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Best rear bumper/wheel carrier

3K views 30 replies 16 participants last post by  lindel 
#1 ·
My jeep already had a Hanson front bumper that I really like. I was going to go with their rear bumper, but it is too pricey for me. Can you guys recommend the best quality rear bumper/wheel carrier for $500 or less. I like the ones that go all the way to the edge of the fenders, to protect them well. I don't plan to ever go over a 33" tire either, if that matters at all.
 
#2 ·
The best combo is quite simply....the one you like and can afford. When you ask "what is the best....." you are going to get every answer in the book and it will probably be the one that person is running. That IMO is not very subjective. Other than a tube bumper that has no strength to it, most everything you see will work in your application. Some will squeak maybe, and some are not built as well as others. If money was no object? Different animal there. I have seen Chinese knockoffs that as my fabricator/welder with a gazillion years of actual experience (long time business certified welder of everything) said, "those are not welds that would come out of my shop, but structurally nothing wrong with them". Some of the Barricade products come to mind as well as E Auto Grills. Good luck with your choice and remember, it's your money and your jeep.
 
#3 ·
I totally understand that many opinions come from what people are running themselves. But you kind of contradict yourself. You basically say I am wasting my time asking this question, and that most everything will work for my application. Then, your next sentence you say that some will squeak, and some are not built as well as others. Umm, that's why I am asking. People with experience with these cheaper bumpers could maybe tell me which ones squeak, which ones fall short in construction, or ame one or two brands that are real good quality for the money. It shouldn't matter what price range I am asking about. If I asked about $1k bumpers, then I assume there are better and worse quality bumpers in that range. no difference in the $500 range. You even said, in your own way, they're not all the same. All I am asking is, opinions if there is a brand or two, that appear higher quality than most, in the $500 range. Example, seems like many people say to stay away from smittybuilt.
 
#5 ·
Kind of where I was going with that. $500.00 limits your choices. In that range, you get what you pay for. I believe I did mention E Auto Grilles and Barricade. Never said you were wasting your time asking the question. I gave you my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. I have seen people comment on here about every imaginable bumper made in every price range, some say this brand squeaks, some say they don't. My feelings are (after 6 jeeps and 40 years of playing with them) if the tire carrier holds the size spare you run safely it does it's job. The little bit of noise mine makes offroad fits right in with the other noises that go along with crawling over obstacles and having fun. Your results may vary. You asked, I answered, I'm done
 
#11 · (Edited)
I've installed the Orfab tire carrier onto two TJs and it's such a great carrier that I've yet to see a bumper mounted carrier I'd trade for it. It supports the tire's weight via two points when open and three points when closed, compared to a bumper mounted carrier supporting the weight primarily by one primary support point.

Not to mention the Orfab's design makes use of hidden brackets bolted to the rear rollbar support bases to support all of the spare tire's weight, not the bumper or tub.
 
#7 ·
exogate is still around $400 i believe

then you can use the stock bumper or go with whatever aftermarket one you want. I have Swag offroads big hit v2 sitting in my garage, waiting to be welded. there are many solid options for a reasonable price when you eliminate the need for a swing out carrier
 
#31 ·
It has brackets and plates that spread out the weight of the gate and tire over a much wider area than stock, and the upper mount also uses the roll bar mount to build strength.

The hinges are massive and greasable and the framework that mounts to the gate is doing all the "heavy lifting". It's rated for 35" tires.

TJ/LJ Exogate™ Tailgate HD kit | GR8TOPS
 
#12 ·
Dirtworx is a very well designed and built bit of engineering, 10 bolt mounting and solid, also the Barricade is tough, has 10 bolt mounting and is available through XTRyan here on the forum at a better price than what's listed.
 
#13 ·
I am currently considering the TNT tire carrier. Looks really good and similar to OrFab. I specifically like how the tire is mounted on the TNT over the OrFab. However, I have only seen pictures. It is a touch over 600 though.

