SAW IN HALF. TRAIL SWING vs Competitor. Tire Carrier Comparison.

That's correct, we cut 2 $1500+ products right in half! The Trail Swing is one of many amazing products on the market for overland and offroad. We took the most comparable product and cut it in half just for you!
Visit our website at dirtcomusa.com
Find most up to date photos on Instagram @dirtcomplex
*Important Notes
-The competitor product was acquired from the original purchaser after 6 months of use.
-The Trail Swing prototype shown had similar 6 months of use outdoors in the same environment of Southern California.
-4130 Chromoly is mentioned as high carbon content in the video. However this is still considered a "low carbon steel." We are are portraying that it is a higher carbon content than the mild steel we are comparing it to.
-Common Misconception. "chromoly snaps and steel bends, I would rather have steel." Consider that chromoly is almost 2 times the strength of mild steel. Also consider that chromoly has a higher modulus of elasticity. So not only is it stronger, but it can also bend more before it breaks.
-"Cut my tow rating in half!? That can't be right!" The statement in the video is a very general statement. The important factor to consider is when adding an extension to your tow hitch you are adding a lever which exerts stronger forces. Many tow accessory companies such as Curt mention that you should reduce your vehicle tow rating by 50% when using their 8" extension. Your vehicle tow rating and your vehicle itself should be considered when applying this general rule. For example, a body on frame truck may have a more solid tow hitch connection than a unibody frame.

[@softroadingthewest]

Very interesting and informative comparison and demonstration. Thoroughly impressed by how well you guys have thought out every design detail of the Trail Swing, and how you've opted for higher quality materials throughout. Great vid!

[@DirtComplex]

This means a lot coming from someone with a lot of real work experience as yourself. Thank you!

[@definitionxmk]

Wow, I've learned so much from this and your guy's other videos. By a stroke of luck, I attended your open house (today actually 2.27.22) and was amazed about everything. Everyone was also SUPER COOL and I felt like a friend instead of a customer. I even was able to take advantage of purchasing a "used" Trail Swing for a great deal. This video made me more confident on my purchase and I also like how the shop isn't too far from where I live. Don't get me wrong, I really was considering the competitor, but what was shown here (and people of Dirtcom) really impressed me and turned me into a life customer. I can't wait to come back on Friday to pickup/install my Trail Swing and get my full spare tire where it belongs. Maybe also get a table in the near future...

[@4x4ready]

Awesome, that’s exactly the info we were trying to deduce from all the info on each web site. Thank you!!!

[@octurbojoe]

Great comparison! I'm glad I settled for your product!

[@brandonpierce4102]

This is a great demo. This is the really important stuff, clearly presented. Absolutely flipped me.

[@taraaaron1242]

That is the greatest comparison I've ever seen . 👏. I so need this for my gladiator

[@DannyRocksteady]

love that you guys had harry talking about the bolts at 12:21--size matters 😉

[@johngalt176]

Nice video. Loading the hitch pin first before loading the wedge is the best reason to get the Trail Swing over the other brands. Being US made and transferable warranty is just icing on cake.

[@billwatcher9321]

I know where my money will be going when I buy my tire carrier !! Great video !

[@JROSSFOZ]

Can’t wait to be part of the fam!

[@zackschmidt4381]

Great video gents

[@VanillaGorilla502]

Glad I found this video, I’ve been debating between yours and RIGd’s. Think I know who’s getting my money now.

[@weatherornotsubaru]

I've been searching for swing hitches. I have a 2023 Subaru Ascent and there was a comparison video on youtube showing the Wilco, Rigd, and Dirtcom. I hadn't watched the full video up to the Dirtcom part originally, then finally went back and finished the video. Glad I did! I'm impressed with what I see and am ordering the Dirtcom right now (along with the front runner table and trail bracket for rotopax). I also LOVE that everything is replaceable, that is a big deal for longterm customers, to keep the hitch in good working condition without having to buy a whole new one.

[@jimclark6883]

YES, You convinced me!

[@chanceboarder]

Exactly why I bought yours over the competitors, loving mine so far!

