Will I need a tailgate reinforcement?

[aldo98229]

I have a set of five Quadratec CJ Retro wheels coming next week, and five 35-inch General Grabber ATX tires lined up at Discount Tire.

The combined weight of the spare wheel and tire will be 94 lbs (27 + 67 lbs). The tailgate apparently can withstand 85 lbs.

Do you guys think I will need a tailgate reinforcement?

For reference: I have a Sahara JLU; wheel specs are 17x8.5, with 5.2 inches of backspacing; tires are 35 x 12.5 inches.

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[conFUcius]

I have a set of five Quadratec CJ Retro wheels coming next week, and five 35-inch General Grabber ATX tires lined up at Discount Tire.

The combined weight of the spare wheel and tire will be 94 lbs (27 + 67 lbs). The tailgate apparently can withstand 85 lbs.

Do you guys think I will need a tailgate reinforcement?

For reference: I have a Sahara JLU; wheel specs are 17x8.5, with 5.2 inches of backspacing; tires are 35 x 12.5 inches.

There’s a lot of information out there debating if the Mopar hinge reinforcement of the tailgate is enough or if you have to go with a third party manufacturer. Not an engineer so I’ll leave it up to more experienced individuals to weigh in.

What I can recommend is you make sure the spare tire is touching the little rubber bump stops. There are many hacks out there like using furniture end protectors or hockey pucks (what I went with) to extend them. This will minimize any rattling of the spare tire.

 

[Stuckinthesand]

I’ve been running 35’s on my sport for 10k miles now and that includes wheeling blue rated trails. I have had no issues whatsoever. As @conFUcius said make sure to extend the rubber stops on the tailgate so they are tight against the tire. I got the supplies needed from Home Depot for les that $10.

 

[calemasters]

When I had my JK, I spoke to an engineer from Jeep and he said the tailgate/hinges were not designed to handle any additional weight. That does not imply more mass on the tailgate will cause it to fail, but it will take a bite out of the "safety factor" and the longevity.

 

[aldo98229]

Thank you guys.

I went ahead and ordered a Mopar-knockoff tailgate reinforcement I found on Amazon for $190. It gets surprising good reviews —well, besides the cheap bolts that come with it, which apparently strip and rust easily.

It is supoosed to arrive at the same time as my wheels.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

 

[Bryce]

Thank you guys.

I went ahead and ordered a Mopar-knockoff tailgate reinforcement I found on Amazon for $190. It gets surprising good reviews —well, besides the cheap bolts that come with it, which apparently strip and rust easily.

It is supoosed to arrive at the same time as my wheels.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

The bolts are crappy and will rust (a but of paint or replacing them is a cheap easy fix) but I can't see a difference in the rest from the more expensive (als chinese) Mopar version.

I've been running this with with heavy AEV Borah wheels and eash rings albeit with light stock 285/70R17 Rubicon KO2s. Other than toychup paint on the bolts, its veen fine

 

[aldo98229]

The bolts are crappy and will rust (a but of paint or replacing them is a cheap easy fix) but I can't see a difference in the rest from the more expensive (als chinese) Mopar version.

I've been running this with with heavy AEV Bora wheels and eash rings albeit with light stock 285/70R17 Rubicon KO2s. Other than toychup paint on the bolts, its veen fine

That’s great to hear!

 

[Headbarcode]

I've got about 15-20 lbs more with my 17x9/38x13.5 combo. I previously had the Teraflex Alpha HD carrier, but it was taking them too long to release their hinged reinforcement, and I was noticing a slight drop as soon as I'd open the gate. It was the hinges that were causing it. I just replaced the Alpha with the Cavfab hinged tailgate reinforcement and adjustable carrier, and it is now rock solid. Moreso than I had expected. They use a heavy-walled oiled bronze bushing set and 5/8" zinc plated grade 8 hardware at the hinges. I now get zero shake from the spare when going over some nasty potholes, so it should be plenty beefed up some offroad bouncing.

 

[RobAmy]

Thank you guys.

I went ahead and ordered a Mopar-knockoff tailgate reinforcement I found on Amazon for $190. It gets surprising good reviews —well, besides the cheap bolts that come with it, which apparently strip and rust easily.

It is supoosed to arrive at the same time as my wheels.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

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.

 

[aldo98229]

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.

True that!

I have a left over Trail Rated badge that will probably end up there. 99% wont be able to tell the difference...

 

[Hound Dog]

Yea, WTF there FCA? Why did they make such a flimsy tailgate? I have 35" Duratracs on stock rims. My tailgate drops like a rock when opening. I hold the tire and gently close it so it does not rattle and twist. I certainly need a better setup. Many good threads on here for it but you would think the stock tailgate would strongly support one tire size up.

 

[aldo98229]

I've got about 15-20 lbs more with my 17x9/38x13.5 combo. I previously had the Teraflex Alpha HD carrier, but it was taking them too long to release their hinged reinforcement, and I was noticing a slight drop as soon as I'd open the gate. It was the hinges that were causing it. I just replaced the Alpha with the Cavfab hinged tailgate reinforcement and adjustable carrier, and it is now rock solid. Moreso than I had expected. They use a heavy-walled oiled bronze bushing set and 5/8" zinc plated grade 8 hardware at the hinges. I now get zero shake from the spare when going over some nasty potholes, so it should be plenty beefed up some offroad bouncing.

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.

 

[1quick1]

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.

 

[1quick1]

And I know I didn't answer your question but wanted to provide perspective. I would probably just get the knock off Ebay reinforcement and call it a day if it was me.

 

[word302]

Yea, WTF there FCA? Why did they make such a flimsy tailgate? I have 35" Duratracs on stock rims. My tailgate drops like a rock when opening. I hold the tire and gently close it so it does not rattle and twist. I certainly need a better setup. Many good threads on here for it but you would think the stock tailgate would strongly support one tire size up.

The reality is mounting your spare on any tailgate, reinforced or not is a bad idea as soon as you get above a 33".

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