Rigid Armor spare tire carrier

Anyone have the swing down version of from rigid armor and do you recommend purchasing? Thanks!

 

I think Wilco is better.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Yep DOM is now gone and some of their customers are SOL

 

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:

 

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.

 

Dang. CTNewman needs to start a business selling tire carriers!

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Not sure if you ever settled on anything but I bought a Restless Offroad version since they had a sale. It will be several months before I get it but when I do the SSO/CTNewman design I have will be for sale on thus site (local pickup in DMV area) at a heavy discount over what SSO is currently selling them for new. It's used but not abused - mostly surface rust. I will disclose everything I feel isn't perfect and take lots of pictures before and after I remove it