Probably a :rainbow: question... but what the fawk, I'll ask anyways :p

I need to have a carrier that will hold a 35-38" spare tire and two jerry cans.

Without taking into consideration the cost of parts, which is a better design:
1) A single pivot with a carrier that spans the entire ass end of the rig.
2) Two carriers, one to hold the spare tire and one to hold the jerry cans. Basically two pivots on the outside corners of the rig with two lock downs toward the middle.

My main concern is strength but I'm also concerned about any rattles as the Cruiser will be seeing some DD.

I'm leaning toward a two carrier design but I've seen some good looking single carriers.

Throw me some opinions/reasoning behind one design over the other.

Also, what would be the recommended spacing from the body? My rig is still fairly clean and I'll like to avoid fawking it up due to no trail related damage:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

TIA,
John

I know you told use not to consider some thing, but I can't!

I would go with a single pivot, here is why:

-cheaper to build
-easier to build
-easier to open the tailgate
-if you build it right, strength won't be an issue

Originally posted by 44Runner
I know you told use not to consider some thing, but I can't!

I would go with a single pivot, here is why:

-cheaper to build
-easier to build
-easier to open the tailgate
-if you build it right, strength won't be an issue

I do agree though that a single pivot will be easier to build and cheaper though.

On the tailgate issue, I am one of the "fortunate" people who have ambulance doors on their Cruiser so either design would work fine. Plus, when I take the top off, I have a solid rear cap so I don't have any need for the swing away during the summer:p

The amount of leverage by the single carrier does cause me a little concern especially with a full size tire and two full jerry cans(I'm estimating that each can full will weigh 50 pounds)

The only reason I mentioned cash not being something to consider is that I'm not one to let an extra $50-$100 stop me from a "fool proof" design :p

Anyone else?

I used the single swing design. Mine was basically a Rockstomper pivot (very beefy and works very well) on the bottom and a heim support on the top. Two jerry cans, set them behind the tire next to the tailgate and then spare tire on out side. Mine was on a wrangler so I used the stock rubber stoppers from the stock spare tire system and butted the cans up to the tail gate and you'd be surprised by how close the spare sits to the rear. I did it with a 35, my buddie has the same set up on his wrangler and uses a 36 swamper. One latch, no rattles. After opening and closing it a few times I would recommend a single swing system. I don't see why it wouldn't work on a cruiser.

this is a sweet tire carrier Safari Gard makes for Defender 90s. They want serious $$$ for it but i'm sure you could copy it or use it for ideas for the cruiser...
http://www.safarigard.com/tire_carrier2.gif
http://www.safarigard.com/tire_carrier.gif

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27267&highlight=Red+FJ

A bumper I made and rattle free and heavy duty, holds my 38 SX with no problems.

single pivot for sure. the one I built wouldn't be very hard to add a shelf for gas cans. Plenty strong and very convient to open.
http://members.shaw.ca/steevil/Images/Specs%20Pics/Ranger%20%20bumper%20yellow%20spare.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/steevil/Images/Specs%20Pics/ranger%20spare%20tire%20open2.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/steevil/Images/AG00547_(p).gif