GU Tow hitch wheel carrier

[NoPressure]

Ok, so in the interest of saving as much weight as possible, as weight and dunes don't mix well, I'm contemplating fitting a wheel carrier to the 4.5's tow bar. I have seen this done on numerous vehicles, the most common Fortuners.

The barn door carrier system takes a lot of abuse with the high speed (or high revved) driving in the dunes - although its holding up well currently.

A) Does anybody make them commercially for the Patrols?
B) Has anybody done a DIY one?
C) Should I leave it like it is, or get a whole new rear bumper and carrier?

If anybody has that would be great.

[hugejp]

https://www.patrol4x4.com/threads/gu-ex ... ier.75241/

[IanT]

I have one used to be on my Disco 4, yes they seem to work well, they are made by Tarus here on the West Rand, think about R5K, if you are looking for a second hand one my one is growing dust

[graham1]

A forum member, georgeb has something like that. I inquired about it a while ago, but never went through with it. Pics of it are on the white patrol in the thread below, and info from George at the end of the thread

viewtopic.php?f=61&t=8492&start=10

[offroadbiker]

I have one used to be on my Disco 4, yes they seem to work well, they are made by Tarus here on the West Rand, think about R5K, if you are looking for a second hand one my one is growing dust

Will it work on the GQ?

[NoPressure]

A forum member, georgeb has something like that. I inquired about it a while ago, but never went through with it. Pics of it are on the white patrol in the thread below, and info from George at the end of the thread

viewtopic.php?f=61&t=8492&start=10

Thanks IanT, unfortunately shipping it to Nam would probably cost about the same as what it's worth. Does it only use the towbal bracket or does it also attach to the chassis rail somewhere?

Thanks for the thread link..I will have a read through as soon as time permits

So the verdict is that it's not to bad idea I take it?

Thanks guys

[Peter Connan]

Personally I doubt it can be any more robust than the door mount.

Only difference is, if it breaks, it only breaks itself and hopefully not the car (assuming good mounting to the chassis.

Even most of the steel bumpers I have seen don't mount to the chassis well enough to fill me with confidence.

I would keep it where it is, or tie it to the roof rack (bad for the centre of gravity but good for the rear suspension).

[IanT]

Ruan, it only attaches to the tow hitch (if memory serves correctly, using 4 bolts) I have some photos on my phone send me your cell number and I will whatapp them to you, sending to Nam not a problem we send our products up to Windhoek on a weekly bases

[offroadbiker]

Personally I doubt it can be any more robust than the door mount.

Only difference is, if it breaks, it only breaks itself and hopefully not the car (assuming good mounting to the chassis.

Even most of the steel bumpers I have seen don't mount to the chassis well enough to fill me with confidence.

I would keep it where it is, or tie it to the roof rack (bad for the centre of gravity but good for the rear suspension).

If it mounts on the tow bar should it not be strong enough? tow bar is usually properly mounted.

I want to get the weight of the tire of the door and if I can do that without fitting an aftermarket rear bumper would it not be less weight then as well?

[offroadbiker]

Ruan, it only attaches to the tow hitch (if memory serves correctly, using 4 bolts) I have some photos on my phone send me your cell number and I will whatapp them to you, sending to Nam not a problem we send our products up to Windhoek on a weekly bases

If Ruan is passing please let me know I might be interested...

Tx