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View Full Version : Tire Carrier from H2 Outfitters


Zing
11-26-2003, 01:48 AM
Just installed the tire carrier from H2 Outfitters on my H2. I've very happy. This is a brand new product on the market in my opinion is superior to SMA and the others I've seen for the following reasons:

1. Sits to the right, which gives better visability out the rear and is easier to open because there is less of a gate to swing. Also looks better.

2. Designed to open 90 degrees for the hatch to clear, whereas SMA and others need to swing further. Minor, but makes getting in an out the back just a bit easier.

3. Has a heavy duty latch to close instead of a T-pin. This allows for easier operation with just one hand. Also clamps tightly and has less potential for rattling that with the T-pin.

4. Hinge is designed with a snug fitting synthetic sleeve that works perfectly. No greasy ball joints and grease oozing out like SMA and others and I think is a better design.

5. Incorporates a step in the back which is just in the right place access your roof.

6. Unless your in your 70s or a petite person, you just don't need the feature that lowers the tire to the ground like some other carriers have. Those extra moving parts will work against you.

7. I met H20Guy who designed it and I'm very impressed by his passion for making the best possible products for the H2. For example, he could save a few bucks by using a simple t-pin to secure the carrier but instead uses the method that is best suited for the job. Ayn Rand would be proud.

8. I don't know how the others install but this was easy.

Zing
11-26-2003, 01:48 AM
Just installed the tire carrier from H2 Outfitters on my H2. I've very happy. This is a brand new product on the market in my opinion is superior to SMA and the others I've seen for the following reasons:

1. Sits to the right, which gives better visability out the rear and is easier to open because there is less of a gate to swing. Also looks better.

2. Designed to open 90 degrees for the hatch to clear, whereas SMA and others need to swing further. Minor, but makes getting in an out the back just a bit easier.

3. Has a heavy duty latch to close instead of a T-pin. This allows for easier operation with just one hand. Also clamps tightly and has less potential for rattling that with the T-pin.

4. Hinge is designed with a snug fitting synthetic sleeve that works perfectly. No greasy ball joints and grease oozing out like SMA and others and I think is a better design.

5. Incorporates a step in the back which is just in the right place access your roof.

6. Unless your in your 70s or a petite person, you just don't need the feature that lowers the tire to the ground like some other carriers have. Those extra moving parts will work against you.

7. I met H20Guy who designed it and I'm very impressed by his passion for making the best possible products for the H2. For example, he could save a few bucks by using a simple t-pin to secure the carrier but instead uses the method that is best suited for the job. Ayn Rand would be proud.

8. I don't know how the others install but this was easy.

mambodoc
11-26-2003, 11:29 AM
I Like it...where do you put the license plate?...and do you have a lock on the tire?

Zing
11-26-2003, 01:57 PM
The license plate goes on the lower right (I didn't have it on in this photo). I use locking nuts to secure the tire the one's with the special "key" to unscrew.

ckhagman
11-26-2003, 02:48 PM
I do not see how it can possibly improve your visability. It is on the right side. If it were on the left side it would be practically invisible. When I test drove the H2 I barely noticed the tire in the rear cargo area.

Zing
11-26-2003, 02:55 PM
I agree with you ck. What I meant is in comparison to the SMA carrier, not the tire inside. I sat in an H2 with the SMA and while I could see over it, it was dead center and couldn't see if a small car was directly behind me. I like this better.

A tip for everyone. Get one of those "rear view lenses" for the back window. You can see it in my photo. Helps when backing up and parallel parking I can see everthing.

DennisAJC
11-30-2003, 05:57 PM
Parallel parking is a breeze with the passenger mirror curb assist. Some people have mastered the dimensions of their H2(Front,Sides,Back).
For me driving in tight areas and "Sardine" style parrallel parking is second nature. It`s a blast when people stop to watch me parallel park.

H2Oguy
11-30-2003, 06:30 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ckhagman:
I do not see how it can possibly improve your visability. It is on the right side. If it were on the left side it would be practically invisible. When I test drove the H2 I barely noticed the tire in the rear cargo area.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


This tire carrier can be set to either side passenger or driver. Just needs to be requested at time of order. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

www.h2ohummers.com (http://www.h2ohummers.com)