Tailgate reinforcement do we really need it?

[JLsJL]

It’s hard for me to get with the mopar tailgate reinforcement kit. Especially with the price tag. Is it even necessary for a 285/75r18 (34.8x10)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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[Spank]

It’s hard for me to get with the mopar tailgate reinforcement kit. Especially with the price tag. Is it even necessary for a 285/75r18 (34.8x10)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I don't think it's necessary at all. I'll paste a post I made on this exact same subject in another thread:

The Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement kit is a pointless product that merely serves as a cash grab, IMO. The JL tailgate's magnesium construction is much stronger than the JK and the fact they've got an optional drop down table accessory for the inside means they're pretty confident it can handle some additional weight. The big downside to this kit is that it doesn't move the weight onto the tub like the Teraflex's hinged carrier does. The weak points of the JK's tailgate were both the hinges and the gate itself. With the JL, it'll mainly be the hinges.

Now, can you slap some 40's on it and call it a day? Of course not. But the key to preventing the gate from folding has always been the bump stops. And no matter how many YouTube videos and posts on dozens of Jeep forums drive that point into the ground, there are still people out there who do not do this and are utterly shocked as to why their tailgate suddenly collapsed. Yes, the hinges are eventually going to succumb to a heavy oversized tire and whatever else you've got strapped onto the back of your Jeep, but making sure that tire is firmly secured from swaying side to side with extended bump stops will be just as effective as this kit, but save you about $600.

There are tons of videos out there of folks climbing mountains in their JLs with a heavy 37 tire on a heavy beadlock rim attached to a heavy relocation bracket on the gate and it seems to be holding up just fine. It's not invincible, but it certainly deserves more credit than what JPP gives it.

 

[JLsJL]

I don't think it's necessary at all. I'll paste a post I made on this exact same subject in another thread:

The Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement kit is a pointless product that merely serves as a cash grab, IMO. The JL tailgate's magnesium construction is much stronger than the JK and the fact they've got an optional drop down table accessory for the inside means they're pretty confident it can handle some additional weight. The big downside to this kit is that it doesn't move the weight onto the tub like the Teraflex's hinged carrier does. The weak points of the JK's tailgate were both the hinges and the gate itself. With the JL, it'll mainly be the hinges.

Now, can you slap some 40's on it and call it a day? Of course not. But the key to preventing the gate from folding has always been the bump stops. And no matter how many YouTube videos and posts on dozens of Jeep forums drive that point into the ground, there are still people out there who do not do this and are uttery shocked as to why their tailgate suddenly collapsed. Yes, the hinges are eventually going to succumb to a heavy oversized tire and whatever else you've got strapped onto the back of your Jeep, but making sure that tire is firmly secured from swaying side to side with extended bump stops will be just as effective as this kit, but save you about $600.

There are tons of videos out there of folks climbing mountains in their JLs with a heavy 37 tire on a heavy beadlock rim attached to a heavy relocation bracket on the gate and it seems to be holding up just fine. It's not invincible, but it certainly deserves more credit than what JPP gives it.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Capt-Zoom]

On my TJ a 33inch bfg tko/tko2 rest perfectly on my back bumper. Yes its taken the finish off but its never rusted...even spending 8 years in minnesota winters. Been 20 years now with no tailgate issues.

Im curious if a person could add a cutdown cutting board 3m tapped to the bumper an do the same thing....give it just a little bit of support.

 

[NavyVet1959]

I seem to remember that at one time, the tailgates were drop-down like a pickup's tailgate. When did they change them and why?

 

[crash13]

There are tons of videos out there of folks climbing mountains in their JLs with a heavy 37 tire on a heavy beadlock rim attached to a heavy relocation bracket on the gate and it seems to be holding up just fine.

Wayolife has done this, and hits extreme trails. No problem. He was also told, by Jeep engineers, that the the tailgate could hold up to 85lbs on top of the factory wheel. I'm going with that since I plan on putting on a bike rack and a couple bikes.

 

[cabnfvr]

I seem to remember that at one time, the tailgates were drop-down like a pickup's tailgate. When did they change them and why?

Back in the day you opened the spare tire carrier then reach in and flip up the latch plate on each side of the tailgate, and yes, on the CJ7 it folded down. Now you pull a handle. It's just evolution of the design. I think I'll be OK as long as Jeep doesn't make the tailgate and glass electric open/close.

 

[Stickerhead]

Wayolife has done this, and hits extreme trails. No problem. He was also told, by Jeep engineers, that the the tailgate could hold up to 85lbs on top of the factory wheel. I'm going with that since I plan on putting on a bike rack and a couple bikes.

I would like to have this 85 over stock confirmed. I am having 37 put on this month and would like to save $700 on the Mopar tire carrier. I called Teraflex and they said it would be a while before they have theirs out.

 

[RubiRob]

I don't think it's necessary at all. I'll paste a post I made on this exact same subject in another thread:

The Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement kit is a pointless product that merely serves as a cash grab, IMO. The JL tailgate's magnesium construction is much stronger than the JK and the fact they've got an optional drop down table accessory for the inside means they're pretty confident it can handle some additional weight. The big downside to this kit is that it doesn't move the weight onto the tub like the Teraflex's hinged carrier does. The weak points of the JK's tailgate were both the hinges and the gate itself. With the JL, it'll mainly be the hinges.

Now, can you slap some 40's on it and call it a day? Of course not. But the key to preventing the gate from folding has always been the bump stops. And no matter how many YouTube videos and posts on dozens of Jeep forums drive that point into the ground, there are still people out there who do not do this and are utterly shocked as to why their tailgate suddenly collapsed. Yes, the hinges are eventually going to succumb to a heavy oversized tire and whatever else you've got strapped onto the back of your Jeep, but making sure that tire is firmly secured from swaying side to side with extended bump stops will be just as effective as this kit, but save you about $600.

