Spare tire reinforcement

[8ball]

Can someone recommend a good aftermarket alternative to Mopars reinforcement bracket? $700 seems pricey for what you get I’d think there are comparable ones for half that cost. I don’t need a heavy duty one just to accommodate 33” load E range tires so like 85lbs… thanks in advance!

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[Reinen]

The JL tailgate is capable of handling that without reinforcement. Needing reinforcement was a JK problem, the tailgate was made of much thinner metal.

So get any reinforcement bracket you like the appearance of and the price, or none at all. It really won't make a difference.

 

[Philly_]

You shouldn’t need a reinforcement for a 33” tire, as that’s stock on the Rubicons. If you swapped wheels and the tire is no longer touching the rubber isolators, you can get extensions, or and adjustable tire carrier (like the one from Teraflex) that will allow you to pull the tire in closer to the tailgate.

If you still want to add some strength for peace of mind, or to future proof for larger tires, CavFab seems to be the most popular carrier/hinge replacement.

I have the Teraflex because I liked the original on my JK so much, and it’s the only aluminum option for corrosion resistance, but it’s a bit pricey and does not allow for as much height adjustment as the CavFab or other carriers.

 

[ellunchboxo]

Can someone recommend a good aftermarket alternative to Mopars reinforcement bracket? $700 seems pricey for what you get I’d think there are comparable ones for half that cost. I don’t need a heavy duty one just to accommodate 33” load E range tires so like 85lbs… thanks in advance!

The Carnivore mount from Quadratec is a clone for $550

 

[8ball]

The JL tailgate is capable of handling that without reinforcement. Needing reinforcement was a JK problem, the tailgate was made of much thinner metal.

So get any reinforcement bracket you like the appearance of and the price, or none at all. It really won't make a difference.

Good to know. Thanks I’ll save that money for another mod.

 

[Old Dogger]

If you are at 85 lbs, or less, then no additional carrier re-enforcements is needed. Just make sure that the tire is firm against the bump stops.

 

[Scott97]

Ordered this from Extreme Terrain. I agree with the other posts, it is not really needed for a 33" tire, I just wanted something extra. This item is $80, is made of aluminum, fits well and looks good. One word of caution, this will step the tire away from the factory rubber stops by about 1/2". As others have said, this is not good. The tire should be in firm contact with the rubber stops at all times. An aftermarket rubber stop kit solves this. They run another $25 or so from Quatratec.

 

[SliderJack]

FWIW weighed my 35” stock spare this morning at 99.3 lbs

 

[ColonelSanders]

If a heavy tire makes your tailgate sag, you need to take off the spare, loosen the hinge bolts, raise the angle slightly and tighten it again. Other posts here give a good tutorial.

What you may need to upgrade is the rubber posts that contact the tire to stop jiggle that could cause issues.

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