I bought a used 2012 Rav4 Sport V6 last year with under 30k miles. Once I got to about 35k miles, the run flat tires were in need of replacing. The run flats were too expensive and they don't really have a whole lot of tread options so I decided to tackle the spare tire issue and use regular tires. I didn't really want to put the tire in a cargo rack on the roof and I couldn't find a hitch mounted tire carrier that I liked, so I decided to make my own.
I threw together a CAD model and designed the carrier to fit tight to the car and swing down (instead of sideways to save weight) so I can open the back door. I attached a few pics below of what I came up with. It weighs 17 pounds and keeps the tire close and low in the back of the car so I can barely see it out the back window. I only use it on trips and it goes on pretty quick. I use a locking hitch pin, the pivot point on the carrier is welded in, and the tire uses welded studs and a locking lug nut so it would be difficult to steal. I relocate the license plate during use so it is visible and it has a light for night visibility (the wire harness just plugs into the trailer light plug). The spare wheel is just a refurbished OEM wheel and I put one of the old run flats on it. I have about 1000 miles on it so far and its been working out well.
Not sure if this is something people would be interested in but I could certainly make more if someone wanted one.
I threw together a CAD model and designed the carrier to fit tight to the car and swing down (instead of sideways to save weight) so I can open the back door. I attached a few pics below of what I came up with. It weighs 17 pounds and keeps the tire close and low in the back of the car so I can barely see it out the back window. I only use it on trips and it goes on pretty quick. I use a locking hitch pin, the pivot point on the carrier is welded in, and the tire uses welded studs and a locking lug nut so it would be difficult to steal. I relocate the license plate during use so it is visible and it has a light for night visibility (the wire harness just plugs into the trailer light plug). The spare wheel is just a refurbished OEM wheel and I put one of the old run flats on it. I have about 1000 miles on it so far and its been working out well.
Not sure if this is something people would be interested in but I could certainly make more if someone wanted one.
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