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Hard Rock, X, and 10A Tire Carrier Options

57K views 58 replies 30 participants last post by  HardRockRube 
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#1 ·
As many Jeep Wrangler JK owners know, once your tire size exceeds a 33”, damage to the tailgate can occur over time, usually at the latch mechanism or hinges. The answer to this is an aftermarket tire carrier, and with the Rubicon Hard Rock, X, and 10A bumper system, there are a few options to choose from, ranging from body mounted tire carriers to products that work with the MOPAR bumper sets.



Good – This is for the budget build or new owner looking to get into the world of Jeep upgrades. The tire carriers in this category will function when needed, but may not have the same quality as one of the higher-end carriers. These bumpers will not mount directly to the Hard Rock/X/10A bumper, instead either reinforcing or replacing the stock tailgate hinges and mounting to the body of the Jeep.


Runner up:
Rugged Ridge Spartacus Tire Carrier



This Rugged Ridge Tire Carrier uses the factory hinge mounting points and features a no-drill installation. Replacing the factory hinges, this carrier does not interface with the Hard Rock bumpers, but will fit up to a 37” tire, and is made from heavy duty cast aluminum. Coming in at $519.99, this tire carrier is a good budget option or stopgap for someone looking to prevent damage to the OEM tailgate.

Winner:
TeraFlex HD JK Hinged Tire Carrier



The TeraFlex tire carrier wins in this category, coming in at a few bucks cheaper than the Rugged Ridge product, but with a few more features. This product is $486.39, and features a no-drill installation. This carrier supports up to a 37” tire, and has threaded mounting holes for accessories, such as a Hi-Lift Jack or Rotopax. Made from lightweight aluminum, this product will eliminate your tailgate stress and rattles from carrying a larger-than-stock tire without adding too much weight to your ride!

Better – These tire carriers are for the owner looking to step it up a notch, and are a great product both in terms of cost and construction. Again, the tire carriers in this setup won't fit the Hard Rock bumpers, instead, mounting to the body of the Jeep Wrangler JK.

Runner up:
Crawler Conceptz Body Mounted Tire Carrier



Crawler Conceptz produced one of the first body-mounted tire carriers for the JK. Made in the USA, these tire carriers will support up to a 40” tire, and are made from 3/16” steel, giving you a durable product that will last! This tire carrier mounts at the factory tailgate hinge and OEM spare tire location, allowing the whole tailgate and tire carrier system to be opened in one easy motion! $599.00.

Winner:
Poison Spyder Body Mounted Tire Carrier



The Poison Spyder Body Mounted tire carrier, which is relatively new on the market, has several unique features, and also provides a unique look that can add to the departure angle of your Jeep! Made from 1-1/2” DOM tubing, this carrier can handle up to a 40” tire, and has mounts for additional accessories, such as Hi-Lift Jacks and Rotopax. Ringing in at $980.00, this Poison Spyder product is our winner in this category!


Best – This category is for the build where no expense is spared, and these tire carriers provide the most seamlessly integrated products for your build, with one model working directly with the Hard Rock bumpers.

Runner up:
Maximus-3 Modular Rear Tire Carrier



At $689.99, the Maximus-3 modular tire carrier is great for the Jeep JK or JK Unlimited owner looking to complete their Maximus-3 build. This tire carrier is made from study 2” OD tube, and the carrier hinge design is independent of the factory tailgate hinge, while still allowing you to open the tailgate with one hand. This tire carrier will hold up to a 40” tire, and is fully adjustable for both tire weight and height of the tire. Ships with a textured black powder coat finish.


Winner:
AEV Tire Carrier



Our winner here is the AEV tire carrier, which will work directly with your Hard Rock rear bumper, giving you the most from your OEM gear! This rear tire carrier is the ultimate product for your Jeep, able to carry a 40” tire while also accommodating the AEV fuel caddy, a shovel, and Hi-Lift mount. This gives your Jeep a solid factory look, while still allowing you to carry a larger-than-stock tire. The AEV tire carrier is perfect for both an AEV build, the Hard Rock/X/10A package, or the MOAB/Call of Duty edition Wranglers (note here that you will need a slightly different carrier to fit the MOAB/Call of Duty bumper systems).
 
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#4 ·
#11 ·
There are a few pics and posts floating around for this one. I am actually leaning this way (despite the smittybilt name) because I like that it uses the hole in the bumper and centers the tire, while also providing accessory mount options without spending even more money.
 
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#6 ·
My "runner up" has been in for a year with no issues. Maximus-3 Rattle free, no rust, and modular add on accessories View attachment 2930890

View attachment 2930898
Looks great! We only gave it a "Runner Up" because we feel that the AEV tire carrier truly integrates the bumper and tire carrier together. The Maximus-3 is one of our best selling tire carriers though and is definitely at the top of the with it being so modular.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Does anyone know if the AEV ever goes on sale? I was assuming that I'd get the Teraflex, but I do have a Hard Rock. It almost seems a shame not to utilize a feature of the rear bumper. However... $790?????
 
