Rugged Ridge Bumper/Tire Carrier - why so cheap?

[bigV]

anyone have this rear bumper tire carrier? I know you get what you pay for, but how come this one is soooo much cheaper than anything else out there?
http://www.tellico4x4.com/product_info.php/cPath/3590_2319/products_id/28180?osCsid=0abd610d71d93f1c4df082381365a6b1

[JJs99TJ]

thats a good question, not sure how the latch works?

the instructions dont say much either:
http://www.omix-ada.com/instructions/11503.21.pdf

[cvd]

I've been wondering the same thing. I see a number of Rugged Ridge products in the 4Wheel Parts catalog - made me think it was a new "house brand".

[Chris_]

It works just like my SRC tire carrier does; in fact, it's same bumper from the A frame up. A friend of mine just bought it. It rattled like crazy when he first put it on, but he knew mine was built on the same frame, so he called me. He adjusted his rubber stops on the tail gate. He has no rattles now, and he's happy with it. Mine has the rubber stops against it, and I have a little piece of rubber inside the little box that the latch catches onto. I have no rattles to speak of.

Personally, I like the looks of the SRC bumper better, but for the money, that's a nice carrier. I'd use it. Most tire carriers that come out of a lot of fab shops are overbuilt. These look to be built for about what they're designed for; around a 35" tire. I think if you try to throw a 40" tire on it, you're probably going to screw up the hinge pretty quick. I think in this case you get $300 worth of tire carrier, but $300 worth of tire carrier is still decent quality, considering the bumper itself isn't going to win any awards. Just get some frame tie-ins though.

[bigV]

Chris_
how long have you had your bumper/tire carrier? do you know how thick the metal is? I'm not too concerned about rattling, but I am concerned about bending or welds cracking over time.

[Chris_]

Originally Posted by bigV

Chris_
how long have you had your bumper/tire carrier? do you know how thick the metal is? I'm not too concerned about rattling, but I am concerned about bending or welds cracking over time.

I've beat the crap out of mine. I think it's 1/4". I'm always having to repaint the bottom of my bumper. The A frame doesn't really take the beating. It's pretty solid. Like I said, it's not overbuilt, but it's going to handle a 35" tire. I'm probably going to add a provision to be able to carry a water can on the A frame pretty soon.

The only weak point on a tire carrier is the hinge, and the hinge on this one is not super beefy, but I don't see any reason that it shouldn't last longer than I plan to use it (which is at least the next several years). This is the same frame, but the bumpers are different. Look at the bottom of my bumper. The paint is gone. The bumper from this thread is much higher, and is less exposed, so it shouldn't get knocked around as much, but the frame is still the same.

[bigV]

thanks for the pic (nice looking rig BTW)
what kind of latch does it use?

[Chris_]

Originally Posted by jaredjulian

thats a good question, not sure how the latch works?

the instructions dont say much either:
http://www.omix-ada.com/instructions/11503.21.pdf

I guess I could explain. It works like a screen door latch. There is a metal box on the bumper. The latch has a piece of angled steel that points down. The angled part faces toward the tail gate, so you can slam it shut. Unlike some of the other tire carriers, you don't have to screw and unscrew the latch, you just lift it up to open it, and you can slam it shut.

In the reviews section, I saw the original reviewer talking about the latch, and the possibility of it popping open while off road. I don't know how possible this is, but I saw it happen with a Warn tire carrier, and the tire carrier broke because of it, so I opted to follow his advice. I keep a small bungee cord wrapped around the latch as a precaution to keep it secure. I've come down on it hard, and it's not popped open on me, so I feel pretty confident that it won't.

[bigV]

Chris_
thanks for the info, 1 last question from me - does it have a stopper to keep it from swinging open too wide?

[Chris_]

Originally Posted by bigV

Chris_
thanks for the info, 1 last question from me - does it have a stopper to keep it from swinging open too wide?

Yea, the tire.

Mine will swing out almost 180 degrees, then the tire hits the body.

[bigV]

looks like now is the time to buy
http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partNo=S/B76651

[black05tj]

Originally Posted by bigV

looks like now is the time to buy
http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partNo=S/B76651

I'll say. $269 with free shipping! Anyone know if that hitch receiver is for accessories only, or if it's rated for towing?

[bigV]

most likely it's for accessories only

[el guapo]

Originally Posted by bigV

looks like now is the time to buy
http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partNo=S/B76651

wow - that's a decent price, AND free shipping

[Wheelin98TJ]

Originally Posted by black05tj

I'll say. $269 with free shipping! Anyone know if that hitch receiver is for accessories only, or if it's rated for towing?

I would assume its suitable for recovery, which if it is, it would be fine to use for towing too. You're talking about a pretty lightweight trailer when it comes to towing with a TJ.

Most manufacturers will not assign a tow rating to an aftermarket bumper because of liability issues.