When you start to get into off-roading and camping, you start to run into problems to solve. One them is where to put your oversized spare tire. Another one is where to mount your accessories like gas cans, recovery boards, and hi-lifts.
Now, wouldn’t it be perfect if you could get all that, and even more, from one system? Enter the RiGd UltraSwing. A tire and accessory carrier for the Tacoma (and several other makes/models) that’s gained massively in popularity since the company was started back in 2018. They made several key improvements to what was already available on the market, and due to a great team and support from the community, has grown into a growing US manufacturing company.
Now, if you haven’t seen or heard of the UltraSwing – no worries. I’ll first dive into the system and how it works.
If you want to see a comparison to rear bumpers, check out Dustin’s post – Hitch Mounted Tire Carrier Vs. Full Rear Bumper.
Find It Online
- RiGd UltraSwing: Check Price
Table Of Contents
What Is It & How Does It Work?
First, and most obviously, this is a swing out hitch-mounted tire carrier. It also has the ability to add a whole fleet of accessories to support your adventure loadout.
Optional Mounts & Accessories
- RambleRack (bike rack, works with and without UltraSwing)
- UltraTable (foldable table with sliding cutting board)
- UltraTable Light (light source)
- MegaTable (larger version of the above, no cutting board)
- SideHack (base for gear and mounts, come with bolt-on MOLLE panel)
- Hi-Side (hi-lift mount that works with SideHack)
- JerryRig (fuel can mount that works with SideHack)
- TrailPouch (small storage bag that works with SideHack)
- WobNot (adjustable, wobble-free extension for hitch)
- RotopaX Mounting bracket (made for UltraSwing without the need for SideHack)
- UltraStash Q.D. (tire mounted storage bag)
- SKEP (skid plate that doubles as a step)
- Maxtrax Harness (mounts board to tire)
- Camera Relocation Kit (for several makes/models)
- Packmule Scout (hitch mounted cargo basket)
- Hitch Pins
- License Plate Light & Relocation Kit
That’s a hefty list! As you can see, this setup offers a lot of flexibility. It offers an advantage over full Tacoma rear bumpers, because it can be removed if not needed and requires no modification to the rear bumper or body.
Features & Specs
- UltraLatch (their own patented latch kit)
- Dual Hitch System (ability to mount or carry/tow anything)
- Hitch rated for 10,000 lbs. (more than most vehicle towing capacity)
- Tire mount (adjustable and removeable)
- Secondary pin (for added safety and securing)
- 4 open positions (secondary pin used to lock in place)
- CNC machined wedge (tightens to remove slack and prevent wobbling)
- Made in America!
- 3 versions (for vehicle compatibility)
- Durable powder coat
- Relocates license plate/light (plug and play)
- Protects rear end (against accidents and trail obstacles)
- Simple install into just about any receiver
- Weighs about 65 lbs. with tire mount (more with accessories)
- Limited lifetime warranty!
As you can see, another pretty robust list.
They also have the RambleSwing, which has similar features to the UltraSwing but is more focused to bike and smaller accessory carrying ability. The RambleSwing is also not made for towing. For more detail, check out – UltraSwing v.s RambleSwing Pro.
My Setup
- UltraSwing
- SideHack with Hi-Lift on Hi-Side
- UltraTable
- 2-Gallon Gasoline RotopaX on DLX Mount
Now let’s get into the main reasons it could work for you.
1. Bolt-On Convenience
This is a super straightforward point to consider. Unlike the alternative (a full rear bumper), there is no complex install. No cutting, welding, or extensive installation. Simply slide it into your hitch, bolt it down via the wedge and stick a pin through everything. That’s it!
Reliable and removeable storage and carrying capacity on demand. Perfect for DIYers and weekend warriors who want function fast.
2. Modularity & Versatility
The ability to run a bunch of different configurations is huge. Whether you simply want a place to carry your tire, bike, or add any number of gear and accessories, the modularity is bar none.
The versatility is perfect for overlanders, occasional trail riding or even just someone who road trips. Not to say it doesn’t work for those of us who use our trucks more heavily, but a big part of the market are daily drivers who use their rides for different types of recreation.
3. Affordable Alternative To Rear Bumper
The only real alternative to something like the UltraSwing is a full rear bumper. That usually comes in two configurations. A bolt-on option (no bed trimming) and a high-clearance option (bedside cutting required). You could technically store your items in the bed, but tires and things like hi-lifts are bulky and annoying to secure. Personally, I like to keep that stuff out of my bed.
Full bumpers with swing outs (not to mention their mounts) can easily cost from $2k on the low end (poorly equipped) and over $4k on the high end. The UltraSwing comes in at just over $1500, which still leaves you with room to add accessories before you hit the base price I just listed.
Essentially, you get similar function at a lower cost. Full bumpers will have more clearance and protection, but the UltraSwing can definitely take a kit.
4. Keeps Factory Bumper Intact
Building on the last section, this setup is great for those who are either leasing their vehicles, or those who prefer an OEM look. No irreversible modifications and easy to install and remove anytime.
5. Easy To Remove Or Transfer
These points are all building on each other, but whether you want to take it off for daily driving or you decide to sell your truck – it’s simple to do so. Or maybe you have more than one compatible vehicle, or a friend who wants to test it out. Mine also works on the GX, so I’ll be letting my dad borrow it for hisplanned trip to Utah.
6. Smart Design & Build Quality
I think it’s safe to say that RiGd was the first brand to refine this kind of product. Other alternatives had quality control issues and problems with excessive play. RiGd made it a mission to focus their initial efforts on building the very best option on the market.
RiGd is a very detail oriented company. Just look at their site, various products, and all the content they’ve created around their catalog. You can rest assured they do not cut corners and have a dedicated team.
The design is as tucked and high clearance as is possible for the category. The geometry is fully thought out. A rated tow hitch is another killer detail.
7. Built For Real Off-Road Use
The system is plenty strong for long hauls and heavy off-roading. It’s been proven over thousands and thousands of on and off-road miles of testing. And if you’ve ever seen the guys at RiGd, they heavily use and abuse their setups and quickly identify weak points. They don’t just build and sell products, they’re out their consistently using them in their own adventures on a variety of rigs. All things you can expect from a dedicated, enthusiast backed company that’s made in the USA.
The durable powder coat, steel construction and solid manufacturing all help to reinforce your decision.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking into outfitting the rear end of your vehicle, I highly recommend you take a closer look at the RiGd lineup. My setup gets a ton of looks, attention, and questions no matter where it goes. People love the look and design.
With lots of happy customers and a drive to produce the very best, our hats go off the the team at RiGd! If you want to see even more, check out Connor’s post – UltraSwing Review.
