Got my extended recovery brackets from RockyMtnX since BoonDox seems to be MIA, which means I can now start on my tire carrier!
New extended recovery brackets test-fitted with some steel laid on top to mock it all out:
The rear-most tube will be 4"x2" to make it line up with the top of the bumper step (and to fully support the double-shear bracket that will be in the mail soon). Bracket will be face-mounted.
I am allowing for a bit of lip on the brackets for the swing arm to sit on top of:
Quick and dirty departure angle check. Currently sitting just above 30 degrees, which will improve when I get my 33s on. Just gotta make sure the spare doesn't sit too low.
"Spare" mockup (actually a 30" circle traced from my current spare; tabs stapled on will let me Photoshop it to a more accurate size):
Plan is for something like this:
Orange represents primary "bumper" (4"x2") with a Comp4x4 face mount dual shear hinge. Swing arm (2"x2") is in blue. Note the light blue plates on top of the arm, which will overlap the "bumper" and allow the tire arm to sit closer to the hatch as well as providing downward support. Latches are in red - one handle-type latch on each end plus a pop pin on the driver side (I believe in redundancy). License plate will get relocated to line up with the Gobi ladder, while in its place will be a Totron light bar (as illustrated
here).
Black dots represent a backup sensor system, because why the hell not (also, dense city living).
Further goals include a small flush mount warning strobe and/or illumination strips on both sides of the tire end of swing arm, triggered by a magnetic switch on the arm itself, which will activate when I open the arm.
My hinge should be here Monday, as will the last of the steel. Basic assembly should be done by the end of the week, then it's on to electronics and gusseting the hell out of everything. Not sure if I want to powder coat it yet.