Experience with TireGate products?

[zuren]

I've been researching rear Chevy van bumpers with tire carriers and aside from Aluminess, there isn't much. I did stumble onto a company called TireGate that makes a receiver mounted carrier for a tire, fuel cans, etc.

http://www.tiregate.com/hg-series/

Has any one heard of them and/or know anything about their products? I have an email out to them asking if they have tested with the doors on full-size vans. What I really like is that it could be swapped to any future vehicle or trailer with a 2" receiver.

Thanks!

 

[dcguillory]

No experience but looks pretty decent

 

[libarata]

Looks sweet. I would make sure that there is no wiggle room, otherwise the mass of the tire could rip some stuff apart.

 

[Cole]

I've had all sorts of things that mount in a receiver hitch. Winches, motorcycle carriers, etc. None have ever had a "rattle free" level of fit. So they all wiggle/bounce around.

Seem like this unit has lots of connection points and leverage to allow movements, rattles, and ultimately just beat on your trailer hitch like a sledge hammer all day long until it eventually fails or drives you nuts from the noise.

 

[Smksignals]

I had the TG Hitchgate and loved it.

The Hitchgate is rattle free. Unlike the other items mentioned above, the Hitchgate locks down like a gooseneck on a bicycle. You slide the stem into the receiver and then tighten up the wedge to lock it in place. Works great.

 

[Cole]

Most good motorcycle hitch carriers and bike racks tighten down too.

I have yet to use one that stays tight over time though. Just something to consider.

 

[boardrider247]

I like the idea. But am I correct in assuming that you lose the ability to tow a trailer? Or just pay a severe capacity penalty.
I did look quickly and did not see a rated tow capacity.

Edit.
I see it now still allows a 750# tongue weight and 7500# trailer weight.
To address the rattling concern maybe a couple tack welds would take care of that issue, especially if you are planning to leave it on the van

 

[landyachtcaptn]

If you were towing a trailer with it you couldn't open it with the trailer connected. The Aluminess will allow you to open it with the trailer on and up to a 35" tire. I think Ujoint has an adapter for the top hinge connection plate that will let you do a 37" tire.