[@gmen1305]

I would love to see if you could make the tire off-set slightly to the passenger side of the vehicle - like they do on a rear bumper duel swing-out system

[@PSNCockykiller]

I already bought the competitors… Every other weekend I haul my mower and lawn supplies for the last 2 years or so. I haven’t had any issues since I’ve gotten it besides a rusty latch and a rusty hole that the drop pen goes into. Honestly I rushed my decision and got the Ultra Swing and I think I may have messed up.

[@TheFunkyphay]

Trail Swing for the win! Don’t sleep on this product guys and gals!

[@madstoppie]

yeah....it'd be very uncomfortable....

[@OverlandPlus]

Very interested in this. Curious though if it fits JK, I do t really need tire carrier but the swing away with accessories.

[@PittiesAndMore]

Okay, you sold me. I was going to buy your competitors rack. Take my money now. I have a GX470.

[@carloquito]

Did you setup any 5th gen crv’s intalling a rear hitch tire carrier?

[@samsungtv4u]

Good luck boys still waiting for large table and swing down tire lift bracket.

[@DirtComplex]

Waiting out the ridiculous price of steel for such a large table but it is in development!

[@ORG4Runna]

awesome!

[@paulwhitaker6844]

I did a lot of research on both products. They are both great products. You almost got me to commit. It was the price point that killed it. Competitor 1399 you 2000k. I have a 2000 tundra I had to go with full size application.

[@OCSPARKY1]

But did you upgrade anything on the $1399 swing ? Or just buy it as it comes with no extras blind to it? I have seen the rigid and dirt's version and once you add all the extras up it's more than what comes standard on the dirt complex HD swing.

[@paulwhitaker6844]

@@OCSPARKY1 yes can be true but I won’t go over the price point. When I received and opened the box some of the points pointed out in the video seems like rigd improved on that. For one example. The spare tire holder instead of two bolts on top they now changed it to just lining up one bolt. The guys at rigd seemed to use it to there advantage.

[@noahcoleman317]

Great video, and great product. Still went with the ultra swing as it's cheaper, has more accessories, and they are local, so no shipping fees. To be honest, and this is just off the top of my head, isn't having the hitch pin in line with each other safer then having them stepped up? I totally understand if that was to achieve the better departure angel, but if I was gonna tow, I would pick the ultra swing for that reason. Also, no offense, but I think the ultra swing looks better, as there is alot going on visually with this tire carrier IMO. Great to see competition in this part of the market, as it's a bit dry at the moment. Great option for sure :)

[@jimmylang8039]

The site says 6 week lead time. If I order one for my 17 Outback . What can I expect in actual delivery of the item? I am only asking cause a month and a half is a long time and I am hoping you either have one available now on a shelf or you are in a slow season and that time is a lot less

[@lauriecetinic-dorol8293]

Sold! I want one

[@rjc4171]

Looks like your setup can swing out opposite to the GX460 door swingout, so you can more easily have both open, for cooking etc.

[@DirtComplex]

Yes. Exactly why we made a left hand model! Thanks for watching

[@DannyRocksteady]

lol the hidden audio engineering at 10:13

[@ARCENAULT]

if yall can ever evolve that system to swing down to easily remove and change the tire on the ground That would be a game changer....i am going to order your product for my flatbed camper setup..great job

[@duke1386]

The Trail Swing From Dirtcom is by far the winner!!!! Aj and Harry are standup guys and good dudes with great costumer service. Installed the Trail swing on my 2021 Colorado Zr2 Bison with trail bracket and front runner table fits like a glove. You get what you pay for in Offroad world buy once cry once be happy sleeping at night with the best product. Long live the Trail Swing!!!!

[@pixpods9564]

Forget Rigd and DirtCom and get a real custom bumper with a fabricated carrier if you want real approach angles with no wobble. These swingouts are cute but are similarly priced if you were to go to get something custom fabricated.

[@duke1386]

@@pixpods9564 not everyone wants a bumper this is a way to not compromise your factory look and warranty and also you can take it off anytime you want. No body trimming cutting ect… or adding excessive weight.

[@pixpods9564]

​@@duke1386 You have a point. But I can always almost guarantee that anyone who buys these swing outs eventually sells them to upgrade to an off-road bumper with a tire carrier unless you're a parking lot princess/prince, then these swing outs are fine. Like you said, "buy once cry once..."

