Ethan Clarke
Jeep Wrangler is known for its rear-mounted spare tire, a design element that sets it apart from other vehicles. While upgrading to larger tires and wheels, the factory tire carrier may not be able to withstand the added weight, leading to issues with the tailgate hinges and latches. To address this, Jeep offers a range of heavy-duty spare tire carrier upgrades made from materials like steel and aluminum. Some Jeep owners opt for bumper-mounted tire carriers, which can accommodate heavier tires without stressing the tailgate. Others choose to reinforce the stock tire carrier by cutting and modifying the plastic bumper to install a tire carrier system. The stock spare tire carrier on the Jeep Wrangler has limitations, and it is designed specifically to hold the weight of factory wheels and tires up to about 33 inches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tire carrier material | Plastic |
| Tire carrier location | Rear-mounted on the tailgate |
| Stock tire carrier weight limit | 85 lbs |
| Tire size compatibility | Up to 33" without reinforcement; above 33" requires reinforcement |
| Spare tire mounting | Swing-out or swing-down options available |
| Aftermarket solutions | Bumper-mounted or tailgate reinforcement style carriers |
| Carrier system components | Tire carrier and tailgate hinges |
| Carrier failure signs | Rattling noises, misaligned latches, sagging hinges, broken mounts |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The stock tire carrier is made of plastic and has a weight limit
- Jeep tire carriers are rear-mounted, a unique design element
- Upgrading to a heavy-duty spare tire carrier is necessary for larger tires
- Tire carriers fall into two categories: bumper-mounted and tailgate reinforcement
- AEV and OR-FAB are popular tire carrier options for Jeep owners
The stock tire carrier is made of plastic and has a weight limit
The Jeep Wrangler is well-known for its rear-mounted spare tire, a design element that sets it apart from other vehicles. While the stock tire carrier is designed to securely hold the weight of a factory wheel and tire, it has limitations when it comes to larger, aftermarket tires.
The stock tire carrier on the Jeep Wrangler is made of plastic and has a weight limit. The plastic carrier is bolted to the rear swing gate, commonly referred to as the tailgate. The weight limit of the stock carrier is approximately 85 lbs, and it is designed specifically for the factory wheel and tire size. While some owners have successfully used the stock carrier with larger tires, it is important to consider the added weight and potential strain on the tailgate and hinges.
As you increase the tire size on your Jeep, the spare tire carrier experiences increased stress, which can eventually lead to failure. The added weight can cause the latches to misalign, the hinges to sag, and in some cases, the mount may break. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in a heavy-duty spare tire carrier when upgrading to larger tires. These aftermarket carriers are designed to handle the extra weight and provide a more secure mounting option.
When choosing an aftermarket tire carrier, there are two main categories: bumper-mounted carriers and tailgate reinforcement style carriers. Bumper-mounted carriers take the weight off the tailgate hinges, transferring it to a pivot point on the bumper. On the other hand, tailgate reinforcement style carriers reinforce both the tire carrier and the hinges, ensuring a secure mounting option for larger tires.
It is important to carefully consider the weight and size of your tires when selecting a tire carrier. While the stock tire carrier on the Jeep Wrangler is made of plastic and has a weight limit, there are aftermarket options available that can accommodate larger tires and provide a safer and more durable solution.
The Ultimate Guide: Installing a Plastic Septic Tank
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Jeep tire carriers are rear-mounted, a unique design element
The CJ-2A model, for instance, featured a redesigned rear tub to accommodate a tailgate, which required shifting the spare tire carrier to the passenger rear of the tub, behind the rear tire. This design was carried over to subsequent models, including the CJ-3A, CJ-3B, and early CJ-5 and CJ-6 versions. With the introduction of the CJ-7 in 1976, Jeep reintroduced a rear-mounted, swing-out spare tire carrier, allowing the spare tire to return to its original position while maintaining an operational tailgate.
The YJ model introduced a solid-mounted spare tire carrier bolted to the tailgate, enabling the tailgate to be opened with a single motion. This design has endured through various Wrangler generations, including the YJ, TJ, JK, and JL. The Wrangler is renowned for its commitment to this design element, making it the longest-running production vehicle to feature a rear tire carrier.
Jeep owners have the option of choosing between bumper-mounted tire carriers and tailgate reinforcement style carriers. Bumper-mounted carriers can support a full-size spare tire without risking damage to the tailgate, as the weight is transferred to a pivot point on the bumper. On the other hand, tailgate reinforcement carriers use metal brackets to distribute the load more evenly, reducing strain on the hinges.
Jeep tire carriers are specifically designed to accommodate the weight of factory wheels and tires. However, when upgrading to larger tires, the added weight can exceed the carrier's capacity, leading to issues such as misaligned latches, sagging hinges, or even mount failure. In such cases, investing in a heavy-duty spare tire carrier becomes necessary to ensure the safe and secure transport of oversized tires.
Plastic vs Aluminum: Which Metal Dissipates Heat Better?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Upgrading to a heavy-duty spare tire carrier is necessary for larger tires
Jeep owners often want to increase their tire size, but this puts extra stress on the spare tire carrier, leading to failure. This is where heavy-duty spare tire carriers come in. They are necessary for larger tires as they can withstand the added weight and stress of bigger tires, providing a secure mounting option.
