Wilco Hitchgate Solo

Only issue with that is I am a Mall Krawling Bitch with my truck. And I will only be adding a 2 gallon Rotopax Gas can to it. I don't have any Hi Lift mounts to mount it

 

Don't hate

 

Wobbliness: It does.not.move.under any circumstances when the wedge lock is installed correctly
Hinge Strength: Do you want tensile strength or how many pounds can be on it when open?

We offer a lifetime warranty because we are so confident in the strength of our products, this one is no different.

If you want more ground clearance, the Hitchgate Classic sets the support arms up about 4" higher than it is on the Solo....on the solo, the support arm is welded directly next to the secondary hitch rather than on top of it.

 

I never hate. I've probably been to the mall more recently that wheeling so I can't argue that either. Truck's too clean. Needs dirt. Then again: wheeling Saturday, wash on Sunday- no evidence on Monday that it ever goes off road other than pinstripes. People at work think I'm a poser since it's always semi-clean.

 

Speaking of Mall Krawling....

 

At least he has a full sized spare. Can't count how many DUB cars and trucks I've seen riding on a 12"x4" donut.

 

What's the weight difference between the Solo and the classic.
On weekends, this thing won't be on the truck because its a daily driver. On the weekends, the truck morphs into an off-road beast. So it's gotta be relatively light weight and easy on/ easy off.

 

Classic = 96lbs
Solo = 53lbs

I can install a Classic by myself...but the Solos are far lighter to throw around.

Both install as easy on/off, but the Classic does weigh more...but arguably has better clearance...or at least the appearance of such.

 

It appears that the round tube "supports" on the Classic seem to actually lower the overall ground clearance/departure angle since it originates from the main hitch instead of the secondary hitch.

 

Yeah, it does appear that way, but those tubes head upward pretty quick. If you are a hardcore rock crawler, you probably aren't looking at a hitch mounted solution...but I have never once had a customer call and complain about their hitch mounted tire carrier effecting their departure angle...probably because....it's hitch mounted...the lowest part on the vehicle.

 

Still on the fence on this because of possible clearance issues of the lower swing arm that attaches to the right of the hitch.

The center hitch part is OK, since it's same height/distance from the ground as the truck receiver hitch. so nothing is lost or gained there.

And the center hitch aligns nicely with the rear diff pumpkin, which off-roaders absolutely know to avoid when picking their lines.

So I go back to the pesky lost departure angle/ground clearance on the right side of the Solo's hitch. That's what keeps me on the fence about this.

 

Yeah, for extreme off-road, anything hitch mounted...or a hitch at all is going to potentially get in the way. I know the hitch on our JK is ground down to a 45 degree practically.

The Solo isn't for everyone, but it is a light(er) weight and easily removed/swapped full-size-spare tire solution that swings out of the way and tows a Tacoma...so there's that. =) You seem like a prime candidate for a custom rear bumper with an integrated tire carrier with the kind of adventures you have.

 

Looooooooooooooove mine I now have a full bed to use as needed.

 

My truck is a daily driver. It gets me to work and back. Then on the weekends, I mount the portable 12k winch into the front or rear receiver, throw another 33" spare in the bed and we to go the great outdoors and we have great fun. I hate the look of the extreme off road machine - front and rear plate bumpers, etc. Just not me. Plus I can't justify the extreme price tags of these bumpers for a weekend machine.

The Solo is a good option between extreme and the stock. I could use the bed space if I could mount my spare tire on this thing.

 

This is what I NEED. More bed space.

 

Mounts up to a 35 inch tire

 

Take it out and put it through its paces Rick. At least run over some parking lot curbs at the mall.