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Rear Tire Carrier

8K views 36 replies 19 participants last post by  XTJake 
#1 ·
I know theirs plenty of threads out there but not a whole lot with pics, people say they upload them later an never do. So I'm looking for a rear tire carrier to hold my 33" BFG km2. here's a picture as my jeep sits a few weeks ago.

2001 wrangler Sahara edition 4.0



currently their is no spare tire or carrier on the back as I took them off. What I want to know is what do you guys have on the back of your TJ? with pictures preferably. Also pros and cons of that tire carrier and other you've had in the past. if it's a rear bumper/tire carrier im looking for one that is mid I think it's called. Where the bumper doesn't go past the tires like my front one in the picture above. I've heard good things about the jcr off-road which I'm looking at going with. I believe it was some smitty built ones that didn't line up properly which I don't want to deal with. any input is greatly appreciated. I know prices are high on them but keep in mind I'm a full time employee but also full time college student at night so budget is alittle right. don't really want to go over $800 but will if it has good reviews.
 
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#2 ·
I think you'll find tons of pics and reviews if you dig. Plenty of options far south of the $800 mark--- and several far north of it. In conclusion, I digress. I'm very happy with my dirtworx. It's made in the USA by a one-man band. Tough as nails, and didn't break the bank.
 

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#8 ·
thanks for the input guys. yes I know the stock tailgate is pushing it for a 33's which is why I want a tire carrier a hand my factory one off.





I forgot to mention dirtworx, I saw some people post about him. I think I remember someone saying it takes awhile for him to get to you as you mentioned it's a one man band. how long of a wait is it from order to delivery?
 
#3 ·
If you're like me and you never have rear passengers, you can ditch the back seat and install a Tuffy security enclosure. Then just remove the tire holder off the tailgate and mount it to the Tuffy's lid. As my pictures show, there is plenty of room for a 35x12.50-15.







Easy peesy.
 
#5 ·
I'm going with this spacer on the stock carrier. It holds up to a 37". I'm riding with 33" x 12.5". The only other mod will be the rubber bumpers to keep it from bouncing.

Warrior Spare Tire Spacer Powder Coated Black - WAR91625
33's are about the limit for a tailgate mounted tire using the stock carrier. Anything larger is going to play havoc with the tailgate. 33's are even pushing it especially if they're extended out further away from the gate....more leverage.
 
#16 ·
#19 ·
I installed both the UCF front and rear bumpers on my LJ, and, per my earlier post, here's my take on the rear:

Pros (Rear Bumper):
- shaved 31.5 lbs of weight off the tail end (replaced my all steel bumper/tire carrier combo with the UCF hybrid (aluminum & steel))
- quality cuts and welds
- quality materials
- pulled the tire in 6 inches closer to the tail gate
- dropped the 100 lb spare tire 8 inches, for a lower center of gravity
- I can see out of the back window now
- tail gate & tire carrier open with one motion

Cons (Rear Bumper):
- bumper was shipped with no packaging (resulted in gouging from shipping)
- required approximately one hour to clean up and prep for paint (due to gouging)
- top tail gate bracket interfered with tail gate vent (had to put 1/4" spacers between the tail gate and bracket)
- no instructions for install (since the rear was considerably more complicated than the front, it was a little bit of a challenge to figure out how it all fit together)
- cost (15% off, when available, plus free shipping makes it much more tolerable)

For an overall review, these are quality bumpers that are very functional in nature. UCF could definitely do a better job of packaging and providing instructions, but provided good customer support when I had questions. Also, Matt Walton, President of UCF, personally handled my order and modified the tire carrier to accommodate my 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern for the spare (normally it accommodates either 5 on 4.5 or 5 on 5), which he did for no additional cost. Matt did tell me that he has only sold a few of the rear bumpers, due to the cost.

The lightweight hybrid steel and aluminum combination of this bumper makes it fairly unique in the market and was, along with the tire carrier opening with the tailgate, a primary factor in choosing it. Bottom line, thumbs up for a very good product and service! :thumb:

Rear Bumper Prepped & Painted


Steel Core & Outer Aluminum Bumper Installed



Tire Carrier Installed


Tailgate Opens With Tire Carrier


Finished Project, With 35" Spare Tire Installed
 
#23 ·
I don't necessarily love the style, and I'm planning to sell and get something else eventually, but I bought this Smitybuilt off of Craigslist (and it was listed on this forum) for $250. I couldn't really pass it up at that price. Keep your eye open for used ones!
 

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#25 ·
I went with the Smittybilt XRC. Been on for about a year now and seems to be doing ok. It holds my 35" tire just fine. I havent had any rust issues or powdercoat peeling that people mentioned.

 
#27 ·
It does doesnt it? Its actually a 35" Micky Thompson MTZ. I replaced the 35s with 33s with intentions of a full, matching spare but Discount tire only had the 4 in stock. Just haven't gone back to get replaced it yet with a matching duratrac:)
 
#30 ·
Not sure if anyone to answer your question, but regarding the dirt works bumper you have to drill for additional holes which is not a big deal. I also added frame tie-ins to hook the bumper into the frame. When I ordered I think there was a round a six week lead time
 
#31 ·
thanks for the heads up on that! I have read a few threads where people mention drilling holes. is that for extra connection points to make it more solid? some people said they had to drop gas tanks to get it all done. is that a common thing?
 
#37 ·
We have some great customer submitted reviews and pictures of Rear Bumpers and Tire Carriers on the site. Let me know if you have any questions about anything you see and I'll get you set up with some info or a quote!

-Ryan
 
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