the process of building my own hitch swing arm. I run a WJ and I need extra storage but also want rear gate access. This is where it makes a good bit of sense. I can intall a cargo platform on the swing arm and move it out of the way instead of unhooking it completely from the hitch. I keep my stock spare in the stock location, its a PITA to get it out because all the gear in the back comes out too, but I'm not racing anyone and don't need quick access to my spare.
Something to consider is that this is a good alternative for people that want something they can remove later when not in use, and also to keep the weight down.
One of the useful videos I've watched. I was, note the term "was", considering using something like this to mount spare gas cans on my Tacoma. Not any more. Thanks. I did mount two 5 gallon cans on my other Taco and it has worked very well. A simple home-made mount(s) that swing out from their spots on top of the bumper..
Nice in depth review. Definitely reaffirms my decision to get one for my jeep wj, with spare out It opens a huge amount of storage space since it sits in a pit underneath the rear cargo area, I also don't have to risk a steel bumper this way since there known to crack frames after very little offroad use do to the poor mounting design, I also don't have to relocate or delete the evap system like I would with a steel rear bumper, these are just my reasons I'm thinking a hitch carrier is superior to a bumper in my case
My reason for wanting the hitch mount tire carrier is the "law of redundancy". It says, " Three is two, two is one, and one is none." If I'm on a trek I want more than one spare tire, plain and simple. The additional stowing of gear is an obvious plus. Good vid, thanx.
My question to anyone that buys a hitch swing spare tire carrier is, WHY, WHY would you buy one that swings out towards the USA driver side (left side) due to danger of possibly needing to swing it out onto the traffic side of a road? I just don't get why there is even a choice.
i bought a jeep commander that has a wilco tire rack on the back and i want to take it off but i don’t have the key to the master lock pin.personally i find this tire rack to be so annoying.
I don't think to get one because it looks cool. I think to get one because of the functionality. Save time from getting on ground. Going underneath the vehicle and lowering my tire just to have to perform the same Routine when putting the blown tire back under the vehicle. The fact that you have a tire sitting at chest level... Keeps you out of the mud dirt or what have you. Thanks for the review. I'm looking to see which one's a good budget friendly option. Something that won't scrape the ground when going over landing and rock crawling.
I recently bought one used for my Vanagon from a guy in Maine. It has a tiny amount of rust, but looks good. I think west coast companies need to send their products to the Northeast for winter testing, because they often don't hold up to a corrosive environment. As it turns out, I haven't used the Wilco carrier yet because my current hitch receiver isn't quite deep enough. I just got materials to start making a custom hitch, but until then, the spare is crowding my interior (it's too large to fit in the stock tray. One thing I'm trying to figure out is how the anti-rattle wedge is installed. I need to know before fabbing the new hitch so there's enough room for everything.
When you slide the wilco receiver into the hitch you'll need something with a long neck to access the anti rattle tightening bolt from the back side of your hitch receiver. The more you tighten the bolt the more secure the rattle component becomes
I love the honesty! I'd likely save the money, and leave the spare in the factory spot, but I don't own a ZR2. I follow The Road Chose Me, and he kinda pushes the idea of less weight on the back, and keep things practical.
My issue with the hitch tire carriers is that they are not much cheaper than an aftermarket bumper with tire carrier. I don't like a lot of weight hanging on my back end either.
Yeah Ill be removing it shortly. I dont feel the weight much until I take a sharp turn or drive a washboard road. The truck wants to rock back and forth a bit on washboard.
What's the total length of it from one end to the other end, after you install it into the hitch? Also how far away is it from the bumper? I have a high clearance bumper that came with 2 shackle mounts that are welded to the bumper. I don't want to make the purchase if it sits flush with the bumper.
It doesn't sit flush with the bumper but ive talked to people who have it installed with a bumper that has shackle mounts and they've had to remove the mounts somehow. Unfortunately I dont know the length of it. I've sold the tire carrier since making this video.
@mignate It wasn't a bad product but getting in and out of the tailgate was inconvenient because i had to open the tire carrier. Ultimately, I didn't necessarily NEED it because my spare tire fits under the truck so I sold it to pay for different parts I felt were more important.
Don't be ashamed about Vanity. My first reason for wanting one is exactly that. I love the way spare tires look, and Jeep seems to have the market on that. Every off-road Jeep has one and I just love the look. I lifted my truck to 6" and knew I wasn't going to be able to use my stock spare tire. I was just wondering how the weight of the hitch with the tire and extra attachments messed with you hitch overall. I'm worried that the torque factors created from the rolling movement of the truck on uneven terrain will mess with the actual hitch receiver. Any thoughts from your experience? BTW I have a Silverado 1500.
@@varsityoverland Thanks Brother! Really appreciate the fast reply because I have about 5 windows on my computer open on different hitches and complete bumper/spare tire options. Speaking about Vanity, I also want a spare tire cover that has my face on it, like the one you see as my CZcams picture. LOL
Hey man, next time you go out with the can and the Highlift, swap them, put that heavier can closer to the hinge instead of way out on the end of the arm. Waaay less stress on the hinge that way. It will still sag but just in terms of reducing wear and potentially damaging it. Ya dig?!
