Tailgate Bending with Oversized tires

[Savnick97]

I live in the city so I experience a lot of bumping. With a stock tire carrier, the tailgate is starting to bend out. If you look at your wrangler for reference, you shouldn’t be able to see the tailgate like you can in this photo. The bottom part is still in place, suggesting the bumping of the spare is causing this. I have a 35x12.5R20 with a -44mm offset wheel. I finally got a hinge reinforcement, but am looking for suggestions on a spare tire carrier that would bring the tire closer to the tailgate and minimize the wobble of my spare when going over bumps. I would get a rear bumper with a carrier
if I could, but I just can’t afford to spend the $1500-2500 on one. Thank you in advance!

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[BDinTX]

If you didn’t get new bumpers to support the tire that may be the problem.

The Teraflex alpha hd tire carrier will pull it in closer to the tailgate though.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

Time for a tailgate reinforcement kit and a new bumper with the tire support.

 

[rkwfxd]

Rusty’s tire carrier.

 

[CarbonSteel]

@CavFab_mfg all the way:

 

[Savnick97]

@CavFab_mfg all the way:

Looks great! I think this is what Ill be going with. Thank you for sharing.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

Mine sags a bit with a 37in spare using the EVO reinforcement bracket(possible just an adjustment), but your flex may be caused by the rubber bumper not holding your spare tightly against the tailgate. Whatever your backspacing, you want some good contact with your tire and the bumper. My .02

 

[DrBob]

If you didn’t get new bumpers to support the tire that may be the problem.

The Teraflex alpha hd tire carrier will pull it in closer to the tailgate though.

This. I replaced the stock bumpers with these Energy Suspension bumpers and the spare doesn't budge. Good interim solution until you get an aftermarket carrier.

AmazonSmile: Energy Suspension 29105G Spare Tire Bumper Set : Automotive

 

[Savnick97]

Mine sags a bit with a 37in spare using the EVO reinforcement bracket(possible just an adjustment), but your flex may be caused by the rubber bumper not holding your spare tightly against the tailgate. Whatever your backspacing, you want some good contact with your tire and the bumper. My .02

I made some homemade bump stops a few months ago. Fixed the problem to an extent, but another thing I will look at again for sure.

 

[545moose]

This. I replaced the stock bumpers with these Energy Suspension bumpers and the spare doesn't budge. Good interim solution until you get an aftermarket carrier.

AmazonSmile: Energy Suspension 29105G Spare Tire Bumper Set : Automotive

Do those fit in existing holes, or did you have to drill? Definitely seem sturdy.

 

[Coyne11]

I just installed the Rusty’s Tire Carrier within the last couple of months. Sorry I don’t have any good pics without the tire mounted. But seems pretty stout carrier that’s e-coated.

 

[DrBob]

Do those fit in existing holes, or did you have to drill? Definitely seem sturdy.

They fit in the existing holes. Very sturdy. You trim the large end to length.

 

[BDinTX]

Do those fit in existing holes, or did you have to drill? Definitely seem sturdy.

I used the same ones, as @DrBob said they go in the existing holes. For reference, when I first put them on with the aftermarket wheels on the stock carrier, I trimmed to the red line.
Going to the TeraFlex HD Alpha carrier, I pulled the tire in much closer so my backup sensors would work again. I had to trim them to the blue line.

Wheels are 4.75" backspace and 0mm offset according to the manufacturer.

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