While some Jeep owners may be tempted to stick with the stock carrier, it is not designed to handle oversized tires. The stock carrier will eventually fail under the weight of larger tires, which can be a safety hazard. When upgrading to a larger tire size, it is crucial to invest in a heavy-duty carrier to match. This ensures that your Jeep can safely and securely transport your new, larger tires.
There are several options available for heavy-duty spare tire carriers, such as those offered by Northridge4x4, including brands like Teraflex, EVO, ARB, and Rugged Ridge. These carriers are designed to handle the weight and dimensions of oversized tires, providing a much more durable solution. The Northridge4x4 carriers, for instance, offer a selection of top name brands that can handle the added weight of larger tires.
Additionally, some carriers provide extra features, such as the EVO MFG Jeep Wrangler Heavy Duty Spare Tire Carrier, which offers a 9/16" mounting hole for antennas or trail flags. The GenRight Off Road tire carrier is another example of a heavy-duty option, capable of supporting the largest tires on Jeeps while also providing additional protection. It is made from heavy-duty steel or lightweight aluminium, offering both durability and performance.
Upgrading to a heavy-duty spare tire carrier is, therefore, a necessary step when moving to larger tires. It ensures the safe and secure transportation of your oversized tires, providing peace of mind and a more durable setup. With a range of options available, Jeep owners can find the perfect heavy-duty carrier to suit their needs and keep their vehicle running smoothly.
Plastic Canvas Looping: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering the Art
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tire carriers fall into two categories: bumper-mounted and tailgate reinforcement
Although I could not find explicit information on whether the Jeep stock tire carrier is plastic, I did find that Jeep owners often install tire carriers on stock bumpers. For example, the AEV tire carrier can be installed on the stock bumper of a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. This involves cutting the stock bumper, which is made of plastic.
On the other hand, tailgate reinforcement options such as the MP Concepts Tailgate Reinforcement and Oversize Spare Tire Carrier Mounting Bracket Kit are designed to reinforce the tailgate of a Jeep Wrangler JL to handle the weight of an oversized spare tire. This option reuses the original factory mounting points and does not require any additional cutting, drilling, or fabrication for installation. It is made from a combination of cast aluminium and steel and is coated with a high-grade textured black powder coating for durability.
Another tailgate reinforcement option is the TC3-M1 tire carrier hinge mount system, which is compatible with any rear bumper and can be used with OEM or adjustable tire carriers. It features an all-steel, double-plated, and boxed design with CNC machined steel hinges and a brass pivot bushing for longevity. This option also includes threaded holes to add accessories and is compatible with license plate relocation kits.
Reviving Yellowed Plastic: DIY Whitening Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
AEV and OR-FAB are popular tire carrier options for Jeep owners
Jeep owners often opt for larger tires, which can put extra stress on the spare tire carrier and lead to failure. Upgrading to a heavy-duty spare tire carrier is often necessary for larger tires. AEV and OR-FAB are popular options for Jeep owners looking for an upgrade.
AEV, or American Expedition Vehicles, offers a versatile tire carrier that can accommodate tires up to 40" and accessories such as a Hi-Lift Jack/Pull-Pal Mount, a 10-gallon Fuel Caddy, and a shovel. The AEV tire carrier is known for being strong, vibration-free, and effortless. It can be installed with a factory rear bumper or combined with AEV's rear bumper. While some Jeep owners praise the AEV tire carrier, others have noted that it is 18 lbs heavier than the Teraflex carrier, which may affect fuel efficiency. Installation of the AEV tire carrier requires cutting the stock bumper, and users should be cautious of the varying thickness of the bumper plastic.
OR-FAB is another popular tire carrier option for Jeep owners. The OR-FAB carrier features a Hi-Jack lift mount that some users prefer over the AEV option. While budget constraints may impact a user's ability to purchase a new bumper, the OR-FAB carrier presents an alternative to cutting the stock bumper during installation, as is necessary with the AEV carrier.
Other popular tire carrier brands for Jeep owners include Teraflex, EVO, ARB, Rugged Ridge, DV8, Rock Hard 4x4, Motobilt, Mopar, GenRight Off Road, and Smittybilt. Each brand offers unique features and benefits, and the best choice for a Jeep owner will depend on their specific needs and preferences.
Securing Plastic Roofing: Effective Ways to Hold Down Sheets
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The weight limit of the stock spare tire carrier for a Jeep Wrangler is 85 lbs. The tailgate is made from magnesium alloy, and the weakest link in the system are the rivets.
The stock Jeep Wrangler tire carrier can accommodate a factory wheel and a factory-sized tire of up to about 33 inches.
Using a larger tire with the stock Jeep Wrangler tire carrier can cause issues due to the added weight and strain on the tailgate. Over time, the latches may not line up properly, the hinges may sag, and in extreme cases, the mount may break, causing the spare tire to fall off.
Yes, you can install an aftermarket tire carrier on the stock bumper of your Jeep Wrangler. Options include the AEV tire carrier and the OR-FAB tire carrier. However, you need to be careful when cutting the stock bumper, especially near the bottom, as the thickness of the bumper plastic varies.
