TireGate Swing Away

[Jerry]

I need to carry extra gas on our long trips and after considering (1) the addition of an auxillary tank, (2) a permanently mounted swing-away type rear bumper with jerry can storage and (3) a removable receiver mounted swing-away with gas can storage I decided on the latter.

I found three brands of hitch receiver mounted swing-away models and after eliminating one becuase it was too flimsy and the second because of bad press on the 4x4 forums and the fact that the guy never returned my phone calls, I bought a TireGate.



The model I purchased holds a spare tire and three 5 gallon jerry cans. So in addition to the the extra 15 gallons of gas I will have a second spare tire. The unit simply slips into the hitch receiver and stores away when not needed.

The TireGate is narrow enough to fit behind a Jeep or virtually any other vehicle with a Class 3 hitch. Being interchangable makes it easier to sell if I ever should desire.

[hutchman]

That looks pretty slick!

[roller bear]

looks good jerry, now to find the money to fill them.

[Jerry]

Yeah....money. $$$$$$$$$$$ Better fill the gas cans now while the dollar is still worth something.

By the way, did I tell you guys about my idea on how to invest? Not gasoline and not gold; you can't store gas long term and nobody knows what to do with gold. My idea is to stock up on something everybody wants...toilet paper. I plan on being the toilet paper king of Yakima! Something I never aspired to back in high school.

[airmonger]

Good luck on your toilet paper endevor, but you going to have trouble competing against me and my inventory of baby wipes. Baby Wipe Bandit they call me! On another note I like the tiregate. Any issues using the tiregate hitch as a tow point for a stuck vehicle? Make sure you yank straight on recovery!

[Jerry]

They say 7,500# trailer load. Don't know how that equates to using a strap.

[HenryJ]

Looks like a good set-up. Where did you end up buying it? Through a dealer?
Mind sharing the cost?
It has a good tongue weight rating. I like that.
Do get some pictures of it installed. I'd like to see a good profile picture. It is hard to tell how far back it rides.

Three cans is a chunk of weight. That is over 100# in cans and fuel. The cans are above the fuel tank. How far to the trucks fuel cap? Could a super siphon be used to fill the truck? Or would it take too much hose?

I'll admit that I am intrigued. I was very against a tire mount on the back like that, but this does look like a very good solution to all your needs. Well done sir.

[Jerry]

I bought it direct from the manufacturer. Cost for the model I ordered is about a grand less spare tire and gas cans.

I figure around 45# per can or 135# plus the spare. I already have a 2nd 10 ply spare tire, a little smaller in size than what I run on the pickup, and it weighs 80#. And, I plan on carrying other stuff back there as well so the total will come to nearly 250#. Add the removable step for ingress into the Flip-Pac canopy plus my manly physique stepping upon same and we are talking some serious weight.

I will take some pictures when I get all the parts and pieces installed. Sure wish I knew a source for a used BFG LT255/85R16 MT tire. They want a BUNCH for a new one. Since it's exposed for all to see I would prefer to carry the same tire as I run on the truck.

The two side cans are probably too low to siphon without a hassle, but the center can sits higher and it might work okay. I bought a couple of spouts and a wrench for the Scepter gas cans so I am prepared to transfer gas the old fashioned way. When not mounted on the swing-away hitch the cans will do daily duty in the lawnmower shed

[HenryJ]

Don't buy a super siphon. I have an extra. If we meet up on the trail, I'll hand it off. I'll throw in in the truck tonight, but you'll have to remind me that I tossed in in there for you.
Sounds like you will be well within the weight limits for your receiver. That bar underneath looks like it would offer a place to clamp a couple support bars if you need them. I envisioned a couple rod end bars to the frame. Kind of like small tractor top links , if that makes sense. Those could help to reinforce it and take any wiggle it might acquire on the trail , out of the equation.

$1k is not bad. If you consider what it replaces, you break even without the hassle of building a swing away carrier and auxiliary fuel tank.

I am going to call the local salvage yard tomorrow about a tire for mine. I am in the same situation in that I have a mismatched tire as my spare. It is nearly an inch smaller. I need a 285/70-17. It would be great if I could find a matching BFG TAKO, but that is not likely. Hopefully they will have something closer than I have right now. You might give your local yard a shot for your tire?

[Jerry]

Don't buy a super siphon. I have an extra. If we meet up on the trail, I'll hand it off. I'll throw in in the truck tonight, but you'll have to remind me that I tossed in in there for you.

Well, thanks, Brule. We will have to check that out and I would plan on getting even for your generosity.

Just received an email from a friend on the Northwest Overland Society Forum and he directed me to a possible source for a used BFG pizza cutter. Hope it works out. Man, I just cannot believe the price of tires nowadays. I heard they had gone up in price, but Holy Cow, I didn't expect I'd have to take a morgtage on the house!