I have the Smitty classic tire carrier now, with KDFabworks frame tie ins. Its ok, works, not rusted. But it rattles like hell and I have a haunting feeling of cheap Chinese metal on my Jeep.
 
#17 ·
I'm in the same boat OP. I want to quit trashing my stock carrier with a 33 but want to be in the sub 500 range. So far it seems like Barricade, Smitty, Dirtworx and Exogate seems to be the option available.

I have the Barricade front bumper and am waiting to mount it, and have bought stock from E Autogrilles as well. Funny thing is that they both used identical packaging for the model # stickers on the box and even the disclaimers on the box itself. I have heard that they and Smittty are one and the same.
 
#18 · (Edited)
I recently saw the Smittybilt spare tire carrier/bumper combination. If it hadn't been a friend in the 4x4 store I was in proudly showing it to me, I wouldn't have been so polite and non-critical with my comments.

It was literally the worst and cheapest design I have ever seen. The swing-out gate's pivot point was the worst part of it, just a sleeve over a hollow steel tube. Absolutely the worst/weakest design and quality I've ever seen. But it had a really spiffy wrinkle finish paint job on it. Enough to sell some for sure.
 
#19 ·
I was looking for a good one also for under $500 and I ended up ordering from Dirtworx. I read that it takes a while to get one and that was true. It's been six weeks but it did ship late last week. Hope it's as good as it looks and as good as I have read about. I would suggest doing some research before making an impulse buy. I almost bought a cheap Smittybilt off eBay before I found this site and did some reading.
 
#20 ·
Well I would NOT suggest the Quadratec QRC/SmittyBuilt SRC bumper/tire carrier combo. I have had mine for 6 months and it rattles like crazy. When I replace it I will be getting a bumper/tire carrier from Dirtworx - and they even cost less, and are made in the USA. If only I had known all that 6 months ago...
 
#21 ·
Question about the Dirtworx. I don't think I read the info anywhere. Is it a tow rated receiver, or just "recreational"

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the opinions. I know it's tough to weigh value and quality. I don't even use my tailgate/trunk that much, so I am now trying to decide if I would be better off with just a good, quality bumper, and leaving the tire where it is for now. (My next tire purchase will only be 31")
 
#22 ·
Dirtworx is a guy named Robert, he makes the bumpers, so going through all the government testing to get it "tow rated" would make the cost just about double. It's plenty strong enough to tow with, it's made better and stronger than any other bumper out there. I dropped off a ledge and landed on mine, all it did was barely bend the tire apparatus (and Robert promptly sent me a new insert free, even though it was not in any way his fault). When I moved my spare to the inside of the Jeep I sold my Dirtworx for about 10% less than I paid, and it was still in the same shape I got it. The only downside to Dirtworx is sometimes he is so busy it can take a couple weeks to get the bumper.
 
#23 ·
Got my Dirtworx bumper back from powder coating and finally mounted after being sick for a couple of weeks. Took six weeks to get it from day of order but I am 100% happy with the purchase. It is a well built and heavy duty bumper! No rattles, nice welds and easy to mount. Just my opinion but there is no doubt in my mind that this bumper could handle more than the Jeep itself is rated for as far as towing is concerned. I think I will ad frame tie-ins just for extra insurance. I can't compare it to any other bumpers but I would highly recommend it for the price.
 
#26 ·
I have the Barricade rear bumper with tire carrier. I am blown away by the quality for the price! I am Very happy with the purchase. It blows away anything I have seen in the price range. I was ready to spend $500.00 maybe a little over, just to get my 33" spare off the tailgate and to get some good tow points.
 
#29 ·
I have the smittybilt XRC bumper/tire carrier combo. Its an "ok" setup. The finish has held up well over the last year, its been banged on a couple spots from rocks but still holding up. I agree with the above statement that the weakest part is the steel sleeve over a hollow tube. It rattles a bit (no noise, just shakes on certain parts of the hwy), but it holds my 33" fine. I have had to tighten the sleeve to decrease the shaking a couple times.
 
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