Question about those darn swingarms

[FullyLitLED]

So I have been contemplating the shorter swingarms, actually I am set on that. My plan is to make the swing arms as short as possible so that there is no interference with my trailer. The underlying problem is that I see that all manufacturers seem to go with swingarms which span the whole bumper and have them meet in the center of the bumper, is there a beneficial reason for that besides the fact that it looks more pleasing to the eye?

Planning on 2 swingarms with two separate latches.

This was the basis for my choice on shorter swingarms, it is not my photo but it was posted in my bumper build thread

 

[MANUCHAO]

I cut mine as they would get on the way of the bike rack I usually have back on the hitch..

 

[Slowerthanu]

The only advantage I see to the longer swing arm is the fact that you have more space to mount accessories.

The shorter arm is probably more advantageous due to less leverage and lighter weight.

I learned a LOT doing my first two swing outs.

 

[davegonz]

The loads are going to be about the same since your tire and jerry cans are going to be placed at the same locations irregardless of arm length. 4X4Labs uses the long arm approach and only uses one latch. It's a simple but effective design.