Build diary · Step 14
Turning metal offcuts into a spare-wheel carrier
Since I want to carry a bike and my ladder as well as a spare wheel, I built a rear carrier from metal offcuts left over from building the subframe.
The metal parts were cut with the old cut-off saw.
Before welding the first parts, I did a few tests to get back into practice. It went quite well, so I carried on.
All parts were cut, ground and aligned on the welding table for tack welding.
Back when planning the subframe, the Rahmenmeister had already advised me to weld 10 mm plates with holes onto the subframe. These form the mount for the rear carrier, so I ordered the same plates from Laserhub again.
Then I measured again and again to make sure everything was right and aligned to the millimetre ...
The reinforcements on the left add extra safety, as I definitely don’t want to lose the carrier on the motorway and endanger other road users
The load-bearing welds weren’t done by me but by a professional. With loads like this I play it safe ... even though I trust my welds.
Then a holder for the ladder was welded on. I need the ladder to get into the box, and it’s fixed to the rear carrier with two ratchet straps.
After painting the parts, everything was ready for mounting
A forklift is always very helpful ... everything fitted to the millimetre, and ten M14 bolts per side hold the carrier in place. A bit over the top for a 200 kg load, but “better safe than sorry”
