I have read on many posts about the pros and cons of a Swing away tire carrier on a 3rd gen 4runner. I feel I have a good grasp on them all except for one: the vibration some experience at highway/freeway speeds. Can that be fixed?
I know some never have a problem and for others it is enough for them to take the arm off the bumper.
I dont what this thread to turn into a battle of tire carrier vs non. Hopefully it will address the issues and get to a solution if there is one.
I am looking to build a custom bumper with a tire mounted and I only want to do this once, or get as close as I can and then tweak it to address the minor issues that may show up down the road.

Can the vibrations be eliminated through frame strengthening?

Is the shaking of the bumper, shaking the frame what causes the vibrations?

If the tire was mounted closer to the hatch (prevent the downward air from the "spoiler" from getting between the tire and hatch) could that cut down on wind force?


These are some questions that felt may be relevant...


With one mind came the wheel... with many minds the wheel climbs rocks!

 

Most of the rattling that people experience is from the arm itself. Frame strengthening won't help that. You just have to make sure the arm clamps down tight enough to the bumper. I've seen some bumpers that have plastic/rubber stops so the clamp squeezes the arm against that to dampen vibrations, but if you have a tight enough clamp you won't hear anything.

 

So its the arm of the bumper that is causing the vibrations through out the cab of the vehicle. Sounds like an easy fix if that all it is!

 

I have had mine for over a year now and have minor vibration. usually its the pin rattling against the hole when it is closed. this was a easy fix with a rubber groment. my tire does vibrate when driving but it is not a problem.

 

I am in the building one right now myself. I haven't figured out what latch to use yet, but I will report here as to what happens. I won't tolerate vibration noise, so that problem will be solved, I will let you know what I do to fix it.

 

Having done several tire carriers in my time, make sure to dual sheer the mount, and preload the carrier arm when clamping.

Here is my old one from my 1st gen 4runner:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uem6_tw8pKQ

The latch and spindle design is a huge factory in vibes. That is the reason I went with a vertical carrier.

Do not skimp on the weaker spindle designs. One of the best ones is the IronPig bushing design. I will be using it similar, but plan to gun drill it and thread it for a dual sheer setup.

 

These guys build 'em vibration-free...
http://www.armorology.com/In%20The%20Shop.htm

 

Funny those look exactly like the Rockware rear bumper.