Cooler Rack/Leverage on tire carrier

Got the tire carrier started today. The hinge is all welded up and set, now i am just working on the specifics of measuring the setup for a cooler rack and for some storage boxes. I included a pic of the setup. The bottom arm that has the hinge is 46 inches long. I was going to make the basket span the whole length, make the side connecting arms inboard a bit to just out of the tire and then on that space between the arms and the basket i will put two ammo boxes for storage. I am just thinknig bout leverage and how strong the hinge is before busting. I will have a 34 x10.50 LTB for a spare, so it is not that deep from the rack, but for the cooler i do have a large cooler that is bout 24x13. Once it is filled with food and drinks it will have some weight to it. So this is on top. The spinlde for the hinge is 1.375 inches at the bottom and 1.060 at the top. I plan on gusseting all the arms and such. But am i over thinknig building this? I know i will have alot of leverage ion this. how could i change it up to get the leverage reduced? I was thinknig bout making the baske a bit smaller but since it is only made out of angle it will not save that much weight.

 

Re: Cooler Rack/Lverage on taire carrier

If you make the latch end also support the carrier you'll alleviate a lot of stress.

 

Re: Cooler Rack/Lverage on taire carrier

The latch end will definately secure that side. I dont like using the "latches" i like the tried and true big Ole Bolt clamping it down Got alot of it done this weekend, still some work tongiht

 

Re: Cooler Rack/Lverage on taire carrier

For a bolt i just used a piece of angle iron welded to the top of the bumper and then welded a nut to the rear of the angle iron and will run a large bolt through to latch it. Very simple. also will weld on some ears on the bolt to twist it off by hand. Double shear.. not even sure about that concept. i havnt heard of it. I will have pics later on.

 

oh i see now. Thanks tim!!