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Wilco Hitchgate Solo Hi-Clearance

8/1/2018

17 Comments

 
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The Wilco Hitchgate came to my attention almost two years ago now when I began to research building a Trailhawk into a capable overland vehicle. Since at the time almost no information existed about really overhauling a WK2, I found myself with a ton of dead ends, and compiling information from different truck/SUV builds for future reference. Coming from the world of a Wrangler where there were a billion and a half aftermarket accessories, one of the most impressive non-vehicle specific parts I found was the Wilco Hitchgate, a trailer-hitch mounted spare tire carrier for ANY vehicle.
 
I booked-marked their website and kept it in the back of my mind as my Trailhawk build progressed. Once it came time to install a second battery in the trunk space, I knew that the spare tire was in need of a new (and more accessible) place to live. Revisiting Wilco’s online store and pricing out the needed add-ons, I finalized my order and eagerly awaited delivery day. One of the most impressive things about Wilco is that they are a proudly owned and operated American company, with all of their customer service, sales, and welding being done out of a southern California warehouse.
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The production time took a little longer than I expected, and ultimately arrived just days before we left for a week-long overland trip through northern Maine’s remote Allagash Wilderness. For reference, I placed the order on May 12thand it was delivered on July 5th…. They make an exceptional product but the wait-time can be somewhat substantial, especially in the world of Amazon Prime where we all expect things in two days time, ha! Needless to say it was without a doubt worth the wait. The welds are gorgeous, the powder coating robust, and the product itself worthy of the acclaim it receives.

​Of the three Hitchgate Solo models available (Standard, High-Clearance, and XL) I specifically chose the high-clearance version. From what I had seen on social media at the time,  I was in the minority with this decision, but it was made deliberately in order to not block my recessed Rigid SRM reverse lights in the rear bumper. After having friends take measurement of their WK2s I was able to roughly guesstimate that the top of the main bracket’s steel boxing would line up with the lip of the rear bumper where the tailgate opens… good news – as you can see in the photos, it’s a PERFECT fit.

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​The Hitchgate Solo is comprised of two main pieces, a lower arm that fits into the trailer hitch receiver and a tire-carrying-swing-arm with an impressive bushing for the lower arm mounting. Inserting the lower arm into the receiver, a socket set and extension arm allow you to tighten down their proprietary WedgeLock system, responsible for keeping the whole assembly tight when you’re cruising down the highway or crawling over some tricky terrain.
 
Greasing the supplied hardware and fitting the swing-arm bushing into the lower arm’s bracket, I tightened down the bolt and lock-nut to an appropriate tension to allow a “just right” amount of tension when swinging the tire carrier open. Mounting the add-on RotoPax fuel carrier bracket and license plate bracket, I took my time and was done with the install in about 45 minutes… a pretty quick project with a great return on investment!
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Long Term Review:

After a year and nearly 10,000 miles with the Hitchgate Solo fully loaded – 32” spare tire set-up, 3 gallons of fuel in a Rotopax, and a steel HiLift jack, the Wilco unit has performed phenomenally. Even on the worst washboard roads, even with standing on the cantilevered end of the swing-arm, even with using the main brace to help load the roof-top tent, the Wilco has without a doubt been worth every single penny I spent on it. Having a spare tire on the rear end of the vehicle not only makes it look infinitely more bad-ass, but also is one of the most practical moves any overlander can make. Easy access to the spare tire, especially when compared to digging it out of the trunk space when we’re fully loaded, makes a world of a difference when stuff hits the fan and you’re left needing to swap in a spare deep in the backcountry.
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Questions? Use the comments section below!

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17 Comments
Nicholas deVeer
4/24/2019 17:03:51

How much gap is between the tire and the hatch? I was thinking about making something similar, but with the tire leaning back a bit to fill up some of the space

Reply
Ryan M
4/24/2019 17:22:05

Hey Nicholas,

I run the Rotopax (2 gal) and Hi-Lift jack back there full time, and they sit about 0.5" off the tailgate when everything is closed up. I'd guess that without those piece of gear, there's probably 5" of space. I'd be happy to measure this for you and get you numbers within a week or so!

Ryan

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James D Hannan
5/6/2019 19:04:27

If you had not added a second battery to the spare compartment would it have fit?

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Jim Boyles
6/15/2019 21:34:17

How much of an issue has having the backup camera blocked?

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cj
8/5/2019 16:02:41

backup cams can be relocated

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Chris Chaffin
9/25/2019 12:38:43

Do you have some better pictures of the license bracket relocation bracket? Is it blocking the trailer electrical connections?

Thanks,
Chris

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Ryan
9/9/2020 09:45:52

Hey Chris- Really late getting back to you here but this is requested often so yes I'll get some photos od the license bracket relocation. I have had zero issues towing with the relocation bracket in place.

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Hassan link
10/27/2019 17:10:46

I really like it, what is the tongue weight on the receiver? Can I mount my dirt bike carrier along with the bike? Bike weighs 215lb and carrier 45lb.

Reply
Ryan
9/9/2020 09:44:42

Hey Hassan, I'm pretty sure the tongue weight is 750lbs and the total towing capacity is 7,500lbs... You should be completely fine to mount the dirt bike back there - but don't sue me if it doesn't work out lol!

Reply
Joshua Bradley
8/29/2020 09:27:11

Hi, the Jeep looks awesome, I’m currently debating installing the rear tire mount. Question? do yoU have any issues with towing? Back up sensors? Thoughts on camera relocate? Thanks.

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Ryan
9/9/2020 09:42:05

Hey Joshua - Thanks for the kind words! I have used this for towing a few things in the 2-4,000 pound range but to be honest I removed the Hitchgate when I towed my Wrangler a year ago as I didn't feel like testing it with a full 7,000lb load. With a good drop hitch it levels out pretty nicely.

I have not had any issues with the backup sensors, but I disable them with the Hitchgate on. Good news is that the wide angle sensors for oncoming cars in the parking lot still work with the 4 across the back disabled. I have not considered the reverse cam mod but it is definitely an option for those that need it!

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Marcello Pasini
9/9/2020 08:30:31

Hellho Ryan ‘Texaco’ McKee!! How are you doing? Nive jeep and nive job with your blog! Can u tell me what option of hitchgate solo are u using? Standard or hi clearance? how bad is the rear view now?

Tks a lot!

Reply
Ryan
9/9/2020 09:38:44

Hey Marcello!

Doing well my friend hope you are as well. This is the Hi-Clearance version of the Hitchgate Solo. The rear view is tolerable with just the tire on, however with the RotoPax fuel canister on there, the rear camera is basically useless. There are options to re-locate it, however I don't rely on it much so it has never bothered me much.

Thanks for reading!

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Matthew Scott
11/20/2020 14:30:12

Hi, I'm looing to get this setup for my WK2 as well. I have the gobi rear ladder on hatch of the vehicle now. Do you know if the swing (Hi Clearance) with the Hi-lift will clear the ladder? What is the measure of the gap between the highlight and the rear tailgate when everything is closed up for driving?

Also, do you notice any rear end sagging with all the extra weight on the hitch?

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Malcolm Cox
2/26/2021 10:54:47

I have the same question only i use the 3 gallon roto pax

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John Phelan
12/31/2020 09:47:36

Hi there, can you advise if you used a spacer to assist with mounting your spare wheel to Wilco Highgate. If so can you advise where you might have procured it. Thanks in advance.

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Ryan
2/1/2021 09:45:30

Hey John,

I did not use a spacer, just went straight to the Wilco lugs. Hope that helps!

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