[@duke1386]

@@pixpods9564 I would say 99% of Offroad vehicles people buy 99% of the miles they drive are on the highway. So if that 1% turn into a hard core Off-roader they can sell the tire carrier and have a custom bumper made. Great thing about Offroad you can go from mild to wild if you wallet has the cash.

[@DirtComplex]

@@pixpods9564 Anyone who has seen me drive my 4runner (also shown on our other youtube videos) will tell you it is not a parking lot princess. For me, the weight of a rear bumper is not ideal. I've been offroading for 10 years with a lot of different set ups. You don't need a full offroad rear bumper to seriously hit the trails. We offer a Limited lifetime warranty because this swing is fully rebuildable from the handle, to the rubber bushings, and the stainless plate. There are lots of different ways to offroad. For a lot of people a rear bumper isn't necessary.

[@expandingknowledge8269]

I have broken a motocross race bike frame made of chromemoly tubing, light but not real strong at stress points.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Good that this is being tested, we will never know if the they build a Costco or a Walmart where you will need that extreme departure angle, The malls are where you will see 99% of 4 runners that has been bough in the US

[@DirtComplex]

You never know! When I'm waiting at the gas lines at Costco those speed bumps can be a killer

[@4WDisLife]

I am sure for whomever needing this product it was mostly because of the over sized spacer won’t fit underneath the oem spot, and they have a much higher chance using their vehicle the way it is meant for. And 4runner seems to be one of many vehicles this product can be used on.

[@wayneshannon3028]

I'm planning on building my own tyre carrier for my D22 Nissan Navara, all I could do is eyeball the angles, don't need a crane to find the approach angles before building the carrier I could do this in the driveway....

[@Chuckles527]

Can I still tow my 4500 pound boat with trail swing?

[@beargrizzly123]

Is there a jerry can mount in the works?

[@rydersdad886]

I like your tire carrier a lot over the competition. Can you tow a small cargo trailer with it installed?

[@DirtComplex]

Yes! The newest version has a solid steel billet hitch which can handle towing.

[@OCReventsAndbuilds]

Can you still pull a big trailer on the full size truck version ? I have a pretty heavy big 20’ trailer i tow everywhere

[@DirtComplex]

All new versions have a hitch assembly built with a solid billet of 2" steel. They are extremely strong! Check out the photos here. dirtcomusa.com/products/trail-swing-hd

[@SPAWNOFSATAN013]

I need one for my raptor

[@michaelstillman5717]

sold me!

[@misterpimlott6330]

Do another offroading video on the 4runner

[@brandtdaniels]

Next time send me one instead of cutting it in half! 😂

[@JamesJLaRue]

If I can bolt a 5lb LP bottle mount to that arm, instead of the rotopax, would be perfect.

[@salsapicante]

Wish I'd seen these before buying "competitor" one.

[@samiargos]

what is the weight rating on the swing arm? offroad tire + bike rack + 2 electric bikes for me equals 240 lbs which is 10 lbs under Rigd rating. what is your product's rating?

[@weatherornotsubaru]

I just called them and asked that exact question, they said 250lbs, but they've tested them up to 5,000lbs before they broke.

[@drewdavidson5501]

When will you do a walkaround of the 4runner?

[@DirtComplex]

Soon! It's long overdue. It will be part of a suspension video.

[@OrganizedMud]

So how much can I actually tow with the DirtCom considering extension length? Does the 7501# have to be diminished for length? Will it safely tow 5,000# and 500# tongue weight? Thanks

[@DirtComplex]

Hello, you are on the right mindset about tow rating and tow safety. If you research tow hitch companies (like Curt) any of their 8" extensions include a disclaimer that they will reduce up to 50% of your vehicle's tow rating. Now that in itself is a very broad statement. It will depend on your vehicle. OEM companies rate their vehicles different ways with different safety factors. The Trail Swing lengthens your tow hitch by an average of 6". Using the same ratio this would decrease your rating by 37.5%. Again, these are general guidelines. A vehicle with body on frame vs unibody construction will have different safety factors.

[@OrganizedMud]

@@DirtComplex thanks for the response. I’m curious about the max of your hitch itself. In the video were you saying it is capable of up to 7501 or is the percentage to be taken from that starting number. To clarify, I’m not asking about the tow capability of my vehicle. I’m trying to make sure that your equipment itself is capable of the 5000/500 I referenced earlier. Knowing your product extends 6inches is very helpful also. Thanks again. Great looking product.

