Rear bumber with cargo rack, no tire carrier??

[shu2kill]

I own a jku, which i use for camping a lot. With 5 people and camping gear for 3-4 days, plus rock climbing equipment, cargo space is barely enough. I have a cargo hitch basket, but i dont really like it much and would prefer something that doesnt extends back as much.

So now that I am starting to make the rear bumper, I have been thinking about adding a type of tire carrier to it, but leaving the tire on the door, and adding a basket to the carrier. This way the basket would be able to hold more weight, as the tire would be in the stock location. I would like to put the basket above the tire.

When I had a YJ, I made a bumper with tire carrier and a basket, and for camping I had to use that basket and the hitch one.







So, I have been thinking about making something like this one, but only to carry a strong basket. What do you think?? Or would it be better if I go the traditional route and make a tire carrier with the basket above it like i had on my YJ?? I plan on using the rack to carry a full cooler, a Plano Storage Locker where i carry thermarests, sleeping bags, tent, and backpacks with clothing. I would also carry a 5 gallon water jug and 2 camping chairs in there.

I prefer to store the heavy climbing equipment inside the jeep.

This is something like what I had in mind, but hinged to the bumper...

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[shu2kill]

I found something just like what i had in mind..

 

[offroadite]

I like that!

 

[BigAl]

I have built several racks for both inside and outside jeeps. I have always may them too heavy. I would eliminate the upper rails. You will never put anything up there without lashing it down, so the upper rail does do much. I have been welding u-bolt attachment points to recent projects. Lighter is better

 

[Mako1114]

Seems like a roof rack would serve you well?

Cheers

 

[shu2kill]

I have built several racks for both inside and outside jeeps. I have always may them too heavy. I would eliminate the upper rails. You will never put anything up there without lashing it down, so the upper rail does do much. I have been welding u-bolt attachment points to recent projects. Lighter is betterView attachment 441217

thats correct. i built the rack i had on my white YJ with think pipe, and it held great. tie in points are also a must. thank you.

 

[shu2kill]

Seems like a roof rack would serve you well?

Cheers

i dont really like roof racks because of several reasons. first of all, they make removing the top a PITA. besides, mileage suffers, and it is already not too good. plus, i dont like the looks of those. I would prefer a removeable rack that i can put in place when needed and remove when not required.