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.
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.
Yea that's what I'm afraid of, the extensions look like they'd work but I'd hate to have them snap going down the road from the added weight. I'm just trying to avoid having to drill into the body or existing bumper if possible
You could always just mount it in the back in the place of the rear seat. If you've modified your Jeep to where you have 33's adding an aftermarket tire carrier should be no problem.
I have 34" Toyos on my 2015 JKUR. I went with Teraflex, which adds a whole lot of strength to the hinges. It braces the load between both hinges, adds deeper bolts, and is EASY to put on. My 34" tires fit just underneath the 3rd brake light.
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
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!
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.
Exogate is a relatively cheap alternative (at about $400) that is a quality product. Of course there are the cheap Chinese tire carriers but you get what you pay for.
If you want it to sit up higher, HyLine makes a really well made carrier that raises it, and keeps it close to the tail gate. It takes the place of, and bolts to the same location of the stock carrier. I ran one for about 3 years until I got a bumper/tire carrier.
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
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.
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.
The problem with those type adapters is that they move the tire further away from the tail gate which exerts more leverage (twisting force) on the gate. Better off keeping the tire as close as possible to the tail gate.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I have a 2008 4dr JK. I put a 35" tire on my tailgate. I was told the extra weight could warp the hinges. Also the extra weight could bow out he metal of the tailgate. I replaced my bumper with a tire carrier. I do not have to worry about future problems.
If you have oversized tires from stock, get one. My tailgate cracked i had to weld it and i still need to get a new bumper w/ spare carrier as well as a new tailgate now.
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