Will I need a tailgate reinforcement?

[Headbarcode]

Yeah, the Mopar tailgate reinforcement for JK replaces the OE hinges —see below.

It seems baffling that Mopar went through the trouble of developing a tailgate reinforcement for JL only to leave out the hinges.

Not like it ended being any cheaper, either.

Personally, I think anything without hinges is just adding more dead weight to the initial concern. That's why I had to ditch the Alpha. I wanted both adjustability and an increase in overall strength. With teraflex dragging their feet on the latter, I had to move on. I go into my cargo area quite regularly, and the small stock hinge pins just weren't up to the task. I could comfortably mount a 40 on beadlocks and never have to think about the tailgate, shy of needing something on the other side of it.

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[rickinAZ]

No matter how many times/ways it's asked, the answer never changes, yet we all rush to the keyboards to answer it. I wish that Jeep would change the published capacity - up or down, I don't care - just to spice things up.

If your wheel/tire combo weighs one gram over 85 pounds, the answer is yes.

 

[word302]

Yeah, the Mopar tailgate reinforcement for JK replaces the OE hinges —see below.

It seems baffling that Mopar went through the trouble of developing a tailgate reinforcement for JL only to leave out the hinges.

Not like it ended being any cheaper, either.

But then what about where the hinges mount to the tub? There is no way to really make the tailgate a good place to mount an oversized spare. Way too much cantilevered weight. Bumper or frame mount is really the only solution.

 

[Bryce]

One important thing, you do not get the trail rated badge or the spot to mount it Happy Holidays. Must say it looks like the OEM I just installed which I just paid under $500.

My Chinese Knockoff had a spot for a Badge. Just no Badge. I put my Sting Gray Badge there.

 

[RobAmy]

My Chinese Knockoff had a spot for a Badge. Just no Badge. I put my Sting Gray Badge there.

Nice, another plus for the knock off. Funny I am waiting for my Sting Gray badge also just for that spot. The USPS has it delayed.

 

[BumbleJeep13]

315/70R17 KO2's on stock Rubi wheels for 30k miles and has been fine. Mine weighs in around 86lbs which is specifically why I stick to this combo. Lightest I can find.

Did you need a spacer or relocation bracket to fit the 35? I am picking my new JLUR up on Friday and the dealership told me the 35 KO2s I ordered don't fit on the rear tire rack.

 

[WranglerMan]

I have been running with a BFG KO2 35 on a Method MR312 17” wheel hanging off the back using one of the original RC relocation brackets for over 45k miles and my tailgate has not dropped at all, I initially put reference marks on it with a permanent marker as reference when first done and they have not moved, heck I even a few months back added a Outback Adventures tailgate table at 25# and still no issues.

Not saying it is unnecessary but after I did some searching and talking to other Jeep guys that are way more knowledgeable than me they said it was not needed but did stress the biggest thing that gets over looked on hanging the bigger tire that will likely stick out further is to have a very snug bump stop on the back to keep the tire from bouncing.

I will also admit I don’t do a lot of wheeling and spend most times on the sandy beach in south Texas or back roads of national and state parks.

As far as weight limit goes I have heard 85# but not sure if that is above the factory wheel and tire or not.

 

[aldo98229]

Did you need a spacer or relocation bracket to fit the 35? I am picking my new JLUR up on Friday and the dealership told me the 35 KO2s I ordered don't fit on the rear tire rack.

That tells you how much Jeep dealers know.

Rubicons come with a different spare carrier; they are supposed to accept 35-inch tires without mods.

Good luck.

 

[Mikester86]

315/70R17 KO2's on stock Rubi wheels for 30k miles and has been fine. Mine weighs in around 86lbs which is specifically why I stick to this combo. Lightest I can find.

Do those tires fit the stock tire carrier and clear the bumper? I have the factory steel bumpers. Or do you use something to move the tire upward?

 

[1quick1]

Did you need a spacer or relocation bracket to fit the 35? I am picking my new JLUR up on Friday and the dealership told me the 35 KO2s I ordered don't fit on the rear tire rack.

Do those tires fit the stock tire carrier and clear the bumper? I have the factory steel bumpers. Or do you use something to move the tire upward?

I have a relocation bracket that was like $80 that moves it up a bit.

 

[Mikester86]

I have a relocation bracket that was like $80 that moves it up a bit.

Your tire and rim combo weighs 86lbs? How much weight did the relocation bracket add? Trying to stay under the 85 lb. mark gets tricky.

Sure would have been great to have a better setup from the factory. As in stronger hinges and tailgate infrastructure to handle a heavier 35" tire.

 

[WranglerMan]

@aldo98229 start at post #10 it has some good info https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/tailgate-strength.10197/

 

[1quick1]

Your tire and rim combo weighs 86lbs? How much weight did the relocation bracket add? Trying to stay under the 85 lb. mark gets tricky.

Sure would have been great to have a better setup from the factory. As in stronger hinges and tailgate infrastructure to handle a heavier 35" tire.

I'm told 86lbs for wheel and tire. I put that bracket on over 3 years ago so I can't really remember how heavy it was. It was solid but not crazy heavy. I would guess around 5lbs but it's also close to the body not hanging for off the tailgate like the wheel is. My goal was to stay as light as possible and 32k mile it's been good so far.

 

[lowmpg]

I moved from 285/70/17 WildPeak MT to 35/12.5/17 Wildpeak MTs.

Factory setup was 83.8lbs, new setup is 104.6lbs per rim/tire.

No issue at all with fitment or weight on the tailgate so far and and a perfect fit. Added in the PVC tubes to brace the tire.

 

[ELJeffe77]

That tells you how much Jeep dealers know.

Rubicons come with a different spare carrier; they are supposed to accept 35-inch tires without mods.

Good luck.

Source for this?

Thanks!
Jeff

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