Tail gate reinforcement kit worth the $ for 35's?

[DanW]

I don't think Jeep said 35s are ok they said we will see in time. I would not take the chance on the price of a new tailgate

It really depends on how heavy your whee/tire is. I'm running a 315 C rated KO2 that is not much heavier than the stock 285, and it is on the stock rim. On top of that, it rests slightly on the bumper. I think this setup presents very little risk. Plus, the weight stays nice and close, whereas the spare tire extensions push the weight out, causing the weight that is there exhert more force on the tailgate than the stock setup. I think the 315 C rated KO2 weighs only about 64 pounds, so that's only about 10 pounds or so more than the stock 285. It should be well within the limits of the stock hinges.

Sponsored

 

[Jammer]

U like I said it all depends what you feel comfortable with. I'm going with 37s so I have to change it

 

[DanW]

U like I said it all depends what you feel comfortable with. I'm going with 37s so I have to change it

Yeah, I'd go for it with 37's. First, I think the 37 will require the extension to move it out a bit so that it will fit, especially if you run aftermarket rims with a change in backspacing. The weight of that extension, along with the big tire and possibly heavier/wider wheel would tip me to reinforcing the tailgate.

I may one day add the reinforcement, anyway. I'm looking at a folding tailgate shelf with an extension for cooking on the trail. With that extra weight, even though it would only be hanging out there when stationary, I'd feel better with strengthened hinges.

 

[Tjax]

Any one know if 315/70/17 BFG KM3 will fit on a Rubicon TG with steel bumper with out any upgrade to the tailgate?

Bill,

I’m running a 315/70/17 KO2 on the stock tailgate and it barely rubs on the bumper. I tried the RC bracket to raise the tire but I ended up removing it. I like the tire closer to the tailgate. I do have the Mopar reenforcement bracket.

Both the KO2 and KM3 are listed at 34.4 diameter

 

[Bill Tower]

That sound great I will check it out, I just removed my extension and it works great, just clears the steel bumper aired down to 15
When I aired it up to 37 it
Rest on the steel bumper, I also extended the bump stops to help with vibration.

 

[Bill Tower]

I also upgraded my Rims to 17x8.5 4.5 backspacing

 

[RubiRob]

It really depends on how heavy your whee/tire is. I'm running a 315 C rated KO2 that is not much heavier than the stock 285, and it is on the stock rim. On top of that, it rests slightly on the bumper. I think this setup presents very little risk. Plus, the weight stays nice and close, whereas the spare tire extensions push the weight out, causing the weight that is there exhert more force on the tailgate than the stock setup. I think the 315 C rated KO2 weighs only about 64 pounds, so that's only about 10 pounds or so more than the stock 285. It should be well within the limits of the stock hinges.

Ya, I think I saw somewhere that the tailgate was rated for 85lbs. the 315.70 KO2s on my OEM wheels came in at 86.6 which is right on the money if you ask me. However, my Black Rhinos wheels weight 14lbs more than the OEM wheels. I haven't gotten a HD carrier yet, but I will once my 37s come in.

 

[cdnfthree]

Bill,

I’m running a 315/70/17 KO2 on the stock tailgate and it barely rubs on the bumper. I tried the RC bracket to raise the tire but I ended up removing it. I like the tire closer to the tailgate. I do have the Mopar reenforcement bracket.

Both the KO2 and KM3 are listed at 34.4 diameter

Hello,
I also have 35" tires and the RC relocation bracket. The Mopar reinforcement is on the way. Have you attempted to find out if the RC bracket fits into the machined pattern of the Mopar reinforcement? I'm wondering because I did not spend the extra $200 for the Mopar re-locator.

 

[lembowski]

Hello,
I also have 35" tires and the RC relocation bracket. The Mopar reinforcement is on the way. Have you attempted to find out if the RC bracket fits into the machined pattern of the Mopar reinforcement? I'm wondering because I did not spend the extra $200 for the Mopar re-locator.

On RC’s site someone posted a photo of the relocation bracket and said it worked with the Mopar reinforcement.

 

[Tjax]

Hello,
I also have 35" tires and the RC relocation bracket. The Mopar reinforcement is on the way. Have you attempted to find out if the RC bracket fits into the machined pattern of the Mopar reinforcement? I'm wondering because I did not spend the extra $200 for the Mopar re-locator.

Yes, the RC bracket works with the Mopar reinforcement. I found I didn’t need it for 35" KO2s so I removed it. It would be needed for 37’s.

 

[Fred]

No because the stock one was made to accomodate 35s plus 35s rest a bit on the bumper so why spend that money unless you're getting bigger than 35s?

They only rest on the steel bumper.

 

[Fred]

No. Not worth it. I think the tail gate can handle the size and weight of 35s. And for $850, have a look at the AEV swing away carrier. You can install it with stock bumpers (both Std & steel), it swings open with the tailgate, and it can hold waaay more than just a spare. Think Hi-lift jack, shovel, gas, etc.

Edit: Wait, OP, you have a Rubi? Didn't that come with the tailgate reinforcement?

No tailgate reinforcement on the Rubi. I also have heard 85lbs for the tailgate. New wheels and 315's for me are at 94lbs.

 

[Fred]

What's a stock Rubi tire and wheel weigh? Pretty sure the tire itself is 51lbs.

Stock Rubi wheel 21, 285/70/17 51 for 72lbs total.

 

[Fred]

1st time Jeep owner. Soooooo... do I need to consider this upgrade when I get my new 20” wheels on 35’s x 12” tires??

This thing is turning into a money pit.

I used 1/4 pvc pipe and rubber chair leg tips.

 

[WranglerMan]

I have one of the older RC mounts and no swing gate reinforcement running 315’s and don’t seem it’s causing any problems

Sponsored