Ratha Precision Design Tire Carrier Build

After doing some research on tire carriers. I decided to purchase the Ratha Precision Design diy kit. The Ratha weld kit requires you to purchase tubing to complete the build. Since his videos were based on a 4runner. I reached out to Ratha to see if he could include all the pre-cut tubing and weld a couple of parts. After some back and forth emails. A custom invoice was created and now here we are. With the included tubing already cut to the proper length, all I had to do was weld the remaining pieces.
The latest kit use bearings for the hinge a big upgrade from previous bushings. A option for a billet aluminium handle instead of the plastic knob for the locking pin.

 

Package two arrived without damage. The welds and tubing look great. The hinge is definitely stout. Being a novice welder, the build is only possible due to the extra help that Ratha put in.

 

Looking good. Let us know how it looks when mounted.

 

Today, I decided to start the build. Just posting photos of my progress. The build plans are pretty straightforward. My only issue was not having a band saw to cut the excess and make a clean 45° cut. I used an angle grinder and had to clean it up with a flap disk. I tacked the accessory hitch mount and stopped there.

 

Wow. I commend your efforts. Always admire people on this site who have these skills. Keep posting pics. I can’t wait to see it completed

 

I had some free time yesterday. Preceded to finish up tacking the rest of the hitch mount, swing arm and locking pin.

 

Lots of work for a hitch mount, but i'm no welder.

 

It's actual not too bad. I have done all the mods on the 4runner and building this is just a part of it.

 

Next on the list, tacking up the vertical tube to the wheel mount receiver. With that done I decided to mount the tube 1/2 inch away from corner of the bent bracket. Thus moving it closer to the tailgate.
I then proceeded to tack the bent bracket flush with the end of the swing arm. I positioned the support tube to the center of the wheel receiver tube and tacked it in place.
For the wheel mount tube, I cut it 10 degrees with an angle grinder. After several minutes I changed my mind and went with 7 degrees instead. Then temporarily attached the wheel plate. Now the tedious part, welding and blending the cover plates in. It took some time, not perfect but I got it done. Finished the day by tapping the bolts for the wear pad and bump stops.

 

Appreciate you sharing here. Appreciate all the pics and updates.

How much did it cost?

 

Thanks, I was cursed with the DIY bug. I hope it helps others with their own build. Made the purchase last November. The custom invoice was $874. Spent another $130 to purchase 2 bolt taps, wheel mount bolts, and two cans of Steel It.

 

looking good. What coating do you plan to go with? Powder Coating?

 

Thanks, no powder coating. I am going with two cans of Steel It. It's a polyurethane aerosol with UV resistant anti corrosion coating. I can touch it up when needed.

 

Squeezed in a couple of things yesterday. Did a dry fit of the carrier and no issues with the tailgate. Did the latch handle mod. Bought a small 1/2 inch pipe and cut the threads of one side. I also cut the toggle handle about 1 off. Grind it down with a flap disk to fit the pipe. Weld it and fitted an old mountain bike handle. Last thing for the day was tack the gusset.

 

Looks like a fun project!

 

At times it is. Wish my weld table was 100% flat. It flexes when I really need to clamp down. I have to constantly check things, making it a longer process. Can't wait until it's done though.

 

My DIY projects are less in magnitude than this cool tire carrier. I find satisfaction in the planning of the device, then the fabrication and finally the usage. I get your motivation! Sometimes taking a break in the middle helps keep the project from becoming a chore.
I cannot muscle the weight of a complete spare tire anymore, And I am watching for a tire carrier that has the design to winch a tire up and down so the spare can be safely lowered and then defective tire raised onto its mount.

 

You are correct about planning things out. Unfortunately for me the best teacher has been trial and error. The tire is a bear to get up. I do have some ideas to help alleviate that. Just need to get this built and test it for durability first. Appreciate the advice though.

 

Did a few things last week. I changed the wheel mount tilt to 13.9°. It should have a nice lean to it now. The latch has a tendency to slide off center, so I printed a spacer to always align with the catch.
I fully welded the carrier and did the last dry fit. From there I moved to the paint prep. I had to remove the last bit of the mill scale with an angle grinder. For the hard to reach areas, I used a wire brush and steel wool.
This is my first time using Steel-It, the prep requires a rough surface equivalent to 36 grit sanding for proper adhesion. I only had 40 grit on hand and went with that using the orbital sander. After that I wiped everything down with acetone and then a tack cloth.
With 2 cans I was able to lay down 3 coats. It does spray on the heavy side, so runs can happen quickly. The cure time is 5 - 7 days. Only time will tell if my prep and Steel-It works out. Should be full assembly this weekend.

 

Keep it going with the process. Post pics once you get it all integrated and connected with the 4R. Seems like a decent product.