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Spare Tire Rack

3K views 27 replies 22 participants last post by  Silvercreek 
#1 ·
Does anyone have recommendations on add-ons to fit a 33' tire on the spare rack? I've seen extension adapters on quadratec that add clearance for the tire and rear tail light, just wondering if anyone has used them and if they're strong enough for the long term. I've linked the one in looking at below.

http://m.quadratec.com/products/product.php?pid=22202+4000

Thanks
Griff
 
#2 ·
I went down this road when the factory spare carrier on my jeep slowly cracked down the middle from the weight of my 33" Pro Comp mt. That wheel/tire weighed about 86lbs. if I recall correctly. So I opted for a bumper from LoD with a swing-out tire carrier that can handle the extra weight of larger spares. It's a beast. You may find a tailgate mounted carrier that will handle the weight but consider the limitations of those tailgate hinges.
Someone here will eventually post an approximation i'm sure, I can't remember.
 
#6 ·
Many of us have 33's on the stock carrier. I have had a 33x12.5 for 8 years. The important thing is to make sure the snubbers on the rear are tight against the tire by extending or cuttng them as required
 
#17 ·
If you can keep the tire tight against the tailgate snubbers, and support the weight from the bottom, you can run a bigger/heavier spare on the stock tailgate carrier without damaging things. I've seen people weld a large lag bolt on the stock bumper that holds the weight of the tire when the tailgate is closed. That along with proper spacing/extensions/cutting of the snubbers will keep everything tight and where you put it without damage.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like a quote on something!

-Ryan
As mentioned, the key is to keep the spare snug against the gate. I've been running a 33" spare for about 10 years without damage to my gate. Note, I did add a support on my receiver which helps too.


 
#8 ·
#10 ·
I guess I never realized many of these tire carriers come with a new bumper as well. I always assumed you had to drill into the stock bumper to make it fit. If the door and hinges can handle the weight I'd prefer not to replace with a new bumper/tire carrier rack. But sounds like it's hit or miss whether extensions can do the trick
 
#11 ·
The AEV carrier can be put on with your stock bumper. This would require making a 2"-3" hole (I can't remember). I know this because the RD outfit is in Missoula, MT where I live and I stopped to ask. And their stuff is top of the line in my opinion. I just wanted to keep by stock bumper so Teraflex. From experienced Jeepers I know, the issued with staying stock is that the spot welds on the taigate itself carry part of the weight, and addding a heavier tire is asking for a problem when you least expect it. There are lots of choices, but for my peace of mind I wanted to distribute the weight off of those welds and be sure the tire carrier is more stout than stock. My 2 cents worth of advice.....I am admitidly a newbie at this but I have several experienced friends.
 
#12 ·
Though I was fortunate to not have any tailgate issues for the six months or so I had a 33 on it, I finally took out the back seat and tossed the spare in the back. I fabbed a slick a third brake light to replace the one that came off when I took off the stock carrier. Worked out great for a number of reasons:
Much cheaper than an upgrade carrier
Had a weight reduction removing the stock carrier
Don't feel compelled to purchase a matching spare when buying new tires since it's not visible
Rear visibility improved
Can maneuver in much tighter spaces off road
What about losing the back seat? What if someone needs to sit back there? Reflecting back, twice in four years someone was back there.
 
#14 ·
#15 ·
what is your current back spacing?

i have a 33x12.5x15 MTR with 3.75" back spacing and had to add ~3/8" to the two upper rubber bumpers and ~1/4" to the lower one to get it snug.

i run the exogate on mine and its tough to beat the price and there are a few pros to keeping the weight on the tub and not on the bumper
 
#16 ·
Does anyone have recommendations on add-ons to fit a 33' tire on the spare rack? I've seen extension adapters on quadratec that add clearance for the tire and rear tail light, just wondering if anyone has used them and if they're strong enough for the long term. I've linked the one in looking at below.

Rampage Products Spare Tire Extended with Brake Light Extender | Jeep Parts and Accessories | Quadratec

Thanks
Griff
If you can keep the tire tight against the tailgate snubbers, and support the weight from the bottom, you can run a bigger/heavier spare on the stock tailgate carrier without damaging things. I've seen people weld a large lag bolt on the stock bumper that holds the weight of the tire when the tailgate is closed. That along with proper spacing/extensions/cutting of the snubbers will keep everything tight and where you put it without damage.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like a quote on something!

-Ryan
 
#19 ·
I am looking for a solution, as well. The tire carrier dilemma is holding up my suspension lift project. I can't seem to find a bumper mounted tire carrier that uses tapered roller bearings instead of a bushing. I really liked the look of the Garvin and LoD offerings, but was turned off by their use of a bushing.
 
#22 ·
Tailgate hinges.

I was able to order larger than standard OEM tires directly from Chrysler-Jeep when I ordered my 2009 Wrangler. I was assured that the tailgate could handle the extra weight, since the tires were coming from Jeep on the factory assembled vehicle. After 3 years, the extra weight had distorted the hinge pillar enough that the tailgate could only be closed by lifting up and slamming it as hard a possible. Since it was now out of warranty, Jeep would not fix it. Body shop stated that the pillar would have to be cut out, replaced and re-enforced.
I sold it immediately...I didn't want to have back surgery.
 
#23 ·
I have looked since I bought my 2014 new from the dealer. I have 35" ProComp MT's, on a 17" Fuel rim. It weighs about 100 lbs. I used the Smithybilt oversized tire mount. It seems to be very good at a nice price. I am still concerned about the weigh on the factory hinges though. I have just ordered some heavy duty hinges from Extreme Terrain for $150. It is part number J102515. I really didn't want to change out the factory Sahara bumper either. While looking for a solution I also ran across a bumper with tire carrier made by ACE. It looked to be the best thing out there. You can get it from 4wheelparts.com for $935. Part number AEEACEJKPSRBTCFL. Either way you go, it will be better than factory. I don't see many Jeeps in my area with factory tires and wheels. Everyone I have talked to recommended the ACE bumper over everything else. Good luck on your search.


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