It's all good man we're all doing something just like that all the time! I always take a few minutes before heading out to evaluate my own prep. Honestly I kind of obsess over it, loose some sleep the night before departure thinking of cargo layout only to find in the morning that none of my 3am ideas are going to work. -things seem a lot smaller at 3am.
The definition of "overlander": someone who goes camping with a bunch of useless overpriced gear that looks good on his/her vehicle. But seriously, I've had the hitchgate solo hi-clearance model for about 6 years now. I travel solo in remote Baja so I need a second spare tire. This thing does exactly what it's supposed to. Although it is starting to rust and I've had to replace the bushings, the steel pin and the hinge nut/bolt due to wear, I'd say I definitely got my money's worth from this thing.
I HAVE to run one of these, or I have to strap it to the roof, or leave it in the vehicle. If you're doing it for looks, good lord you have too much money. These hitchgates are NOT cheap
Hey man, it’s okay to buy something because you liked it 👍🏼
To not have to get under that vehicle to get my spare when I need it would be worth it to me. The first time you have a flat in the rain or bad weather you’ll be glad you have that hitch or one similar, I know I would.
How often do you use your spare?
Great review and thank you for sharing your experience. This is really good information for those that may be on the fence.
My pleasure! Thanks for watching 🙏
I've had the Wilco Offset for 4+ years, caries 2 jerry cans and a hi lift when needed. Under bed spare is OK till you need it and the truck is in a hole. When the swingout is locked it's one more level of security. The only negative I've found is a slight decrease in departure angle. I don't have the flex issue or need to grease my pin. Today I would look at the Rigid swingout, better departure angle.
I'm in the process of building my own hitch swing arm. I run a WJ and I need extra storage but also want rear gate access. This is where it makes a good bit of sense. I can intall a cargo platform on the swing arm and move it out of the way instead of unhooking it completely from the hitch. I keep my stock spare in the stock location, its a PITA to get it out because all the gear in the back comes out too, but I'm not racing anyone and don't need quick access to my spare.
Something to consider is that this is a good alternative for people that want something they can remove later when not in use, and also to keep the weight down.
One of the useful videos I've watched. I was, note the term "was", considering using something like this to mount spare gas cans on my Tacoma. Not any more. Thanks. I did mount two 5 gallon cans on my other Taco and it has worked very well. A simple home-made mount(s) that swing out from their spots on top of the bumper..
Im glad you found the information useful 👍 thanks for watching
Nice in depth review. Definitely reaffirms my decision to get one for my jeep wj, with spare out It opens a huge amount of storage space since it sits in a pit underneath the rear cargo area, I also don't have to risk a steel bumper this way since there known to crack frames after very little offroad use do to the poor mounting design, I also don't have to relocate or delete the evap system like I would with a steel rear bumper, these are just my reasons I'm thinking a hitch carrier is superior to a bumper in my case
Thank you for the video 🤙
My reason for wanting the hitch mount tire carrier is the "law of redundancy". It says, " Three is two, two is one, and one is none." If I'm on a trek I want more than one spare tire, plain and simple. The additional stowing of gear is an obvious plus. Good vid, thanx.
That is my main reason also. A second spare. Getting a flat 40 miles or so from the nearest help is too stressful for me.
Another reason for mounting a spare on the bumper is if you get an extended long range fuel tank installed in the factory spare location.
Jerry can mighta shoulda been on the hinge side of the tire for less leverage?
My question to anyone that buys a hitch swing spare tire carrier is, WHY, WHY would you buy one that swings out towards the USA driver side (left side) due to danger of possibly needing to swing it out onto the traffic side of a road?
I just don't get why there is even a choice.
i bought a jeep commander that has a wilco tire rack on the back and i want to take it off but i don’t have the key to the master lock pin.personally i find this tire rack to be so annoying.
I don't think to get one because it looks cool. I think to get one because of the functionality. Save time from getting on ground. Going underneath the vehicle and lowering my tire just to have to perform the same Routine when putting the blown tire back under the vehicle. The fact that you have a tire sitting at chest level... Keeps you out of the mud dirt or what have you. Thanks for the review. I'm looking to see which one's a good budget friendly option. Something that won't scrape the ground when going over landing and rock crawling.
this was a fun trip to pick it up!!!
"slide in and out like a piece of cake"
Every trip with you is a fun trip🤣
I recently bought one used for my Vanagon from a guy in Maine. It has a tiny amount of rust, but looks good. I think west coast companies need to send their products to the Northeast for winter testing, because they often don't hold up to a corrosive environment. As it turns out, I haven't used the Wilco carrier yet because my current hitch receiver isn't quite deep enough. I just got materials to start making a custom hitch, but until then, the spare is crowding my interior (it's too large to fit in the stock tray.
One thing I'm trying to figure out is how the anti-rattle wedge is installed. I need to know before fabbing the new hitch so there's enough room for everything.
When you slide the wilco receiver into the hitch you'll need something with a long neck to access the anti rattle tightening bolt from the back side of your hitch receiver. The more you tighten the bolt the more secure the rattle component becomes
Thanks, that's helpful.
