Can you remove stock spare hoist frame?

Has anyone cut away the spare tire carrier (under the bed)? Specifically talking about the X-frame connected by two bolts in the front and two rivets in the rear. I am looking to install an ABS water tank in the stock spare tire location for a hot-water system and am wondering if this X-frame of metal serves any structural purpose besides providing a place for the spare tire hoist.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a photo (not of mine) which includes the front passenger section of the X-frame I'm referring to. It is located directly above the shiny muffler.
http://s241.photobucket.com/user/boomtacoma01/media/2009 Tacoma/DSC01199.jpg.html

I'm attempting to replicate something akin to this guy's install, http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/72802-On-Board-Hot-Water-Shower-System.

Thank you in advance!

 

Subbed I've been wondering this aswell

 

4 to the third power, cubed

 

That's a great question! I can't say I remember reading about anyone doing that. Very curious to see if someone chimes in. I would imagine it's not necessary.

 

Anything can be accomplished with a grinder, a cutting wheel and some willpower.

 

Or dynomite. Dynomite works too.

 

I have an angle grinder. It won't be very hard to cut it away -- just mildly concerned that it's structurally important.

 

You shall be our gineua pig. Lol

 

A couple of observations, based on the pictures referred to in the OPs posting...it would not be hard to design and install "other" structural 10 GA./12 GA. parts bent and bolted into place that would not interfere with your project tank(s). My other observation is that this would be a great place to mount a secondary fuel tank (with a skid plate protecting it) or some type of fuel cell up to 10/20 gallons or so. This would increase the distance you can travel without having to mess with 5 gallon gas cans.

Just a thought...

 

Yeah, I guess if you're worried you could weld up a cross bar.

 

Or a cutting torch


Go for it OP. What could possibly go wrong?

 

It is structural and should not be removed IMO.

It may not fall apart with it removed, but I'm pretty sure the frame integrity would be compromised with it removed.

 

Yea I took a look at my truck and there is one more crossmember after the tire hoist member but it's very very flimsy and only actually attached at the top

 

just had the sawzall out and started and said wait a tick I should google this. Anyway after two notches on the back right said I stopped and thought the steel was pretty rigid and for good reason. But in fact if someone has done this. I would continue

 

It is rigid because it is a primary structural support for the C Channel frame. Cut it at your own peril.

 

Still want to cut that thing out and put in new structural steel braces. Still exploring my options. I'm some what excited about the aforementioned mod. Would come in so handy during my winter surf adventures

 

I don't see why you couldn't cut out the x frame and replace it with something else. Having no cross member what so ever may be an issue but you can size you water tank and position it to allow for a cross member in front of and behind the tank.

In fact it may be possible to weld in cross members in front of and behind the tank and use them for mounting the tank.



For a tank like this you could rest the flange on a pair of cross members and have a strong and simple mounting. The tank would be mounted upside down from the above picture.

Source:
http://www.icondirect.com/categories/RV-Exterior-Parts/Holding-Tanks/

 

It's also serving the function of a crossmembers to keep the rear of the frame from twisting. It can be be removed relatively easily but I highly advise you make a custom cross member to take its place and also serve your needs.
Edit. Prior to cutting id tac weld in some temporary 1x1 tubing top and bottom in a couple spots to keep frame from going nuts once the tire carrier is cut free

 

Temp bracing is a good idea for sure if the bed is off. If the bed is one I'd imagine the bed bolts would keep the frame from moving at all. Still you can never be too sure.

 

Hey, I know this is an old thread now, but anybody done this yet? I’m interested in doing a similar mod, or maybe just adding some extra storage down there!