Tiregate Fab?

[theluke19]

Well as some of you may know, I've been thinking of a good design for a self-built rear bumper/swingout carrier.

At this point, I'm considering building a 'Tiregate' instead of the rear bumper for a few reasons - specifically cost, ease, and design involved.

I don't know if this is a great Idea or not, only con's I've thought of so far are no more use of the Tailgate as a seat/worktop and the possibility of the sport trac plastic bed being too weak for this design (nothing a little metal can't fix..)

Anyhow, here's the design I went off of:
http://www.tiregate.com/vt_series_0.shtml

and here's my 'so-far's in google sketchup. Basically, there will be a square tubing frame that bolts in at various places on the bed, which has the latch/hinges on it. Then, there will be a 2" tube frame with the hub attached that will swing in and out. I still need to think of the best design for hinge and latch.

I would likely just put gussets to the left and right of the extension the hub is mounted on.

BTW - this is the first time ever messing in Sketchup-- the first 5 minutes is the hardest part, I tell you what!

 

[ncranchero]

Sketchup, nice. I'll have to look into that one.

Only thing I can say to this is that it is a LOT of weight to hang on one side of the bed/tailgate support frame. If you continue with this path I would definitely design it to latch onto the opposite side for all the support possible when in the stowed position. You may have thought of this but i didn't notice it in the CAD.

 

[06bluez]

not sure if anyone makes one for the f150 flareside, but if so it would fit your ST.. just a thought if you didnt want to fab one up.

 

[01STrunner]

Looks like a good idea but i agree the bed is fairly weak compared to other trucks. Im in the same situation. Not sure what I want to do with my full size spare yet.

The flaresides are only the same as 2nd gen not 1st gen. And tire gate doesn't make them for the step side. Don't know about anyone else.

 

[06bluez]

The flaresides are only the same as 2nd gen not 1st gen. And tire gate doesn't make them for the step side. Don't know about anyone else.

Not sure of the year range, but the gen 1 ST tailgate is the same size as the lightning or other flareside f150 tailgate im pretty sure.

 

[01STrunner]

I stand corrected. Sorry about that

 

[FROADER]

Jefe did a sweet (still pretty easy) design using the stock bumper as basically a cover. Doing it this way, you wouldn't have to worry about the strength of the bed.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86909

You'd be able to keep your tailgate for sitting or a worktop, also.

 

[theluke19]

Jefe did a sweet (still pretty easy) design using the stock bumper as basically a cover. Doing it this way, you wouldn't have to worry about the strength of the bed.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86909

You'd be able to keep your tailgate for sitting or a worktop, also.

Thanks, that's pretty similar to Rebel's setup, only he reinforced the existing bumper for the setup - I'll keep this setup in mind as I come to a decision.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

I took some ideas from Jefe's build, the problem was that the Ex's bumper is steel where as the ST's is plastic. It took alot of cutting, measuring and fabricating to get the plastic bumper and cover to work with the tire carrier I designed for it.

When I get my front bumper done I plan on starting over on full steel bumper design and integrate the tire carrier into that.

 

[WidgetTrac]

The 2" square tube could be fixed more rigidly on the right side by adding a flat piece going from the square tube to under the bed mount bolt. It looks like that side will get wreched downward strongly when the gate swings straight back. The top right is what will really get pulled - maybe reinforcements could go under/behind the bed for a cleaner look. Put a lock on it!

I think it would look good if leaned in at the top a little instead of vertical - just the tire, not the gate. The model doesn't show the bumper, but if it's like i'm thinking then the bottom of the tire would have to be kicked out some, and it would sit down on the stock trailer hitch/license plate notch in the bumper? or am I not seeing it right?

was that tire included in the drawing program, or did you actually take the time to model your actual tread blocks?!!! Nice work!

 

[mounty71]

I'm getting ready to start on a Jefe-inspired tiregate myself.

Since the bed is apparently plastic (I had no idea), why not get a hitch and then get the hitch mounted tiregate, or build your own? You still have the fullsize spare on the back and swinging gate, you keep your tailgate, and you can take it off anytime you want.

 

[OffTrac]

I've thought about a tiregate similar to your drawing but also with WidgetTrac's suggestion of having the mounting surface angled (not the gate). It would be a replacement to the tailgate but also temporary. I would only put it on when I'm away from my hometown. Basically, I would want the bed on there most of the time but removed and replaced with a tiregate when on a trip.

 

[essendon22]

I really like the looks of having the tire on the outside, it looks more classic IMO. However I saw this the other day and thought of you guys. It looks pretty cool I guess. Definitely different. I do like how you still get your bed room.

I didn't catch that there was a sticker on it until I saw the pic, but I'm guessing it's manufactured and not self made.

 

[01STrunner]

That was pretty smart with the aux light on the carrier too

 

[FROADER]

^ That's also in the "TrieGate" link in the first post. It can be flipped around so the tire is inside the bed.

 

[essendon22]

LMAO Oops it sure is. I didn't follow no stinking link! hehe my bad

 

[05dakotatrac]

alot of the problem i have with the actually gate style is that it makes a solid gate into a tube style leading to small things possibly falling out the bed. in the link they have the hitch mount one that allows the tire mount and a trailer together. this allows things in the bed to stay there and not slide out and doesn't completly prohibit trailer usage.

 

[theluke19]

alot of the problem i have with the actually gate style is that it makes a solid gate into a tube style leading to small things possibly falling out the bed. in the link they have the hitch mount one that allows the tire mount and a trailer together. this allows things in the bed to stay there and not slide out and doesn't completly prohibit trailer usage.

I'd likely leave it tube (for less wind resistance)- but make a sheet of thin plate metal on brackets to snap on in the event I need to haul something such as a truckload of dirt.

 

[05dakotatrac]

that would work i guess. to each his own i say the hitch style is rated higher than or truck is even capable of plus it has mounting accesories for gerry cans, and a high lift. so when i reach the point of 32" tires i will invest into this mount thats luke for the link to these mounts.

 

[mounty71]

that would work i guess. to each his own i say the hitch style is rated higher than or truck is even capable of plus it has mounting accesories for gerry cans, and a high lift. so when i reach the point of 32" tires i will invest into this mount thats luke for the link to these mounts.

32" tire fits between the frame rails in stock location, FYI.