#12 ·
Not thrilled with my AEV carrier, but it is well built. I added an offset bracket to lower my 35 spare since this carrier is not adjustable and made to hold 42. Better now.

But I want to attach my hi lift and there is not really a good way due to accessory mast (jack needs to be at angle to clear garage). Still trying to get creative, so any ideas welcome.
 
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#17 ·
Very cool color combo! We just finished up a commando green as well but had the bumpers powdercoated in a semi gloss black
 

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#18 ·
I looked at the AEV tire carrier, but my OCD kicked in when I realized that it carried the tire off center. I ended up picking up the TeraFlex HD JK Hinged Tire Carrier. I ended up buying it from River City Offroad and it arrived pretty quickly. It felt stout while installing and I like it so far (but I have not had it installed long).
 
#22 ·
I hate how AEV is not centered also. The fuel caddy is what I really like, but not enough to mess with my OCD. I have ran TF on two other Jeeps and probably will go that route again even though I like the Maximus as well and will have a Maximus hoop in front soon. I would also like to do everything different than my last two builds just for sake of change.
 
#19 ·
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#20 ·
Great review for the 10A and HR guys - but since you mentioned full replacement tire carriers we'll mention the one you left off. Once you go full replacement, you might as well look at dropping the bumper as well.

1/4" thick, fully adjustable, integrated towing, rattle free, and rated up to a 40" spare. Modular to add on tank mounts and a cargo rack. 100% Made in USA.

Rock Hard 4x4 Patriot Series Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier for Jeep Wrangler JK 2/4DR 2007 - 2016 [RH-5001]




These look great! But this thread is for those with a Hard Rock rear bumper looking to keep them, not completely swap for another set up. The reason most of our customers get a Hard Rock is for the bumpers, why pay extra from the factory just to take them off? Although it does happen sometimes, it is rare. And this one cannot fall into our recommendation for the Wrangler JK Hard Rock/X/10A because it does not allow for you to keep the Hard Rock bumper while upgrading the carrier to hold bigger tires.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I went with the Teraflex hinged carrier to pack around my heavy spare/wheel. For those of us with 2015 HRs or units with a right tow hook, the TF unit allows you to retain the hook. I run the stock bumpers.
 

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#55 ·
Looks nice. What is the 3rd brake light and how does it mount?
 
#24 ·
I ordered the smitbuilt one (will be installed soon) I went with that vs AEV cause I wanted my tire center.
It looked like the better option because I did not want to have the hinge load that TF and similar have (even with upgraded hinges). I wanted single open/close.
 
#47 ·
I ordered the smitbuilt one (will be installed soon) I went with that vs AEV cause I wanted my tire center.
It looked like the better option because I did not want to have the hinge load that TF and similar have (even with upgraded hinges). I wanted single open/close.
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This one is looking pretty good... With ya on not having the tub-hinge Assy's carrying the load when the bumper can do it nicely.

Dsujeep: Ok, I see you were able to keep the Right Rear hook. Do you have any pic's of how they modified things to accept it? Or, is it possible for you to take a pic of that hook area? If so, can you post one, or PM one to me?
 
#27 ·
The AEV carrier just looks off...not centered. It's seems to be solid but the design isn't right. Plus you lose the passenger side tow hook.

For now I went with the TeraFlex carrier. I will probably swap out my Hard Rock bumpers in the near future so again the AEV would be a waste for me...but dang AEV couldn't you have at least centered your carrier....?
 
#28 ·
I ended up installing the smittybilt option due to centering tire, accessory mounts and price. I'm not totally happy with it. Instructions are horrible and it requires a separate bracket for our bumpers which is not described anywhere so hubby modified the bracket that came with it and had to drill some new holes to make it work. With a little modification you can also retain the tow hook. Once installed, I like the look but the tailgate is noticeably harder to open/close. It feels much heavier than from when I had the 35" spare on the factory carrier. As time goes by the carrier is not as quiet as it was. We have looked it over, tried tighteningredients things but still some noise. There is alot of play where the carrier slides into the hole in the bracket. So, in the end it was cheaper than other options, I like the look and accessory mount but I wish it was quieter and the tailgate opened/closed easier than it does.
 

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#34 ·
here is the tire carrier now installed with 35' on 2" mopar lift kit.
Any rattles?

How is the force require to open/close this setup? I have heard that the last few inches of closing become fairly stiff.

How were the install instructions? I have heard that they are beyond bad, and of course the instructions are not listed on their website.
 
#46 ·
The disadvantage of tf or similar is the weight is resting on Hinge and door.
While they do change things with re-enforced items I just wanted the weight to be off the hinge.

The second thing is that I like the look but mainly the weight not resting on door/hinge was a big decision point for me.
 
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#52 ·
The factory reinforced one is just the TeraFlex carrier which can be had for less than that, and you can sell the smaller stock one you already get. Aftermarket does offer more options, including the ability to add HiLift Jacks, RotoPax, Jerry Cans, Lights, etc. For the price of the reinforced factory one you are better off picking what you want or doing the TF one if you like the reinforced factory carrier. Both the Max-3 and AEV carrier falls in less than that sticker from Mopar and work with the 10A/HR bumper.
 
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