Rugged Ridge Spartacus HD Tire Carrier Installed

[TJEli]

After being less than impressed with the current offerings for bumper/tire carrier options I decided to give a tub mount reinforcement a try. I already had the RC tire bracket installed and my gate was holding up just fine but this was for piece of mind. This hinge kit is BUILT. I am sure it is similar to some of the other ones out there but I was impressed. Cast aluminum bracing with steel hinges and hardened pins. 8 bolts to the gate and much thicker plates to the tub. I cannot make my tailgate flex at all by pulling on the tire now. At around $400 it is not inexpensive but it is less than some of the others out there. On to the pics....

-Eli

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[RenoMD]

Nice... I’m digging the method 701 bronze... I’m still wavering whether it would be too bling on my sting gray JLUR.

 

[LLRubylady]

Thanks for posting. I was looking at this. Think it looks better than the Mopar.

 

[Seanst34]

Installed mine today after waiting two weeks for my local 4 Wheel Parts store to source it from CA after ordering the wrong model for the JK. It’s relatively easy to install and seems to be stout. I had a similar SmittyBuilt Pivot HD tire carrier on my JKUR. Seems to be about the same. One thing to note is that even though I called rugged ridge prior to ordering to confirm it would work well with the Mopar tire relocation bracket for 37” tires it did not. The Mopar bracket does not sit flush against the right side of the Spartacus hinge assembly so the tire is kicked a bit. Nothing noticeable but annoying. The tailgate is a little harder to open but way better than a two step swing arm assembly. I’d recommend it as a solid cost effective option if your carrying anything over a 35” tire.

 

[TJEli]

Installed mine today after waiting two weeks for my local 4 Wheel Parts store to source it from CA after ordering the wrong model for the JK. It’s relatively easy to install and seems to be stout. I had a similar SmittyBuilt Pivot HD tire carrier on my JKUR. Seems to be about the same. One thing to note is that even though I called rugged ridge prior to ordering to confirm it would work well with the Mopar tire relocation bracket for 37” tires it did not. The Mopar bracket does not sit flush against the right side of the Spartacus hinge assembly so the tire is kicked a bit. Nothing noticeable but annoying. The tailgate is a little harder to open but way better than a two step swing arm assembly. I’d recommend it as a solid cost effective option if your carrying anything over a 35” tire.

I have the RC tire relocation bracket and it sits flush with that one.

 

[VGxHC]

After being less than impressed with the current offerings for bumper/tire carrier options I decided to give a tub mount reinforcement a try. I already had the RC tire bracket installed and my gate was holding up just fine but this was for piece of mind. This hinge kit is BUILT. I am sure it is similar to some of the other ones out there but I was impressed. Cast aluminum bracing with steel hinges and hardened pins. 8 bolts to the gate and much thicker plates to the tub. I cannot make my tailgate flex at all by pulling on the tire now. At around $400 it is not inexpensive but it is less than some of the others out there. On to the pics....

-Eli

I'd like to pick your brain about this a little bit, as I just installed mine, and I am also running a RC riser plate.

The gap on the right side of the tailgate/body is extremely tight and it feels as if the tailgate is lower on the left side when going to shut the gate.

Any ideas?

 

[TJEli]

I'd like to pick your brain about this a little bit, as I just installed mine, and I am also running a RC riser plate.

The gap on the right side of the tailgate/body is extremely tight and it feels as if the tailgate is lower on the left side when going to shut the gate.

Any ideas?

Take your spare off and close the gate. Check all your gaps. Loosen the bolts that fasten the carrier to the tailgate. (not the bolts inside the tub) You should be able to move the gate around a little bit with the bolts loose. Try to fix your gaps and tighten the gate down with it HIGH on the drivers side. The weight of your spare tire will pull it down in line.

If you are unable to get things lined up by loosening the bolts you will have to do it with shims under the hinge plates that bolt to the tub.

-Eli

 

[aerosynch]

-Eli

Are you running this with 38s now? How is it doing so far? I am looking for a carrier to support a 39" BFG and Raceline beadlock and just ran into the Rugged Ridge. I looked at the Teraflex but they don't have a hinge yet; only the tailgate part.

 

[TJEli]

Are you running this with 38s now? How is it doing so far? I am looking for a carrier to support a 39" BFG and Raceline beadlock and just ran into the Rugged Ridge. I looked at the Teraflex but they don't have a hinge yet; only the tailgate part.

I am. It holds up perfectly fine. I would not hesitate to put a 40 on it. I can hang on my spare tire and the gate doesn't flex.

-Eli

 

[BrnxBomr2]

Installed mine today after waiting two weeks for my local 4 Wheel Parts store to source it from CA after ordering the wrong model for the JK. It’s relatively easy to install and seems to be stout. I had a similar SmittyBuilt Pivot HD tire carrier on my JKUR. Seems to be about the same. One thing to note is that even though I called rugged ridge prior to ordering to confirm it would work well with the Mopar tire relocation bracket for 37” tires it did not. The Mopar bracket does not sit flush against the right side of the Spartacus hinge assembly so the tire is kicked a bit. Nothing noticeable but annoying. The tailgate is a little harder to open but way better than a two step swing arm assembly. I’d recommend it as a solid cost effective option if your carrying anything over a 35” tire.

Would this have a problem holding a wheel & tire combo that is close to 110lbs? I am thinking of running this with the Teraflex Alpha tire carrier.

 

[aerosynch]

Would this have a problem holding a wheel & tire combo that is close to 110lbs? I am thinking of running this with the Teraflex Alpha tire carrier.

I had the same thought. Ordered the Alpha already but waiting to see what Teraflex releases to go with it, or try with the Rugged Ridge.

 

[TJEli]

I had the same thought. Ordered the Alpha already but waiting to see what Teraflex releases to go with it, or try with the Rugged Ridge.

My wheel and tire combo is 108lbs. It could hold more.

 

[BrnxBomr2]

My wheel and tire combo is 108lbs. It could hold more.

Cool. Mine is the same weight. Seems solid?

 

[TJEli]

Cool. Mine is the same weight. Seems solid?

Very.

 

[Rigby]

Installing mine today and had a question. Did anyone plug the hole after removing the right side tire bump stop or do you just leave the hole open? @TJEli @Seanst34

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