TIRE CARRIER LATCH KIT
This is the second most
critical part of your tire carrier as it can dramatically reduce flex and
movement within your tire carrier system. This is also the most overlooked part
of the build. The latch needs to be able to support the weight of the tire carrier
and shouldn’t just be thought of as a convenient spring lock mechanism.
Remember, its movement and flex that causes fatigue on the pivot point that
results in a tire carrier failure or breakage.
A well-built tire carrier latch kit should
reduce any lateral movement as well as forward to back. You should be able to
try and shake the tire carrier forcefully by hand without any movement
occurring. Consider using a latch kit that not only clamps the tire carrier
swing arm down towards the bottom of the bumper but also clamps it back towards
the front of the vehicle as well.
The most durable tire
carrier latch kit designs use a ‘C’ shaped metal backstop for the tire carrier
main arm to fit snugly into. This ensures that no up or down movement can take
place within the lower swing arm of the tire carrier. Lastly, this design type
will use a threaded post/shaft/t-handle design to go directly through the top
of the ‘C’ shaped bracket, through the swing arm, and into the bumper.
Lastly, you should use a
polyurethane pad for the tire carrier main arm to rest on while the carrier is
in the fully closed position. No weight should be on the latch while closed, it
should all be resting on the urethane pad. This will also reduce bending and
stress fatigue on the main pivot point hinge.
CONCLUSION
Much like the swing away
pivot point of your 4x4 bumper build, you shouldn’t go ‘cheap’ on your tire
carrier latch kit. A well-built latch mechanism will complement the tire
carrier hinge and provide a long lasting and durable combination. With the
reduction of flex, stress, and movement from each of these items you can rest
assured that your 4x4 bumper and tire carrier will be able to take any abuse
you throw at it.
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