Spare tire carrier should open from the right

[Sammysam94]

I've noticed that the spare tire carrier on the Scout Traveler opens from the left and swings out to the right. This design could be inconvenient, especially when parked on the street, as it blocks access to the trunk from the sidewalk, since the sidewalk is usually on the right when you park. Users would have to walk around the carrier each time they need to load or unload items.


If the carrier opened from the right and swung out to the left, it would keep the path clear and enhance overall usability. This small change could make the Traveler much more practical for everyday use.

 

[MountainDad]

I suggested some kind of folding tire carrier that can pivot inward (maybe with a locking pin pulled) for swinging it out in tight spaces.

Alternatively, some kind of 2nd mode that lets it pivot down, with only the top half of the hatch opening, like this:

Hitchgate Drop

Discover the Hitchgate Drop, the lightest and most durable USA-made offroad tire carrier. Easily installs in 10 minutes and fits most 2" hitch receivers. Click to learn More

wilcooffroad.com

 

[CarTechGeek]

Bronco and Jeep both open in the same direction.

Watch it being opened. If it opened the other way it could swing into traffic.

So it will not buck that trend and create liability concerns.

 

[J Alynn]

I've noticed that the spare tire carrier on the Scout Traveler opens from the left and swings out to the right. This design could be inconvenient, especially when parked on the street, as it blocks access to the trunk from the sidewalk, since the sidewalk is usually on the right when you park. Users would have to walk around the carrier each time they need to load or unload items.


If the carrier opened from the right and swung out to the left, it would keep the path clear and enhance overall usability. This small change could make the Traveler much more practical for everyday use.

Good observation.

 

[Chaparral]

Hindering access to the sidewalk is a real problem. I’m not concerned that it could swing into traffic if it opened the other way because the vehicle also has doors that open into traffic. I think it’s got to open the other way so it moves away from the sidewalk.

 

[CarTechGeek]

Hindering access to the sidewalk is a real problem. I’m not concerned that it could swing into traffic if it opened the other way because the vehicle also has doors that open into traffic. I think it’s got to open the other way so it moves away from the sidewalk.

You may not be concerned but the people who design vehicles take these kind of things into account regardless. Plus on the drivers side door, people carefully get out and close it. When you are loading/unloading you are there a while and paying attention to your cargo, not the traffic.

And as I noted other vehicles with tires on the rear swing to curb, instead of into traffic.

Safety (or litigation avoidance) is a higher priority than convenience. The first incident will probably assign some of the blame to the manufacturer for building the only one that swings to traffic.

Unlike the Jeep and Bronco, which would open that way even without a spare, this is ONLY the tire carrier, so owners that don't like it, can find some other way to carry the spare, either under the vehicle, or in/on it.

 

[MountainDad]

Hindering access to the sidewalk is a real problem. I’m not concerned that it could swing into traffic if it opened the other way because the vehicle also has doors that open into traffic. I think it’s got to open the other way so it moves away from the sidewalk.

I'm more concerned about opening in a tight space, such as when parallel parked, or in a crowded ski area parking garage. If it has to swing all the way out to the side, it's either blocking the gap between the next vehicle, or it's in traffic, or (when parallel parked) it may not fully swing out because of a car behind.