I'm in the process of building a rear bumper with tire carrier. I have everything sorted out except the tire carrier latch. I don't know what to use for sure. I'm worried about two things, it rattling and coming open going down the road. I have found a couple latches like the one the LOD carrier has but I can't find one that locks. I really like this latch setup, but am worried it can pop open going down the road. I thought about using a setup like Warn uses, but am worried about it rattling. Then I thought about doing both latch systems together, but feel I'm complicating things now. I also don't want to use a bolt system that I have to thread off every time I want to get in the back. Can somebody give me some insite on a latch like the LOD. Mabye it doesn't need to be lockable, I don't know. Or post pics of the latches that are on your carrier. Mabye there's a better way I haven't thought of yet.
Thanks

 

I'm considering the same build idea. Or doing one myself. I was thinking I'd set it up to latch behind the tire and use a hood latch like off an old 70s or so ford truck.

 

What about a door latch and striker setup? The Rock Hard uses something similar and an old truck setup would probably be pretty strong. Put a hard rubber pad beside that and you could use that to adjust how tight it sits on the bumper to deal with the rattles, not to mention how tight it rides on the striker.

 

I would like to see one with the same type latch used to attach the soft top. Obviously something stronger but it would be easy to get started and then draw it tight by flipping the lever. Maybe hold it in place with a pin or lock...

 

when i added a latch to my rockhard carrier, I ordered a brand called destaco. they make all kinds of different styles

 

What didn't you like about the rock hard latch? I was considering using a latch like this after seer1 gave me the idea. Destaco was another latch I was considering, but the one I wanted didn't lock.

 

Just another option; Mine is from Shrockworks and it is real solid with no rattles. It's a cam style latch that has a pre-drilled hole for a small lock or pin to add to it's security, etc. The nice thing is, when I dealt with Shrockworks they were very cool. I ordered my bumpers bare and in pieces, so I could modify them. They also originally sold me the hinge assembly when I was considering making my own carrier. My bet is that if you called them, they would sell you a latch set-up.

[IMG][/IMG]

 

Mcmaster.com has tons of different kinds of latches. Should be able to find something there.

 

What about this one?
atozfabrication.com/store/product.php?productid=16172&cat=274&page=1

 

I live on a wash board road which makes a perfect test ground for off road abuse. the tire rack slid up and down the post creating not just a rattle but a bang. there was enough abuse to break the welds on the tire carrier. rockhard replaced it right away but the rep said he'd never heard of such a break.