I've been looking into different ways to store my spare tire, now that it will no longer fit under my bed. I thought about using a bed carrier, but only bro's use those stupid things. So I dug deeper and I found this product:


I loved the idea but I simply don't have the duckets for it at the price of $1000!

So I decided to build my own. I have all the tools I need, and I have the knowhow. So I did.

I started with a tube frame, but ditched it in favor of 3/16 strap, because it looks much cleaner and I lose less horizontal bed space.



From there I notched out the tubes I needed and tacked the basic design together. I also placed an old BFG up on top to show about what it will look like when finished.



After that I cut out the center members for the carrier plate:



That's all my progress for now. I'm going to put in two diagonal members, weld it all up, then send it out for powdercoat while my truck is in the shop this week. I'll be sure to post completed pictures. All said and done I'll only lose about 4 inches at the very end of the bed, and I can't really use that space anyways.

Any thoughts?

 

I think you should go in the business...I'd like one. Or...if you can demension it out on a CAD, that'd be excellent!

 

I can't go into business. I'm a college student. Also I would run into serious patent issues.

The dimensions are easy, the width of the bed, and 28x28x28 for the upper hoop.

 

i dont know what would cost more,powder coat or line-x, but i love the way line-x looks on accesories, thats what i did with my bumpers, just a thought

 

thoughts, yep. make a good locking mechanism that you can throw one of those deadbolt style locks on (the kind you can't clip with bolt cutters)
and get a cover for it so it won't dry rot. that or work it into the mix when you rotate your tires.

 

I'm going to use locking lug nuts through three of the studs. If someone is going to steal the tire, they are going to steal it. I'm not worried about it. No need for a tire cover out here in Nevada. I had the same spare on the back of my Ranger for 10 years, I used it almost 10 times in 10 years and the tire was just dandy.

Dodgetrucker, do you have pictures of your linex bumpers?

 

yep...

 

That looks real good. I'll have to consider it.

 

That looks really good!

Thats what we need on this forum! Custom stuff!

 

Looks good so far. I might have missed it but what color are you powdercoating it?