An individual asked me about making a front spare tire carrier for his dodge truck. from looking at ones you buy would cost him about 90 dollars for the carrier and 150 or so for the receiver. he wanted to use angle iron to mount to the bumper with a bar under the hood but i do not think would be the best option. what size square tubing is best, i think two inch by one eigth inch thick should be sturdy enough and have bolt to frame. any suggestions. also, i gave the person the option of having it bolt directly to the frame or using a receiver with a pin. I feel that the steel if properly welded would be sufficient for a spare, but was also thinking of using 1.25inch square tubing with wall thick 0.125inch. see attached pic.

1/8" should be fine, especially for tubing. I think you'll find it's pleanty ridgid for your application.

is it a spare for an abrams? if not, that should be more than sturdy.