I searched through the forums to see what type of bike racks are being used, some are quite ingenious. I would like to be able to mount 4 bikes to the spare tire frame, though weight does concern me some. Figured I would build my own rack as the biggest I have seen is for 3. I have found no source for weight or load limitations on the door, either with or without the spare tire.

Any thoughts? Some of the storage racks that have been built that use the spare tire rack are not light, especially when loaded with fuel + cooler.

Thanks

 

I got a rack that holds four bikes from walmat. It even folds down so that you can open the door. It connects to the reciver on the truck. I had to trim a bit of the rack where the pin goes to lock it from swinging down so that the door. Other than that all is good and all my bikes fit nice. 3 moutain bikes and my sons BMX..

 

Yeah I don't know, too much weight will warp out that door. Hitch would be best but if you really need a tire one - well one I have seen for Jeeps is part of a bumper upgrade, that comes up and over to hold the spare & is super solid. Check out AEV and maybe base your fabrication on that.

 

The door hinges are EXTREMELY tough and durable on these trucks. I wouldn't worry about warping them. But I would definately get a bike rack that plugs into the tow-hitch.