Wilco Offset Tire Carrier Review (1 Viewer)

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I, like many here, have been plagued with the need to find a new location to haul my spare tire as it no longer fits in the stock location.

Like some, I don’t need/want a full on rear bumper, for both the weight and cost is too much for my personal use of the GX.

The market has brought a few options for hitch mounted tire carriers that can be expanded with fuel, hi-lifts, tables, etc and some I have seen here. One I hadn’t seen on the GX specifically is a Wilco Offset Hitchgate.

4WheelParts had it in stock for $1,180 (which is, is mad for what it is IMO) and Jegs had it for close to $1,000 even (with some discount codes) but it was out of stock and wouldn’t ship for 5 months. I got 4WP to price match everything and had it delivered to the local shop. Here’s some pictures to show it on the GX.

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54C8D0FF-1BB3-46B3-8F1E-934552FE62AC.jpeg

745E3DFB-DF85-4EE3-9294-2A6897038964.jpeg

7BC38C48-4BE3-4637-B2F4-4E610A12BE20.jpeg

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I’ve had it on a week now and here’s my opinion on it.

- It sits too far off the bumper and body for me (pretty common for almost all these setups).
- Fit and finish aren’t impressive, but ok.
- Latch pin doesn’t fit well, but it opens/closes and camps ok
- the anti-rattle receiver piece seems mostly gimmicky and there’s easier options to achieve this fix (hitch tightening clamps, which I always run)
- the spare wheel studs are loose bolts and not welded in place to the bracket, so installing/removing the spare requires a wrench on the back of the stud
- it comes with normal size lug nuts (not slim, like many aftermarket wheels require) but the wheel stud thread pitch does match the GX
- on mine specifically, the latching pin that holds the swing arm in specific open positions was seized from new (though I did like the natural limited opening stop it has by design, pic of it open is where it naturally stops, I just couldn’t lock it open)
- overall build quality seems good
- tow rating is good (10,000 lbs and 750 lb tongue weight if I recall)
- it won’t accept my 4” rise lock-n-roll hitch unless I ran it as a 4” drop hitch, which would make my trailer nose dive instead of level. I did know this was likely going in, but specs online didn’t make it clear enough.
- the basic pivot pin is going to be a bad wear point, non-greasable (without disassembly and manually greasing)
-There’s other concerns that most these setups have, with ground clearance too.

After really trying to be ok with it for a week, I’ve decided to return it. It fits a need I have, barely, about as well as any of them would, but I just don’t think it’s worth $1,000+ in the end, so I’m going to keep waiting.

For me, the ideal setup is going to be something like some DIY setups here or specifically the Ronin Metal setup that’s not coming to the market soon enough.

I’ll go back to leaving the spare at home for daily stuff, throw it on top for trips. Just hope the details here may help someone else decide if it’s a good fit for them or not.
 
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I, like many here, have been plagued with the need to find a new location to haul my spare tire as it no longer fits in the stock location.

Like some, I don’t need/want a full on rear bumper, for both the weight and cost is too much for my personal use of the GX.

The market has brought a few options for hitch mounted tire carriers that can be expanded with fuel, hi-lifts, tables, etc and some I have seen here. One I hadn’t seen on the GX specifically is a Wilco Offset Hitchgate.

4WheelParts had it in stock for $1,180 (which is, is mad for what it is IMO) and Jegs had it for close to $1,000 even (with some discount codes) but it was out of stock and wouldn’t ship for 5 months. I got 4WP to price match everything and had it delivered to the local shop. Here’s some pictures to show it on the GX.

View attachment 2527930
View attachment 2527931
View attachment 2527932
View attachment 2527933
View attachment 2527939

I’ve had it on a week now and here’s my opinion on it.

- It sits too far off the bumper and body for me (pretty common for almost all these setups).
- Fit and finish aren’t impressive, but ok.
- Latch pin doesn’t fit well, but it opens/closes and camps ok
- the anti-rattle receiver piece seems mostly gimmicky and there’s easier options to achieve this fix (hitch tightening clamps, which I always run)
- the spare wheel studs are loose bolts and not welded in place to the bracket, so installing/removing the spare requires a wrench on the back of the stud
- it comes with normal size lug nuts (not slim, like many aftermarket wheels require) but the wheel stud thread pitch does match the GX
- on mine specifically, the latching pin that holds the swing arm in specific open positions was seized from new (though I did like the natural limited opening stop it has by design, pic of it open is where it naturally stops, I just couldn’t lock it open)
- overall build quality seems good
- tow rating is good (10,000 lbs and 750 lb tongue weight if I recall)
- it won’t accept my 4” rise lock-n-roll hitch unless I ran it as a 4” drop hitch, which would make my trailer nose dive instead of level. I did know this was likely going in, but specs online didn’t make it clear enough.
- the basic pivot pin is going to be a bad wear point, non-greasable (without disassembly and manually greasing)
-There’s other concerns that most these setups have, with ground clearance too.

