Why Fully-Welded Steel Tyre Carriers Outperform Bolt-Together and Aluminium Systems
Built to Handle Real Australian Conditions
When you’re hauling gear across the Pilbara, Cape York or the Great Central Road, your rear-mounted accessories are taking constant abuse — corrugations, red dust, vibration and shock loads. That’s why Mirack’s fully-welded steel tyre carriers are engineered and built to survive where others fail.
While many imported systems rely on bolt-together aluminium extrusion frames or modular brackets, Mirack’s carriers are fabricated from Australian-sourced steel, welded in-house, and powder-coated for long-term durability.
This difference in construction is what separates a weekend accessory from a lifetime investment.
The Structural Difference: Steel vs Aluminium
| Feature | Fully-Welded Steel (Mirack) | Bolt-Together / Aluminium Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Material Strength | High tensile Australian steel – excellent fatigue resistance | Lightweight aluminium extrusion – lower impact and fatigue strength |
| Joint Integrity | Continuous MIG welds – zero movement over time | Multiple fasteners – prone to loosening under vibration |
| Load Distribution | Even stress flow through welded structure | Stress concentrated around bolt holes and fittings |
| Repairability | Can be rewelded or reinforced if ever damaged | Replacement often required due to stripped or cracked extrusions |
On a rough track, every vibration and rebound load is amplified at the rear of your vehicle. A bolt-together frame can work loose, leading to rattles, fatigue cracks, and even total failure. A welded carrier, by contrast, acts as one solid structure — no joints to flex, no bolts to shear.
ADR Compliance & Safety Confidence
Mirack’s GEN-Series tyre carriers are engineered to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR 62/02) for towing and rear impact performance.
Each design is tested to safely handle the full 2T towing capacity of our rated hitch assemblies while supporting dual spares, fuel or water modules.
ADR compliance isn’t optional — it’s what ensures that your setup remains road-legal and insured. Bolt-together or imported aluminium systems often skip this step entirely, leaving customers exposed to liability and safety risk.
The Welding Advantage
Our team of qualified fabricators uses precision MIG welding and laser-cut components to ensure alignment accuracy and consistent penetration throughout the structure.
Key benefits of a welded design:
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No assembly required — bolt on and go
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Eliminates joint movement and rattle points
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Superior torsional stiffness for heavy off-road use
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Enhanced corrosion resistance (zinc-primed before powder-coat)
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Proven strength under repeated load testing
In short: a welded carrier behaves like part of the vehicle — not an accessory hanging off it.
Real-World Performance
From LandCruiser 300 Series build, to Prado and Ranger touring rigs loaded with 40 L of fuel, recovery gear and dual spares — Mirack’s fully-welded carriers have proven their reliability time and again. Each system is tested under simulated off-road vibration to ensure long-term fatigue resistance, something bolt-together systems rarely survive.
Proudly Australian Made
Every Mirack product is engineered, fabricated and finished in Western Australia.
We’re proud to be an Australian Owned Certified Business (AO #05944) — supporting local jobs, craftsmanship, and supply chains.
By choosing a Mirack carrier, you’re not only getting a stronger product — you’re keeping manufacturing right here at home.
Key Takeaways
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Steel > Aluminium: superior fatigue strength and load capacity
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Welded > Bolted: no joint movement, longer service life
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ADR Compliant: road-legal and insurance-safe
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Australian Made: designed for local conditions
If you want a spare wheel carrier that lasts the life of your vehicle — not just a season — choose a Mirack GEN-Series Fully-Welded Steel Carrier.
👉 Explore the Mirack Range and see why Australian-made steel is Built Better.
