Hitchgates?

[offoradjunkie]

OK, so I know there are a few old threads but I think they are mostly dead or have not discussed the latest options and offerings. I want to start a new one and hear y'all's thoughts.

I have started to think about this as an option over a steel bumper because of all these reasons.
The hitch gate will

• Hold a spare tire
• Hold a high lift jack (mine slides around in the trunk and is annoying, but also dangerous)
• Trasharoo (again, I carry firewood, and it rolls around and damages stuff and can make a mess)
• You can easily strap MaxTrax
• Extra gas (Rotopax is pretty low capacity, but it's better than nothing)
• I tow with my vehicle - nothing crazy, but I do like to use it

This is the latest model from Wilco and they seem to have corrected the departure angle issue and added weight capacity.

$1,199.00

I actually dont really care about the added 'protection' rear bumper adds since I have so much clearance with the stock bumper removed and I have recovery points at the corners of the cross member which cop all the dings and scratches, my rear frame is basically untouched and a $4-$5k rear bumper does not add a level of protection that is worth that much money. The only damage I have taken has been a little clipping of the lower rear quarter panel pinch welds.

HITCHGATE "X"

NOW AVAILABLE AND READY TO SHIP. *Please note that this New product is currently not eligible for any discounts or promotions. Introducing the all New Hitchgate X, with a completely new design and more standard features than anything in the industry. The Hitchgate X mounts to any class III 2"...

wilcooffroad.com

 

[hoser]

Trail Tailor offers one that is a better fit versus one that fits all. He can customize for that other stuff too.

 

[GTV]

OK, so I know there are a few old threads but I think they are mostly dead or have not discussed the latest options and offerings. I want to start a new one and hear y'all's thoughts.

I have started to think about this as an option over a steel bumper because of all these reasons.
The hitch gate will

• Hold a spare tire
• Hold a high lift jack (mine slides around in the trunk and is annoying, but also dangerous)
• Trasharoo (again, I carry firewood, and it rolls around and damages stuff and can make a mess)
• You can easily strap MaxTrax
• Extra gas (Rotopax is pretty low capacity, but it's better than nothing)
• I tow with my vehicle - nothing crazy, but I do like to use it

This is the latest model from Wilco and they seem to have corrected the departure angle issue and added weight capacity.

$1,199.00

I actually dont really care about the added 'protection' rear bumper adds since I have so much clearance with the stock bumper removed and I have recovery points at the corners of the cross member which cop all the dings and scratches, my rear frame is basically untouched and a $4-$5k rear bumper does not add a level of protection that is worth that much money. The only damage I have taken has been a little clipping of the lower rear quarter panel pinch welds.

HITCHGATE "X"

NOW AVAILABLE AND READY TO SHIP. *Please note that this New product is currently not eligible for any discounts or promotions. Introducing the all New Hitchgate X, with a completely new design and more standard features than anything in the industry. The Hitchgate X mounts to any class III 2"...

wilcooffroad.com

View attachment 4072172View attachment 4072173View attachment 4072174View attachment 4072175

I don't have a Hitchgate but I do have a bike rack that's similarly designed. If you can mount it through the rear crossmember you'll save a ton of departure angle. Keep in mind that even the best 2" receivers wobble a little, bracing it on the outside will minimize/eliminate that. It could even be welded straight to the rear crossmember if you fancy.

 

[NearJetties]

The Rig’d ones seem better than the Wilco ones. They both hang low off the back (even the improved ones) so much though. For what they cost I wouldn’t bother and go without or wait to get a full bumper.

The dissent and cruiser company high clearance bumpers are rated for towing. Others retain the receiver hitch.

The TT (above) and GGM (discontinued) swing outs that work with the stock bumper are a better option imho than the receiver type. Not sure if TT is still doing those either. If you have a good local shop the can fab one pretty easily

Here are pics of one I came across when I was considering one. Ultimately went with a TCC full high clearance bumper albeit 4 years later

 

[offoradjunkie]

Forgot about @TRAIL TAILOR
Jason, what’s your lead time and cost on the single swing out these days? I’m 59718 would probably need it shipped but there’s a chance I maybe driving that way for work.

 

[offoradjunkie]

Trail Tailor offers one that is a better fit versus one that fits all. He can customize for that other stuff too.

Actually looks a lot better than the other ones too. Downside is you’d have to remove it to tow.

 

[NearJetties]

Actually looks a lot better than the other ones too. Downside is you’d have to remove it to tow.

You don’t need to remove it. That truck just doesn’t have a receiver hitch installed.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Actually looks a lot better than the other ones too. Downside is you’d have to remove it to tow.

What year is yours? Early needs a bolt on hitch under frame installed or a 2" drop hitch incorporated into the design.

Or the late is a pass through design and will need to drill another 5/8" hitch pin into the Toyota/Lexus receiver.


EARLY MODEL WITH OEM BOLT ON UNDER FRAME RECEIVER

EARLY WITH 2" INCORPORATED CENTER PLATE

LATE MODEL WITH PASS THROUGH RECEIVER IN CROSSMEMBER

 

[offoradjunkie]

Those look amazing! Mine is an '03 @TRAIL TAILOR

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Those look amazing! Mine is an '03 @TRAIL TAILOR

So if memory serves; you will need to add an under frame OEM hitch or add an incorporated 2" drop hitch into my design.