After really trying to be ok with it for a week, I’ve decided to return it. It fits a need I have, barely, about as well as any of them would, but I just don’t think it’s worth $1,000+ in the end, so I’m going to keep waiting.

For me, the ideal setup is going to be something like some DIY setups here or specifically the Ronin Metal setup that’s not coming to the market soon enough.

I’ll go back to leaving the spare at home for daily stuff, throw it on top for trips. Just hope the details here may help someone else decide if it’s a good fit for them or not.

Thank you, I myself have been contemplating on Wilco tire carrier and you have answered all of my questions.
Im surprised you were able to return it which is good for you.
 
Happy to help offer an opinion, hadn’t seen much on these specifically, which is why I decided to try it.

To sum it up, from what I’ve researched on all the various hitch mounted setups, I’d say this one is nice, but didn’t impress me for the price.
 
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Thanks for the write up. I’ve been tempted to go with the Rigd tire carrier, but like you, I think the tire is too far off the bumper. I’ll also wait for something in between a full bumper and something like Rigd/Wilco.
 
I'd be skeptical of using that tow rating directly. No question the tire carrier carrier hardware can probably do it. The issue is that your tongue weight is now placed a good 6"+ further away from the frame hitch mount, and that extra leverage multiplies what your truck feels as tongue weight. Most guides that I've read suggest dividing your truck tow weight in half when using an extended hitch like that.
 
The annoying thing about rear spare tire relocate is the back up camera and license plate has to be relocated too.

Yeah, it's definitely something to consider in the overall choice. For me, the camera and plate relocation is an ok compromise, what does bother me is the complete loss of parking sensors due to where the setup rides. On setups like the Ronin Metal carrier (and some DIY ones here) it all sits above the bumper and thus you keep the sensors but do still relocate the camera and plate.


I'd be skeptical of using that tow rating directly. No question the tire carrier carrier hardware can probably do it. The issue is that your tongue weight is now placed a good 6"+ further away from the frame hitch mount, and that extra leverage multiplies what your truck feels as tongue weight. Most guides that I've read suggest dividing your truck tow weight in half when using an extended hitch like that.

If you're even close to the MAX rating, I agree completely, it's something to seriously consider. Thankfully I only tow a 5x10 trailer with basic gear or our offroad trailer, both are sub 2,500 lbs loaded and tongue weights of 150-200 lbs, so I have no concerns with it there.
 
I don't have personal experience with it, but have you considered the JW offroad option?:

It's minimal weight, takes up the least space and still allows window to open. Downside is bolting into door. Both 460 and 470 options available
 
I, like many here, have been plagued with the need to find a new location to haul my spare tire as it no longer fits in the stock location.

Like some, I don’t need/want a full on rear bumper, for both the weight and cost is too much for my personal use of the GX.

The market has brought a few options for hitch mounted tire carriers that can be expanded with fuel, hi-lifts, tables, etc and some I have seen here. One I hadn’t seen on the GX specifically is a Wilco Offset Hitchgate.

4WheelParts had it in stock for $1,180 (which is, is mad for what it is IMO) and Jegs had it for close to $1,000 even (with some discount codes) but it was out of stock and wouldn’t ship for 5 months. I got 4WP to price match everything and had it delivered to the local shop. Here’s some pictures to show it on the GX.

View attachment 2527930
View attachment 2527931
View attachment 2527932
View attachment 2527933
View attachment 2527939

I’ve had it on a week now and here’s my opinion on it.

- It sits too far off the bumper and body for me (pretty common for almost all these setups).
- Fit and finish aren’t impressive, but ok.
- Latch pin doesn’t fit well, but it opens/closes and camps ok
- the anti-rattle receiver piece seems mostly gimmicky and there’s easier options to achieve this fix (hitch tightening clamps, which I always run)
- the spare wheel studs are loose bolts and not welded in place to the bracket, so installing/removing the spare requires a wrench on the back of the stud
- it comes with normal size lug nuts (not slim, like many aftermarket wheels require) but the wheel stud thread pitch does match the GX
- on mine specifically, the latching pin that holds the swing arm in specific open positions was seized from new (though I did like the natural limited opening stop it has by design, pic of it open is where it naturally stops, I just couldn’t lock it open)
- overall build quality seems good
- tow rating is good (10,000 lbs and 750 lb tongue weight if I recall)
- it won’t accept my 4” rise lock-n-roll hitch unless I ran it as a 4” drop hitch, which would make my trailer nose dive instead of level. I did know this was likely going in, but specs online didn’t make it clear enough.
- the basic pivot pin is going to be a bad wear point, non-greasable (without disassembly and manually greasing)
-There’s other concerns that most these setups have, with ground clearance too.

After really trying to be ok with it for a week, I’ve decided to return it. It fits a need I have, barely, about as well as any of them would, but I just don’t think it’s worth $1,000+ in the end, so I’m going to keep waiting.

