Options for rear tire carrier?

[RhinoTheExpo]

I have a 97 that I am turning into a bit of a trail rig/light overlanding rig. It's capable enough as I have the limited slip and 4 wheel, as well as a decent lift and 35s, but I have to keep the spare in the back of the truck. It's been fine so far, but it takes up a lot of space and i really like the look of a swing out bumper with a tire carrier, which could also hold my jerry can. I've looked around online, and I see there are some options for hitch mounted carriers, but these are often only slightly less expensive than going custom, and this is a heavy 35 which limits my options somewhat. Also, every one I have seen so far holds the tire way out away from the vehicle which at the very least doesn't look very good. Ultimately I think it would be best to have a custom bumper fabbed, as it would be cleanest, most durable, and hold the tire closest to the body. Does anyone have any experience mounting a tire to the back of their first gen expy in any way? I know a custom bumper would cost a lot, I'm willing to put a fair amount into it, so does anyone know any good custom fab shops that they've had a good experience with, preferably in the Phoenix area?

 

[LAexpy]

Here’s a link to a video of custom fabbed front & rear bumpers and sliders for a Gen 2 Expedition, by CBI Offroad several years ago. They mostly do bumpers for Toys and Lexus

Link to video https://youtu.be/Ww6UNeV1ioA

 

[Dobermans]

There are a couple of people in here with a rear bumper spare. I don’t remember who, but someone used one off a bronco with some mods.

 

[RhinoTheExpo]

I did consider the type like the ones on broncos that aren't a bumper but attach to the D pillar essentially. My biggest concern is it would just rip out and be too flimsy. Would be really neat if it is possible though, would look a little more classic.

 

[Lumberjack]

It a hitch mount but very well built and decently priced

Modular Hitch Mounted Tire/Accessory Carrier (Dual Swing)

New for 2023, a modular hitch mounted system for standard 2" hitch receivers that utilizes all of our current production swing out options (seen here). This product is for the dual swing option, single tire swing option can be found here. Base price of $1250 is just for the hitch and mounting...

dissentoffroad.com

 

[aeorn]

I have a 97 that I am turning into a bit of a trail rig/light overlanding rig.

Your rig looks awesome. What lift?
Did you find a good rear tire carrier fabricator? I'm on the hunt for one myself.

 

[Calidad]

I use a wilco hitch rack I bought yrs ago. Works pretty good. But honestly most people are stacking way way too much weight on these huge bumper racks. Tire yeah but start adding 400-500-600lbs behind the rear axle and it kills your performance regarding weight distribution on soft surfaces handling sucks even worse than the big tires etc. Keep it light, keep it basic makes a huge difference!