This may be a poor image, but it's all I have at the moment and I wanted to start generating some feedback. This will be going on my '87 runner and I'm planning on putting a tire carrier on as well. Will try to keep this updated with design revisions/additions. Main part is 2x4, sides are 1/4" plate.

 

hmm... i like...
are you trying to make it "hug" the body?

 

1/4" plate is going to be WAY heavy and WAY overkill. Use 3/16" and enjoy the lighter bumper. It will still be strong enough- just use 1/4" for your mounting plates.

Looks pretty good though.

Edit- Also, start thinking about your tire carrier ASAP. depending on how you do it, it could really change your design. (i.e. swing arm mounted on top, to the face, trailer spindle, bushings etc.)

 

Looks nice... like ardent said think about tire carrier... re-enforcing will be needed at the hinge pt. to carry the weight of the spare

 

I agree with Ardent about using 3/16 over the 1/4. I built mine out of 3/16 and banged it pretty good wheeling and havnt damaged it at all. Also I would leave a good gap between the body and bumper 1/4+ . Mine I built at 1/8 gap, looks good on the road but has chipped the paint when flexed or after slidding on some rocks. Just my opinion tho good luck on the build!

 

I agree, 1/4 inch is overkill, unless you got it for free and its laying around. Still gonna be heavy though.

 

Thanks for the input! 1/4" on the sides may be overkill, but it's material I have laying around. I might see if I can scrounge up some 3/16" stuff though just to shave some weight since the tire carrier will be adding a lot of weight. My hope is to have the sides close to the body, but probably something like 1/2"-1" offset so that they won't flex and hit. Here's an updated version showing the tire carrier roughed in.

 

Looks nice!

 

oof. that looks like a lot of torque on that arm. how are you making it pivot (ie: bearings, tube in tube, etc.)?

why is it that all the cool ideas are hard to do?

 

That looks cool, but ya that looks heavy especially if your carrying an off road tire. Something like an A bracket would stand more weight for your spare. Good luck with the build!

 

Use a double shear pivot for your carrier pivot.
After using a trailer axle kit on my mine found a few cases of them failing on the highway, not good. Am on my phone so hard to post the link.

 

What others have said there's going to be a lot of shear load on that hinge pt. when the carrier swings.

 

The carrier will be an A frame or triangulated in some fashion and will be supported on the latch end, I just haven't gotten around to drawing those parts yet Also, I was planning on using the Iron Pig hinge and putting it in a sleeve thinking that may work somewhat like a double shear design.

 

Looks good! Like your concept. Can't wait to see more. I would suggest a different mounting method for the hinge. Mounting to the plate will be placing alot of forces ont he plate. Might lead to a shear failure. I would suggest placing the hinge within the plate so that their is more structure to hold and support the weight. The greatest force will occur when the carrier is swung out. can't find the pic right now, but do a search for "Fat Mouse". Those guys came up with a very good design that is well thought out.

My $0.02 worth.

Mark

 

The center section is 2x4 tubing. Only the side protection is plate. I've still got some details to work out on the carrier mounting, just have to find time to test them out.