There are tons of videos out there of folks climbing mountains in their JLs with a heavy 37 tire on a heavy beadlock rim attached to a heavy relocation bracket on the gate and it seems to be holding up just fine. It's not invincible, but it certainly deserves more credit than what JPP gives it.

Other than "that one guy" with 35's who had the crease, has anyone seen the issue elsewhere? Im on 35's now with black rhino wheels, no reinforcement kit. 105lbs. Looking to go to 37s on quadratech wheels and patagonia tires at 99lbs. Starting to doubt my need, but if I have to buy it I will.

 

[richk225]

I have been on this subject for some time now, I bought the Mopar $600 support and it’s a waste of money in my opinion. I had mentioned tailgate flex and no one seems to have it but me and my 35 BFG MT KM3.
Install the hinge reinforcement that does not connect with the body, then put on the extender to lift the tire up and out. With the gate open grab the top and bottom of the tire and give it a slight pull and push and look at your gate flex
Then close your gate and do the same, push or pull lightly on the spare and see how much your gate will flex. This kit is no where near as strong as the JK kit. Basically all you are doing is adding weight to the tailgate and extending the leverage by mounting the tire further away from the gate. Just my opinion, when I compare the JL to the JK it is like night and day. And the JL mount does not lay flat against the tailgate

 

[RubiRob]

I have been on this subject for some time now, I bought the Mopar $600 support and it’s a waste of money in my opinion. I had mentioned tailgate flex and no one seems to have it but me and my 35 BFG MT KM3.
Install the hinge reinforcement that does not connect with the body, then put on the extender to lift the tire up and out. With the gate open grab the top and bottom of the tire and give it a slight pull and push and look at your gate flex
Then close your gate and do the same, push or pull lightly on the spare and see how much your gate will flex. This kit is no where near as strong as the JK kit. Basically all you are doing is adding weight to the tailgate and extending the leverage by mounting the tire further away from the gate. Just my opinion, when I compare the JL to the JK it is like night and day. And the JL mount does not lay flat against the tailgate

Is it any better or worse than stock though?

 

[richk225]

With the stock 33” on there without ant modifications at all you could get it to flex just slightly when closed, open is a different story. I could not fit my 35” on the factory carrier due to it hitting the steel bumper. I purchased the kit to move it up and out, easy as can be then I mounted my 35” on it and shut the tailgate, not hard but enough to make sure it was going to close all the way AND that is when I first had seen my spare wobble from top to bottom. Opened up the tailgate and I could not believe how much it flexed. I went to my dealer to buy the HD hinge kit thinking it would be like the on on my JK but it only bolts to the tailgate, no hinge support at all.
I figured that they knew what they were doing when they made it so I put it on. I can honestly tell you myself and other JL owners could not believe how it basically did nothing. It did make my wallet lighter. If you have someone move the tire from top and bottom check out the lower gap and how it can actually move the rear window by taking the pressure off of it
After talking with Skyjacker in person and looking at my JL, and the fact it was a issue with the JK, he said these will be available hopefully by August

 

[richk225]

With the stock 33” on there without ant modifications at all you could get it to flex just slightly when closed, open is a different story. I could not fit my 35” on the factory carrier due to it hitting the steel bumper. I purchased the kit to move it up and out, easy as can be then I mounted my 35” on it and shut the tailgate, not hard but enough to make sure it was going to close all the way AND that is when I first had seen my spare wobble from top to bottom. Opened up the tailgate and I could not believe how much it flexed. I went to my dealer to buy the HD hinge kit thinking it would be like the on on my JK but it only bolts to the tailgate, no hinge support at all.
I figured that they knew what they were doing when they made it so I put it on. I can honestly tell you myself and other JL owners could not believe how it basically did nothing. It did make my wallet lighter. If you have someone move the tire from top and bottom check out the lower gap and how it can actually move the rear window by taking the pressure off of it
After talking with Skyjacker in person and looking at my JL, and the fact it was a issue with the JK, he said these will be available hopefully by August

 

[RubiRob]

With the stock 33” on there without ant modifications at all you could get it to flex just slightly when closed, open is a different story. I could not fit my 35” on the factory carrier due to it hitting the steel bumper. I purchased the kit to move it up and out, easy as can be then I mounted my 35” on it and shut the tailgate, not hard but enough to make sure it was going to close all the way AND that is when I first had seen my spare wobble from top to bottom. Opened up the tailgate and I could not believe how much it flexed. I went to my dealer to buy the HD hinge kit thinking it would be like the on on my JK but it only bolts to the tailgate, no hinge support at all.
I figured that they knew what they were doing when they made it so I put it on. I can honestly tell you myself and other JL owners could not believe how it basically did nothing. It did make my wallet lighter. If you have someone move the tire from top and bottom check out the lower gap and how it can actually move the rear window by taking the pressure off of it
After talking with Skyjacker in person and looking at my JL, and the fact it was a issue with the JK, he said these will be available hopefully by August

I'm assuming you got the bump stops extended?

 

[richk225]

Yes I put in the longer bump stops and they are compressed against the tire. I had tried everything from moving the tailgate latch,striker plate and plastic guide block, I even went as far as getting adheasive weather stripping and tried it on the bottom of the gate against the seal, even doubling it up did nothing. The only thing that thought of was similar to the Skyjacker bracket. I ended up using the trailer hitch with a plate that is tucked in and just has a slight amount of tire weight on it. Since putting that on, no more flex or wobble, no noise at all. The only thing you can hear is the air vents opening and closing

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