[@DirtComplex]

@@OrganizedMud yes it can handle the 5,000/500. For the standard size Trail Swing we tested to a vertical tongue weight load of 4,000 lbs before failure. This was before we updated the hitch assembly. Current version is robot welded with added plating for longevity.

[@OrganizedMud]

@@DirtComplex outstanding! Thanks

[@mediocrehat]

I dunno. I just cut down and old Yakima swing out bike rack and threw on a bolt on tire carrier. It was like $100 and worked without issue for years until I sold that vehicle. It’s a spare tire, not a goddamn gorilla enclosure. I have no doubt this is much stronger, but a tire is only going to weigh like 70-100lbs and the weak point is the tongue rating anyway. Spending $1500-$1800 for these things is unfathomable to me. At those prices, you can get a full steel bumper with a built in swing out and retain your full tow rating, not hurt your departure angle, not exceed your tongue weight, have better dynamics, etc. What purpose do these products serve at those prices?

[@HD46409]

Looks great guys. Quick question. How much weight can I run on the accessory hitch. I currently run a 1Up Bike Rack at ~50lbs and 2 MTBs at ~50lbs total so about ~100lbs total on accessory hitch. Will that work with your swing out or do I need to start calculating the weight of my extra wheel as well? Thanks.

[@patrickcruz2288]

I would like an answer to this question also.

[@chrisscott373]

Why not use a spindle and bearing for the hindge instead of a pin and bushing.

[@nurbekproductions438]

Just saw a video where your tire carrier broke off on Ken Block's video with Audi e-tron hooning around. Can you explain why it happened and how you will reinforce/address this issue?

[@DirtComplex]

The Trail Swing used in Ken Block's video was modified. This was not modified by Dirtcom. A 3rd party extended the hitch reciever tube and the extension failed at their welds. Ken Block pinned our comment to the top on the video comment section explaining this.

[@4WDisLife]

Longer arm (extended hitch) would create much higher torque

[@joshuakim5905]

love ur product but you could have probably just used a 2x4 and an angle finder. but i guess if u have a crane then go for it :)

[@DirtComplex]

Realistically I wanted to do it offroad going off a few ledges but we cut the product in half too soon. Plus... the crane is fun!

[@windowstint5361]

sendme the link to buy

[@jaycerd24]

What is the max tire size you can hold?

[@DirtComplex]

On the standard Trail Swing a 35". However the Trail Swing HD will hold 40" tires and is better suited for higher loads or full size trucks.

[@expandingknowledge8269]

I can just imagine a 100 pound tire falling off the back of an SUV, at speed, say 65 on I-95 during rush hour..Let the fun Begin!

[@theirthereandtheyre2947]

Jeeps have their spares on the back and I have never seen one fall off. I have seen several vehicles have their wheels fall their axles.

[@4WDisLife]

Well, glad it’s only your imagination then cuz this trail swing doesn’t seem to be in your imagination

[@KTMcaptain]

2:18 the vehicle is visibly lower. Unless one is substantially heavier you introduced a variable that completely negates your test. Suspension is clearly loaded differently between the two.

[@4WDisLife]

It was definitely just from the way they combined the two pictures, I would not compare anything that is not measured out in that picture as the one on the right seemed to be further away from the camera so the vehicle looked smaller

[@KTMcaptain]

@@4WDisLife it’s not, you can look at the background and see that they are aligned. The vehicles have different attitudes due to rear suspension being lower in the right.

[@dru24334]

why not just bring a pice of plywood up from the tires to check angle?

[@eabiertaae]

Hola tienen dealer en San Antonio Texas. Soy de la ciudad de México y viajaré a San Antonio. Necesito el trail swing tire para Toyota rav 4 año 2019. Gracias!!

[@JoeTirone]

How many times are you going to lift the 4Runner with that crane lol

[@DirtComplex]

We actually bought a 7,000 lb quick release so I can lift the entire 4runner and drop it on its suspension. Stay tuned!!!!

[@MrHeuristics]

I'll take a dozen.

