Strongarm dual wheel carrier

[Corbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Corbo]

Was asked by a fellow Pradopointer if I could post some pictures and pros and cons of having a Strongarm dual wheel carrier fitted, so here we are. I brought my 04 3.0l GX Prado about 5 months ago having 72,000kms on the clock and with the Strongarm wheel carrier already fitted. I haven't been able to do any serious off roading or big trips with it yet, but so far I am very happy with it. A quick summary of the wheel carrier is that it weighs about 100-120kg, has inbuilt high lift jack points on each corner, 2 recovery points, spring loaded latches, spring loaded locking pins for when wheels are open and steel construction for durability.
[attachment=2:rzc6ssi5]Spares.jpg[/attachment:rzc6ssi5]
Rear view of wheel carrier. Maximum wheel size is 33inches. Can easily attach high lift jacks, shovels, aerials or work lights if you need them.
[attachment=1:rzc6ssi5]Spares Open.jpg[/attachment:rzc6ssi5]
Open up nice and wide to allow easy access into boot. However when in the bush/tight places you can't fully open to locking pin holes as they will hit surrounding objects. Can be fixed by drilling extra holes for locking pins which still allow the rear door to open but stop the spares opening too wide.
[attachment=0:rzc6ssi5]Locking Latch.jpg[/attachment:rzc6ssi5]
Spring loaded latches that don't rattle. Placement is a bit low and does cover some of the number plate. Also requires a bit of strength to close, girlfriend does struggle with them sometimes.
Will add more photos in another post as I can only add 3 photos per post.

[Corbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Corbo]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

[attachment=2:hrwuhqgh]Locking Pins.jpg[/attachment:hrwuhqgh]
Spring loaded locking pins keep wheels open. You may want to drill extra holes for different locking positions.
[attachment=1:hrwuhqgh]Jack Point.jpg[/attachment:hrwuhqgh]
High lift jack point, one on either side. Haven't used them yet.
[attachment=0:hrwuhqgh]Recovery Point.jpg[/attachment:hrwuhqgh]
Recovery point. Can't be rated as the little eye piece is welded onto the frame. Would be better if the eye piece and bolted piece where one and could just weld the top to the eye piece to the frame that way recovery point could be rated.

[Corbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Corbo]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

[attachment=2:3fq22a3t]Metal Frame.jpg[/attachment:3fq22a3t]
Metal frame replaces bumper all the way up the side to panel.
[attachment=1:3fq22a3t]Plate Position.jpg[/attachment:3fq22a3t]
Number plate position isn't the best as locking latches cover up little bit of the number plate and with tow ball in it also covers a bit of the number plate. Not sure how leagl this is as nothing is supposed to block/cover your number plate.
[attachment=0:3fq22a3t]Rear Clearance.jpg[/attachment:3fq22a3t]
Clearance between wheels and door. I have removed the number plate holder which you can leave on but I decided it was better without as there is more clearance.


Overall the Strongarm wheel carrier has lived up to my expectations although there are a few improvements that could be made (eg. recovery points). Max wheel size of 33 inches may restrict some people. Weight isn't that bigger deal, however I have install HD springs in the back to accommodate. Departure angle is reduced as it sticks further out than the standard bumper however with a lift and HD springs you'll be above standard. Towbar is lowest point and will hit first, but being all steel construction it is durable. Protects your car in the car park from those people who can't reverse! Also in the bush.
Thats about it for now but if you have any questions or want any more photos let me know.

[Golly Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Golly]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

awesome, great picks matey, there from canningvale arent they K&N isnt it ?

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

Thanks for that :wink:


Mick

[zookcubr Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zookcubr]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

This is there website- http://www.allterrain4x4.com.au/content/view/20/40/ and- http://www.allterrain4x4.com.au/compone ... Itemid,54/

4x4 Terrain seem to have a connection to the shop in WA, as they have both appeared on advertising in the past.

[outbackswine Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close outbackswine]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

I like it, but have to wonder why it is $500 more for the 120 series than other 4wd models. :?

[Corbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Corbo]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

Yeah, they are made by K&N 4WD in Canning Vale WA, link below. I didn't know that the 120 series model is more expensive than the other models; I would be asking questions to justify price difference.

http://www.kn4wd.com.au/wheelcarriers.php

[jarrah7rally Member Find all posts View Profile Close jarrah7rally]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

Surprised you haven't been chatted to by the local blueshirts.

I have the kaymar unit and the rear plate is moved onto a removeable bracket attached to the LHS wheel

Slightly off topic but what type of suspension set up is fitted to the rear ? - 150 odd kgs plus 180 litres of fuel does make my backside drag abit, original suspension fitted not for long I hope.

[Kevin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kevin]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

I have the kaymar unit

jarrah,
Can you post up some pic's of how the kaymar is mounted?

Cheers,
Kevin

[Corbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Corbo]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

Hey jarrah,

My rear used to drag a bit when fully loaded with fuel and a couple things in the back. I just recently installed a 2" lift to handle the weight. I used Dobinson coils and opted for the 100-300kg constant load rear coils and standard on the front, could go heavier coils but I didn't want a harsh ride. This lifted the rear 70mm and front 60mm so the car now sits nice and level, even with a full tank. Suspension upgrade is a must with these things I reckon due to so much weight being at the very back of the car.

[zookcubr Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zookcubr]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

When I fitted mine to the 95s I already had upgraded the springs to HD OME and then installed Poly airbags.

This was due to always carrying a 100 ltr LPG tank, draws and fridge in the back including 2 over sized mud terrain tyres on the back.

The weight difference once the rear bar was fitted was very noticable, so a suspension upgrade is very nessesary.

[jarrah7rally Member Find all posts View Profile Close jarrah7rally]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier price difference vs kaymar

One reason I can think of why there is a price difference is method of construction, unless we are comparing the prado vs another model/make ?

K&N use a entire replacement steel rear bumper replacement method whilst kaymar does a cut and shut job.

I have taken a pile of pics of mine so if anybody wants a few of them to do a camparison speak up.

Just gotta figure out how to do the picture post thingy whilst keeping within the guidelines - techno garble to me

Just need Mr Rudds economy stimulus package now :wink:

[Lego Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Lego]

Re: Strongarm dual wheel carrier

jarrah7rally,

I would be interested in a few of your pics. Can you pls post a couple. Many thanks!