I'm extremely pleased with my Dirtworx swing-away spare tire carrier bumper with the Jerry can holder (in case you hadn't figured it out). I'm biased. It has been bounced over literally thousands of miles from the east coast to the west coast; many of those on overlanding trips off-road with a full-sized spare and full 5-gallon Jerry can. Never had an issue with bumper or the latch. None. Zero. Zip. IMHO I still think it is one of the best bumpers with a spare tire carrier (and especially for carrying a Jerry can too) for the price. Here's a picture with the original latch.
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But the other day the latch came undone
while driving in town of all things. Don't know if it was the latch (it locked back into place afterwards like nothing happened) or if maybe I had not latched it completely after the last time I had it open (which I would hate to have to admit to, but tis possible). Or if the tire kicked something up just right to loosen the latch. Either way, I got to wondering if there was possibly a better latch out there.
This is what I found initially - a Destaco 2027-UR: I ordered it and installed it.
Destaco Horizontal Hold Down Clamp, 2.25” Height - 2027-UR - Penn Tool Co., Inc
Off with the old, on with the new (pictures below of new horizontal latch mounted). Easy swap out - base measurements are the same as before. It does stick out past the edge of the bumper about three inches - we'll see if that causes a problem (the only thing I don't like about this new toggle latch). It (longer length) is something I didn't look into or take into consideration when ordering this horizontal safety latch. When overlanding with the trailer, I've got mudflaps on the Jeep that'll keep rocks and such from hitting it. But it has what I wanted - a second safety latch-lever that locks it in place - it won't unlatch unless this second (smaller) lever is pressed down.
If I think it sticks out too far, I might try this vertical latch with a safety latch (will require a little Dremel tool work to mount as the mounting base is slightly larger). Part is already on order.
2007-UR : 2007 - Vertical Hold-Down Toggle Locking Clamp | DESTACO
What do you guys think?
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So, if you're running a Dirtworx rear bumper with the spare tire carrier and are looking for a different latch (upgrade?) that bolts on without any modifications to the existing bumper or mount, this is one option I found (once I get the vertical latch in, we'll see how that one works). Neither are cheap (this horizontal one is about $53.00 before shipping), but it might be what you're looking for. I feel better knowing something is on there with a safety latch.