It looks like the receiver will need to be a few inches further away from the body to allow for that.
I love the honesty! I'd likely save the money, and leave the spare in the factory spot, but I don't own a ZR2.
I follow The Road Chose Me, and he kinda pushes the idea of less weight on the back, and keep things practical.
Cool! Ill check out that page. I definitely want to reduce the weight for sure👍
My issue with the hitch tire carriers is that they are not much cheaper than an aftermarket bumper with tire carrier. I don't like a lot of weight hanging on my back end either.
Yeah Ill be removing it shortly. I dont feel the weight much until I take a sharp turn or drive a washboard road. The truck wants to rock back and forth a bit on washboard.
Hey what did you use for the license plate light/relocation. Thanks
It was a relocation kit that Wilco sells to go with the tire carrier.
@@varsityoverland ohh, was it difficult to wire? Or does it just plug into the trailer plug
@@TheGshaker just plugs right in. Piece of cake!
I've installed wilco tire rack onto a buddy's colorado. Don't ever do it solo. So heavy haha. Especially without Jack stands.
Yeah I needed a buddy to help install it. Think Ill be able to yank it out by myself though 😅
Would have enjoyed a review of the Wilco Hitchgate more than opinions on why to get a tire carrier, but cool video dude.
What's the total length of it from one end to the other end, after you install it into the hitch? Also how far away is it from the bumper? I have a high clearance bumper that came with 2 shackle mounts that are welded to the bumper. I don't want to make the purchase if it sits flush with the bumper.
It doesn't sit flush with the bumper but ive talked to people who have it installed with a bumper that has shackle mounts and they've had to remove the mounts somehow. Unfortunately I dont know the length of it. I've sold the tire carrier since making this video.
@Varsity Overland Thank you for your response. Why did you end up getting rid of it?
@mignate It wasn't a bad product but getting in and out of the tailgate was inconvenient because i had to open the tire carrier. Ultimately, I didn't necessarily NEED it because my spare tire fits under the truck so I sold it to pay for different parts I felt were more important.
@@varsityoverland Thanks for your response.
Do you ever pull a trailer with that thing, would you even be able to open up the gate with a trailer attached.
I've never considered pulling a trailer but I know others have done it with the tire carrier attached.
The other reason is depending in the vehicle, the spare may be inside and buried by all the gear or sleeping platform.
You're absolutely right!
Don't be ashamed about Vanity. My first reason for wanting one is exactly that. I love the way spare tires look, and Jeep seems to have the market on that. Every off-road Jeep has one and I just love the look. I lifted my truck to 6" and knew I wasn't going to be able to use my stock spare tire. I was just wondering how the weight of the hitch with the tire and extra attachments messed with you hitch overall. I'm worried that the torque factors created from the rolling movement of the truck on uneven terrain will mess with the actual hitch receiver. Any thoughts from your experience? BTW I have a Silverado 1500.
I didnt notice any changes to the hitch receiver at all. Still works well.
@@varsityoverland Thanks Brother! Really appreciate the fast reply because I have about 5 windows on my computer open on different hitches and complete bumper/spare tire options. Speaking about Vanity, I also want a spare tire cover that has my face on it, like the one you see as my CZcams picture. LOL
@@bignorge haha to each one's one as they say😅
Hey man, next time you go out with the can and the Highlift, swap them, put that heavier can closer to the hinge instead of way out on the end of the arm. Waaay less stress on the hinge that way. It will still sag but just in terms of reducing wear and potentially damaging it. Ya dig?!
Very good point! Also, that seems so obvious i can't believe i had them positioned that way in the first place. Thanks!
It's all good man we're all doing something just like that all the time! I always take a few minutes before heading out to evaluate my own prep. Honestly I kind of obsess over it, loose some sleep the night before departure thinking of cargo layout only to find in the morning that none of my 3am ideas are going to work. -things seem a lot smaller at 3am.
how did you mount the license plate and the light?
There's a liscensenplate mounting plate and light harness sold from Wilco Offroad.
Hi are you still willing to sell it? I'm in Massachusetts
It was sold a few months ago actually. Thanks for the interest though!
The definition of "overlander": someone who goes camping with a bunch of useless overpriced gear that looks good on his/her vehicle. But seriously, I've had the hitchgate solo hi-clearance model for about 6 years now. I travel solo in remote Baja so I need a second spare tire. This thing does exactly what it's supposed to. Although it is starting to rust and I've had to replace the bushings, the steel pin and the hinge nut/bolt due to wear, I'd say I definitely got my money's worth from this thing.
I would buy it as is, I will pay for shipping
Begging to get pulled over in any number of small town mid America revenue traps not having license plate lights.
The tire carrier (although I no longer have it) did have a light illuminating the liscensenplate. The wire plugs into the trailering light receiver👍
I HAVE to run one of these, or I have to strap it to the roof, or leave it in the vehicle. If you're doing it for looks, good lord you have too much money. These hitchgates are NOT cheap
Thats why I bought it used and sold it 8 months later 😅