Swing Down Spare Tire Rack

ExonicJay · 10-22-2009, 10:01 PM

Just Completed my swing down spare tire rack.
Fits on my 2" hitch.
Will be getting it powder coated next week.
Swing down feature allows rear hatch access.
A Smart witout a hitch isn't smart.

bcope01 · 10-22-2009, 11:11 PM

What is the clearance between the bottom of the tire and the road when it is in its up most position? Hard to see in the photo.

smark · 10-22-2009, 11:23 PM

ExoniJay, like what you did. Continental kit for a Smart car.

I saw this other set up too, where it will tilt down, so you can open the tail gate. This is a $99 Curt tire rack mount, that was modified.

ExonicJay · 10-23-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcope01

What is the clearance between the bottom of the tire and the road when it is in its up most position? Hard to see in the photo.

I made the spare tire road clearance the same as the plastic valance of the Smart which is about 9 inches. One could make it higher but I felt no need to be higher. Higher also would start to interfere with viewing the licence plate.

wrumbarger · 10-23-2009, 05:22 AM

Looks really great.

Have you got detailed plans, I am sure other folks (like me) would like to try this?

bcope01 · 10-23-2009, 06:43 AM

ExonicJay, thanks. Looks great.

SmartDigger · 10-23-2009, 08:19 AM

Sweet. Good Idea

ExonicJay · 10-23-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrumbarger

Looks really great.

Have you got detailed plans, I am sure other folks (like me) would like to try this?

I have sketches of the Swing-Down Spare Tire Rack and parts list.
However, a few of my Smart Car buddies have expressed interest it making a bunch of these.

I'll keep you informed.

Ferrina_cdi · 10-26-2009, 12:15 PM

That's neat! Not seen one of those before. Good work.

ExonicJay · 10-30-2009, 12:04 AM

Spare Tire Swing Down Rack After Power Coating