[@g1mpster]

I am in the market for a tire carrier for 40’s and was very interested in your product. Honestly, if this is how you think you measure Departure Angle, then it makes me question what else you have misconceptions about that may have impacted the design and manufacturing of your product. When it’s a $500 premium (33% more) over the RiG’d carrier then trust in the designers is something to consider. 🤔

[@DirtComplex]

Of course this was done for visual fun to help people visualize the importance of small details! Departure angle is much more easily measured on flat ground and it sounds like you are aware of that. Could you imagine if we designed this entire Swing and we had no idea what a protractor was! That would be pretty incredible.

[@4WDisLife]

They were not only measuring the departure angle but they were showing you how the departure angle would help you in an inclined situation like this

[@jordandavis3946]

did Rigd respond to this video? lol

[@tg9891]

Nice test. However, the competitor who builds the alternative product, makes a version which is specific to the 4th and 5th generation 4Runners. Your test did NOT compare your Trail Swing to the 4Runner specific competitor's model. Their 4Runner model is a more compact design which would more closely approximate the size of the Trail Swing including departure angles, distance from the bumper, height, etc. A truer test would be to compare your swing to the model which they make that is specific to the vehicle you used instead of using the competitor's universal "Mega" or "Multi" fit products which are designed to be far more universal than simply the 4Runner design. My 2 cents.

[@madstoppie]

I guess Ultra Swing and Trail Swing don't share beers at Overland Expo....

[@rustlersstuff]

Very complicated way of demonstrating something simple. Neat tho.

[@Seattle808]

How does the dirtcom do at freeway speed? Does it oscillate and shake the whole rig?

[@DirtComplex]

It really depends on your suspension and vehicle but the Trail Swing is stable at freeway speeds

[@jaycerd24]

Darn. Max is a 35 inch tire?

[@harrisonortis7851]

The Trail Swing HD can hold up to a 40 inch tire:)

[@robeasy13]

11:32 🎤 Mic drop!

[@yangkongm]

Love your product but a bit steep.

[@bumpandsquish]

great demonstration. however, your calculation of the angles is inaccurate. as you lift the front, the tire is raised in an arc making the base of the triangle shorter. you would need to remeasure the distance between the tires using a plumb bob on the front

[@DirtComplex]

Hello thanks for watching! When we measured the length of the wheel base the suspension was at full droop. Still, it was more a goal of demonstration and comparison rather than accuracy of angle. For the most accurate angle we could have just measured at the rear without lifting the vehicle.

[@Socaloverlander]

You are comparing it to the multi fit not even to the one made for 4runner .

[@DirtComplex]

Short answer: we did not make this video only for 4runners but there just happens to be a 4runner in the video. Long answer: The standard size Trail Swing fits a multitude of midsized compact SUVs and trucks. We made this video as a comparison for all the other vehicles out there. There just happened to be a 4runner in the video. However, the compared measurements will translate to all other vehicles. It would not make sense to compare the standard Trail Swing to the other company's 4runner specific tire carrier because that tire carrier only fits the 4runner. Our Trail Swing and their "multi fit" is what is comparable for all the other vehicles out there. Thanks for watching!

[@chuyhdz3082]

What's the price on your product ?

[@bugoutfozzy]

$1750. For a tire carrier. 😂

[@chuyhdz3082]

@@bugoutfozzy did the price drop ?

[@kendallbrock9275]

500 more then the competitor

[@chuyhdz3082]

@@kendallbrock9275 I’m probably bette tiff just going with the whole bumper right ?

[@kendallbrock9275]

@@chuyhdz3082 that’s what I’d do. Depending on the vehicle you have, you could get a bumper for the price of this product. 1,750$

[@deadbrainn]

Outtakes hahaha

[@dtm4trix]

I like your product but it's $2300 kitted out the way I want it.....that's a little tough to justify for me...I can have one made for less than $1000 with what I need. Good video but in these times that price is a hard one to swallow.

[@4WDisLife]

Agree

[@brandocommando6593]

At that cost, it's not too far from a full bumper and swing out

[@hansvonclemm2533]

......... you clearly do not understand basic trigonometry. the wheelbase number (110.5 in) is actually the hypotenuse of the triangle, not the lifted flat on the bottom as you have drawn and use for your calculation.

[@dubprocesslbc]

Comparing your product to a competitor is tacky af. Leave that to a third party that doesn’t have a vested interest in the products reviewed. I really like your trail swing but this video is extremely biased.