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Rigid Armor spare tire carrier

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by JMC, Sep 29, 2024 at 2:42 PM.

  1. Sep 29, 2024 at 2:42 PM
    #1
    JMC

    JMC [OP] New Member

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    Anyone have the swing down version of from rigid armor and do you recommend purchasing? Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 29, 2024 at 3:08 PM
    #2
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    I think Wilco is better.
     
  3. Sep 29, 2024 at 8:41 PM
    #3
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

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    I looked at rigid armor but it had the same issues as rigd, wilco, and dirtcom. I didn't like how far away from the hatch the tire sat.

    I bought one from Detours of Maine (DOM) and luckily was able to file a dispute and get my money back before he completely dropped off the map.

    I ended up with the Southern Style Offroad (SSO) version when they bought the design from the guy on the other website and finally started selling them. They had some big financial issues as well though but I think they put them back on their site (order at your own risk).

    I really like it and think it was the best to choose from at the time. However, if this had been available at the time (or if I had known about it) then I would go with this so it doesn't stick so far out of the receiver
    https://www.restlessoffroad.com/product-page/5th-gen-4runner-spare-tire-carrier

    I've thought about switching but don't like how high the tire looks on the website. With my SSO, I can see over the top of my 285/70. The photos from the site looks like it blocks the whole window but that could be a 295 or 315?
     
    Jynarik likes this.
  4. Sep 30, 2024 at 3:24 AM
    #4
    JMC

    JMC [OP] New Member

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    I also don’t like how most carriers have the tire hanging way off the back. I’m surprised that Rigd hasn’t made changes. They have the most media on YouTube and seem to have a pretty good idea of what the consumer is looking for. The ultraswing looks like it’s a solid build but again has the spare sit too far off the back. SSO is definitely an option I’ve been considering. They are currently sold out on their website and looks like they raised their price to 2,000$. Last year they were the cheapest between Rigd, dirtcom and rigid armor swing outs. Now they are the most expensive. That’s a little disappointing but it is what it is.
     
  5. Sep 30, 2024 at 8:57 AM
    #5
    LA260

    LA260 New Member

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    I have the DOM and that was the best one available at that time as far how far the tire sits, but I think ROF is the way to go if you are not doing a rear bumper, as long as you don't mind a semi permanent mod. All the hitch mount systems a have the same issue. They suck offroad.
     
  6. Sep 30, 2024 at 12:52 PM
    #6
    Saker

    Saker New Member

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    Yep DOM is now gone and some of their customers are SOL
     
  7. Sep 30, 2024 at 1:08 PM
    #7
    Saker

    Saker New Member

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    I was in the same place as far as looking at design, strength and how far the tire was set back from the hatch. So, when CTNewman put his on the t4r.org website, he built in all of the items on his carrier that I was looking for, bar none.
    So, I was able to purchase #1 of a 5-production run, not counting his original prototype.
    It is by far the strongest built unit, designed by a mechanical engineer (CTNewman) .
    Photos below:

    HoaNGG_9d09d06c3fdb207cd9e1322ed12b41a5c7b20f7a.jpg
    tgLDQ1_979d67b95c085ec9e4de339e3305e2ec6217fab6.jpg
    AgITRM_cdba00455dc0f1924e695ff4afd54ae3c0d79440.jpg
     
    kolter45 and JMC[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  8. Sep 30, 2024 at 1:39 PM
    #8
    Lost Woods

    Lost Woods New Member

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    The tire way off the back is due to how universal they are... gotta accommodate some stock wheels that have a lot of positive offset and it's even worse when the tire is vertical.

    I picked up a Wilco for cheap used and I'm having someone modify it... new tire plate slightly angled and tucked in tight, a clevis in the hitch tube for recovery, a spot for a reverse light, and a skid for the bottom side should get it most of the way there.
     
  9. Sep 30, 2024 at 2:20 PM
    #9
    JMC

    JMC [OP] New Member

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    Dang. CTNewman needs to start a business selling tire carriers!
     
    Saker likes this.
  10. Sep 30, 2024 at 2:23 PM
    #10
    Saker

    Saker New Member

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    He has several businesses, plus his full time job. He designs motorcycle parts and manufacturers them…
    That’s why he only made 6 total and now SSO has his files.
     
  11. Oct 1, 2024 at 4:51 AM
    #11
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

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    As Saker said, SSO bought the design and started manufacturing it. That's why I bought one from them. But they had some troubles a while back and changed owners I believe. Not sure how their business is going right now
     
  12. Oct 1, 2024 at 5:29 AM
    #12
    jdm-v35

    jdm-v35 New Member

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    I liked the CTNewman design but did not jump on that prototype boat as I was on the fence about a hitch carrier. SSO now has it, but I ended up wanting more utility out of my carrier so I went with the Rigd because it can do more. Mine has the table which I use for camping. I replaced the tire carrier with a dual jerry can holder and also added a 10lb propane tank holder. I have the high lift mount for it too but haven't put it on yet. I also like how secure their hitch mount is because it is torqued in there and under tension. I don't drive with it every day though as it is harder to fit into short parking spots and remove it between long camping trips.
     
  13. Oct 1, 2024 at 9:06 AM
    #13
    Saker

    Saker New Member

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    Those issues are now behind them. They are under different management and the original owner is still working within the business. They are expanding and still making quality products.
    They are actually local to me.
     
    Doglover2003 likes this.
  14. Oct 2, 2024 at 7:29 AM
    #14
    Doglover2003

    Doglover2003 New Member

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    Agreed I bought a bumper with the old owner and extra parts from New owner with no issues.
     

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