Double Swing Out Rack

What a double swing out rack does and why it matters

A double swing out rack uses two pivoting arms to carry gear off the rear of a vehicle while letting you open each arm independently. One side often holds a full size spare tire. The other side can mount fuel cans, water, a ladder, recovery boards, or a storage box. The layout clears the center line so the hatch or tailgate opens without lifting heavy items.

Compared with a single swing arm, two arms spread weight more evenly and allow modular setups. The design keeps heavy items low and outside the cabin, improving interior space and comfort. On trails, moving the spare from a roof rack lowers the center of gravity and reduces wind noise. Off road visibility also improves because roof loads do not block skylines.

A well built swing system uses a reinforced spindle or heavy duty hinge, a stout latch, and adjustable stops to control the open position. Premium builds add a slam latch or cam latch that cinches the arm to prevent micro movement. Some add gas struts or detents so the arms stay open on slopes. The goal is a quiet, rigid system that still swings easily with one hand.

Consider the total package. The rack and bumper work together to manage leverage forces on the frame. Recovery points, trailer wiring, and a two inch receiver must remain accessible. Backup cameras, parking sensors, and lane assist radar need clear sight lines. The best setups solve these details without guesswork.

Key features, materials, and load management

Materials and coating determine longevity. Most racks are steel for strength, sometimes paired with aluminum accessories to save weight. Look for sealed bearings or serviceable bushings at the pivots. A zinc base coat under a durable powder coat resists road salt and rock strikes. Stainless hardware and anti seize help future service.

Hinges and latches are the heart of the system:

• Spindle style pivots with tapered roller bearings carry heavy tire loads smoothly.
• Captive cam latches or rotary slam latches pull the arm tight to reduce rattle.
• Secondary safety pins add insurance on rough roads.

Accessory mounting should be flexible. Common add ons include:

• Tire carrier with adjustable offset for wheel backspacing
• Dual jerry can holders or a water cube tray
• Vertical ladder that clears the taillight
• Flat panel for recovery boards or a shovel and axe
• Enclosed storage box with weather sealing

Load ratings matter. Add up the tire, wheel, fuel, water, and box contents. A 35 inch spare can weigh 90 pounds or more. Water adds 8 pounds per gallon. Fuel adds about 6 pounds per gallon. Keep the heaviest item closest to the hinge. Spread weight across both arms to balance the load and reduce wear.

Departure angle and trail geometry improve when weight moves from the roof to the rear. Still, the bumper shape, arm length, and receiver height all affect clearance. Shorter arms tuck the tire closer to the body. High clearance swing mounts help avoid dragging in ledges or washouts. On long trips, a tight latch and a snug tire mount will keep the setup quiet and secure.

Sensors, cameras, and lighting

Modern vehicles rely on parking sensors, rear cameras, and sometimes radar. Choose arm designs and tire positions that avoid sensor hotspots. Relocate the license plate and add a light if the rack blocks the original mount. Keep the camera centered when possible, or add a relocated camera bracket for a clear view.

Noise control and service

Rattle control starts with proper tolerances at the hinge and latch. Use adjustable bump stops or polyurethane pads where the arms meet the bumper. Grease serviceable bearings as specified. After the first few trail days, re torque hinge nuts and check latch alignment.

Everyday usability

Aim for clean swings and secure detents. If you camp often out of the rear hatch, test access with both arms open and closed. Ensure the spare clears the ladder and the ladder does not block the storage box. Practice the open and close routine in a driveway before your first trail day.

Fitment, installation, and safety best practices

Fitment begins with platform choice. Many trucks and vans accept a bumper with integrated swing mount points. Some vans use body mounted carriers that tie into reinforced structure. Confirm the frame mount pattern, departure angle target, and spare tire size before ordering the rack.

Installation considerations:

• Verify torque specs on the spindle and latch hardware
• Align arms so they close to the same plane, without preload
• Set the tire carrier height for camera sight lines
• Wire license plate and auxiliary lights with weatherproof connectors
• Check tailgate swing path with both arms open

On the trail, use the safety pins when parked on a slope. Keep hands clear of hinge pinch points. Do not exceed the rated load or add leverage with long can mounts beyond spec. When carrying fuel, use approved containers and secure the lid straps. Inspect welds and hardware at regular service intervals, especially after washboard roads.

If you tow, confirm whether the bumper receiver retains the same rating and whether the arms must be latched for towing. Some setups support a hitch mounted bike rack behind the swing arms, but always check the clearances and tongue weight limits first.

In winter, rinse salt and grime off the rack and hinges. In dusty regions, clean threads and relube the latch mechanism. A few minutes of care keeps the arms closing quietly and protects coatings for many seasons.

Quick checklist before you buy

• Confirm spare tire size and wheel backspacing
• Map sensor and camera lines of sight
• List must have accessories and nice to have items
• Check published load rating and materials
• Ask about serviceable bearings and replacement parts
• Plan for license plate and light relocation

Common use cases

• Daily driver with weekend travel: keep one arm for the tire and use a compact box on the other
• Long desert routes: water and fuel on one side, tire on the other, recovery boards between
• Mountain trails with tight switchbacks: shorter arm designs to protect departure angle

Cost of ownership

The rack itself is only part of the budget. Include the bumper or mount kit, accessories, coating, install labor, and wiring. Quality hinges and latches cost more up front but pay for themselves with smoother action and less noise.

Build it right with expert installation and custom options

When you are ready to turn the concept into a quiet, dialed setup, expert installation makes the difference. OZK Customs designs and installs double swing out rack systems that match your platform, tire size, and travel style. Our team in Fayetteville pairs the right hinge and latch hardware with clean wiring, plate relocation, and sensor friendly layouts so you get easy access and no drama on the trail.

If your build includes a full interior, power system, or suspension, we plan the rear rack around the whole vehicle so balance, storage, and recovery stay in harmony. Visit our Recreational vans page to see how we turn a platform into a complete travel rig.

• Explore custom interiors and power on our Recreational vans
• See start to finish work on Custom van builds
• Browse finance friendly options on Mainstream vans

At OZK Customs we fabricate mounts, integrate accessories from leading partners, and tune latch alignment so the arms shut with a solid click. Bring us your goals and a timeline. We will map the right rack, quote the full scope, and back the work with clear communication from intake to handoff.

Strong finish starts with a smart plan. Tell us how you travel and we will build the rack and the rig to match.