Re-enforced Tire Carrier VS Rear Bumper w/ Tire Carrier?

[Cervo]

As the title suggests, I am in the market for a tire carrier. Now the question is, which route should I go? I have a 2021 JLURD and plan to go 37's in the near future. With that being said, I have had multiple discussions with people who know more about Jeeps than I do and they keep suggesting a rear bumper with tire carrier.

The purpose of this is so the weight of the wheel does not put a lot of stress on the hinges of the back tail gate. Also, they have said that there might be some rattling with the extra weight. After looking at multiple products, there are only a hand full of rear bumpers with tire carriers that I like, however the price more than if I was to purchase the Re-enforced tailgate hinges with tire carrier.

To those of you who have the re-enforced tire carrier, what did you choose and why? Are there any pros and cons to the product you have? What about those who have a rear bumper with tire carrier? I know this is all preference but I am more for what is the best bank for my buck? What will last the longest without having any issues?

I plan to use this Jeep off-road doing intermediate trails

Thanks in advance!

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[Carolina Jeeper]

I have a Rusty's tailgate reinforcement tire carrier and hinge kit. So far it's been an excellent upgrade for my uses. I don't do rock crawling or anything extreme so I can't give that kind of testimonial.

I noticed my tailgate is less noisey immediately after installation. I am still running stock Rubicon wheels and tires so I'm not really pressure testing it.

So, if you decide on a Rusty's tire carrier and hinge kit, just do what I did and install thin rubber between the carrier and the tailgate. Found some online that's only about 1/16" thick. This separates the dissimilar materials and I think it adds some sound deadening.

 

[Headbarcode]

I opted for the Cavfab Elite hinged tailgate reinforcement and adjustable carrier for my JLUR. It's extremely strong and well made. It ships out in bare steel, so I had it powdercoated in a lightly textured black to match the front mopar steel bumper.

One of my favorite aspects is their use of oiled bronze bushings in the hinges. Their completely maintenance free and have a very slow wear rate in much harsher uses. On a tailgate, they'll outlast the Jeep itself. I used to also be the in house machinist in my family's heavy equipment repair shop, so I have a lot of hands on with structure and different materials. This unit is so strong, the tailgate itself is just there to keep the weather and thieves out of my cargo area. With the gate open and a 38x13.5 spare mounted, I was able to hang my 180lbs on it and still didn't get any noticeable give at the hinges. I now have 40's and it's still yawning at it.

 

[Cervo]

I have a Rusty's tailgate reinforcement tire carrier and hinge kit. So far it's been an excellent upgrade for my uses. I don't do rock crawling or anything extreme so I can't give that kind of testimonial.

I noticed my tailgate is less noisey immediately after installation. I am still running stock Rubicon wheels and tires so I'm not really pressure testing it.

So, if you decide on a Rusty's tire carrier and hinge kit, just do what I did and install thin rubber between the carrier and the tailgate. Found some online that's only about 1/16" thick. This separates the dissimilar materials and I think it adds some sound deadening.

Thanks for the information. That looks really nice. It seems that it would be sturdy enough for what I'm looking for. I am really curious to see how it would hold up during some good trails. I know some people have complained about the tailgate rattling on the trail and just wanted some opinions. Thank you very much for responding.

 

[EbyCreek]

I did the AEV on mine, had the AEV on my old JK also and never had a problem.

 

[Cervo]

I opted for the Cavfab Elite hinged tailgate reinforcement and adjustable carrier for my JLUR. It's extremely strong and well made. It ships out in bare steel, so I had it powdercoated in a lightly textured black to match the front mopar steel bumper.

One of my favorite aspects is their use of oiled bronze bushings in the hinges. Their completely maintenance free and have a very slow wear rate in much harsher uses. On a tailgate, they'll outlast the Jeep itself. I used to also be the in house machinist in my family's heavy equipment repair shop, so I have a lot of hands on with structure and different materials. This unit is so strong, the tailgate itself is just there to keep the weather and thieves out of my cargo area. With the gate open and a 38x13.5 spare mounted, I was able to hang my 180lbs on it and still didn't get any noticeable give at the hinges. I now have 40's and it's still yawning at it.

That looks amazing! Definitely going to look more into this product. I like the way it looks and it seems that it will hold a bigger size tire if I can ever convince the wife to get bigger tires. The people I talked to had JK's and I'm not sure how the hinges on those models were. Hopefully Jeep improved their tailgates for that because although the bumper with a tire carrier looks alright, I like the look of the hinged tire carrier better.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

Thanks for the information. That looks really nice. It seems that it would be sturdy enough for what I'm looking for. I am really curious to see how it would hold up during some good trails. I know some people have complained about the tailgate rattling on the trail and just wanted some opinions. Thank you very much for responding.