For me, the ideal setup is going to be something like some DIY setups here or specifically the Ronin Metal setup that’s not coming to the market soon enough.

I’ll go back to leaving the spare at home for daily stuff, throw it on top for trips. Just hope the details here may help someone else decide if it’s a good fit for them or not.
A few things I didn't see in your list of critique's was:
  • What the rear view was like?
  • Did it help having the tire offset improve view from the rear view mirror?
  • Is it relatively low so it doesn't block a lot of the rear window?
  • Can you still open the rear window hatch with it in the close position?
 
I don't have personal experience with it, but have you considered the JW offroad option?:

It's minimal weight, takes up the least space and still allows window to open. Downside is bolting into door. Both 460 and 470 options available
The JW one is what I keep contemplating and almost pulled the trigger on black Friday. Im not keen on drilling into the body and many have expressed concerns about the hinges ability to support the additional weight of the spare. JW indicates that it has not been problematic for owners who have had them on for around 2 years +/-. I really like some of the custom fab / jeep swingouts that people have adapted to the GX platform where the rear bumper structure supports the weight and the swingout is connected to the door so that they can open in tandem. But again, that requires cutting/drilling into the body and some fab work.
 
Happy to help offer an opinion, hadn’t seen much on these specifically, which is why I decided to try it.

To sum it up, from what I’ve researched on all the various hitch mounted setups, I’d say this one is nice, but didn’t impress me for the price.

Thanks for the review! I recently went with the Rigd over the Wilco because they have an extra hitch I could attach my bike rack to. You re-affirmed my decision based on your assessment of the fit and finish of the Wilco. The Rigd is heavy duty. They recently changed the latch design and made it easier to use.

I agree that hitch carriers sit too far from the rear of the vehicle, but the included fold down table on the Rigd fills that space well. I plan on using that gap for the table, gas cans, or some recovery gear.
 
The annoying thing about rear spare tire relocate is the back up camera and license plate has to be relocated too.


exactly.......wife does not really like the RigD carrier on 'her' truck...$1100 or so

but it works....it may end up on the 'Taco truck someday...

On the roof rack is not a good choice either......

yes..did move plate in supplied mount on rack...power from flat 4 connection

WkH1FrL.jpg
 
I ran a Wilco XL for a while. I liked the fact that I could take it off when I wanted, although this was a heavy task. But the fact that it stuck out too far is why I decided to switch to the JW Offroad carrier. If I had kept it, I would chop it down so it sat closer to the bumper.
I originally had the factory tow hitch. Then I went with a 4runner hitch to bring the Wilco up higher and closer. But I was still scraping it on the trails.
 
A few things I didn't see in your list of critique's was:
  • What the rear view was like?
  • Did it help having the tire offset improve view from the rear view mirror?
  • Is it relatively low so it doesn't block a lot of the rear window?
  • Can you still open the rear window hatch with it in the close position?

Visibility out the back window was good. Tire sat enough offset and low enough to not impede enough of the view to really complain about.

View out the backup camera was effected as expected, entire driver side obscured, center partially obscured and passenger side had about normal visibility.

100% could easily still open the back window with the tire carrier closed.
 
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Thanks for the review! I recently went with the Rigd over the Wilco because they have an extra hitch I could attach my bike rack to. You re-affirmed my decision based on your assessment of the fit and finish of the Wilco. The Rigd is heavy duty. They recently changed the latch design and made it easier to use.

I agree that hitch carriers sit too far from the rear of the vehicle, but the included fold down table on the Rigd fills that space well. I plan on using that gap for the table, gas cans, or some recovery gear.

I did read several takes on the Rigd vs Wilco and many said the Rigd just felt better made, better thought out. Without first hand experience with the Rigd and only the Wilco, I’d probably tend to agree. It’s ok, no obnoxious complaints on quality, but it is just generally unimpressive, which says a lot.

The accessories do a nice job to fill the gap for sure and if I were to decide to run one, would go that route.
 
Just an FYI, just stopped by 4WP after work to see if they’d allow me to return it. I disclosed to them I had indeed installed it and used it for a week, that’s how I knew I didn’t like it and they ask if everything was in the boxes and issued the return no problem.
 
Detours of Maine makes the tightest fitting hitch mounted tire carrier that I know of

I did look at those, and they looked good indeed, but I reached out to him 4 times and got zero reply so I figured it wasn’t going to be a good experience trying to buy a custom carrier from him.
 
I did look at those, and they looked good indeed, but I reached out to him 4 times and got zero reply so I figured it wasn’t going to be a good experience trying to buy a custom carrier from him.
I got one from him, it was a long wait due to covid supply chain shortages apparantly. It's a small operation. His preferred method of communication seems to be Facebook messenger. Other than the long lead time I am pretty happy with the carrier. You can't really tell it's hitch mounted unless you look at it from the side
 
That might explain the problem as I don’t have Facebook. Still didn’t sit right with me so I moved on. I do think it’s one of the better units, if you know what you want and what to ask for customization on.
 

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