You're welcome! I do have a LOD bumper that could have had the tire carrier assembly mounted on it, but I decided to go with Rusty's for that upgrade. Check into LOD options too. Both Rusty's and LOD are made in USA. I'll always go with a made in USA product for my upgrades when possible.

 

[Headbarcode]

That looks amazing! Definitely going to look more into this product. I like the way it looks and it seems that it will hold a bigger size tire if I can ever convince the wife to get bigger tires. The people I talked to had JK's and I'm not sure how the hinges on those models were. Hopefully Jeep improved their tailgates for that because although the bumper with a tire carrier looks alright, I like the look of the hinged tire carrier better.

The Cavfab is meant to hold up to a 42" tire on heavy beadlocks. I also got their Ultra High Clearance rear bumper and had it powder coated the same as the carrier. I also prefer not having a bumper mounted carrier. And not just for looks, but I would rather not add connecting points between the body and frame. The body is mounted to the frame with rubber isolators that allow a certain degree of movement between the two.

From what I've read in the past, the JK tailgates were flimsy and known for bending from larger tires. The JL has a stronger gate made from a magnesium inner structure thats clad in aluminum. The kicker is that what were large tires to a JK are considered small on a JL. The weak link has been shifted to the hinges. The hinge halves are stout, but the small diameter dowl pins that connect the halves aren't enough for bouncing around offroad with 37"+ tires.

 

[Engine Guy]

The Cavfab is meant to hold up to a 42" tire on heavy beadlocks. I also got their Ultra High Clearance rear bumper and had it powder coated the same as the carrier. I also prefer not having a bumper mounted carrier. And not just for looks, but I would rather not add connecting points between the body and frame. The body is mounted to the frame with rubber isolators that allow a certain degree of movement between the two.

From what I've read in the past, the JK tailgates were flimsy and known for bending from larger tires. The JL has a stronger gate made from a magnesium inner structure thats clad in aluminum. The kicker is that what were large tires to a JK are considered small on a JL. The weak link has been shifted to the hinges. The hinge halves are stout, but the small diameter dowl pins that connect the halves aren't enough for bouncing around offroad with 37"+ tires.

Hi!

I noticed that there are two bolts on the passenger side of the carrier. Are those two bolts just the ones that go through to the tailgate? If I went with longer ones could I tie in mounts for additional items?

Thanks!

 

[Headbarcode]

Hi!

I noticed that there are two bolts on the passenger side of the carrier. Are those two bolts just the ones that go through to the tailgate? If I went with longer ones could I tie in mounts for additional items?

Thanks!

Those 2 bolts are are just there as place holders to keep dirt out of the threaded holes. They are dedicated mounting points for whatnot, and serve no functional purpose to the tailgate or spare.

 

[Engine Guy]

Those 2 bolts are are just there as place holders to keep dirt out of the threaded holes. They are dedicated mounting points for whatnot, and serve no functional purpose to the tailgate or spare.

Sweet! I have the Teraflex wheel mount but I think I may sell that and switch.

Thanks for the great info!

 

[Some Random Guy]

Here is a mid-install pick of the Maximus-3 carrier. I love this thing, rock solid and moves the weight off the hinges while still swinging with the tailgate.

No rattles, not bumper mounted.

 

[Headbarcode]

Sweet! I have the Teraflex wheel mount but I think I may sell that and switch.

Thanks for the great info!

I also originally had the Teraflex Alpha HD carrier. It was great in its ability to properly adjust both height and depth. Once I switched from 35's to 38's I knew I'd inevitably need to address the sag I was getting with the factory hinges. I couldn't keep waiting for the teraflex reinforcement, so that's when I went with the Cavfab Elite setup.

 

[OutlawBeard]

Here is a mid-install pick of the Maximus-3 carrier. I love this thing, rock solid and moves the weight off the hinges while still swinging with the tailgate.

No rattles, not bumper mounted.

I like that setup, How do you like the Hutchinson's? ive been thinking about getting a set but I'm not sure which bead setup to get.

 

[Some Random Guy]

I like that setup, How do you like the Hutchinson's? ive been thinking about getting a set but I'm not sure which bead setup to get.

I love mounting my own tires and just tossing balance beads in.
I think they all come with the 106 inserts now. You can still buy the 107’s but allegedly they aren’t needed, the 106’s will work. Call one of the resale companies and ask.

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