I'd like to know how many people are using their stock tire carrier to successfully carry a 35" spare and also those that attempted this and had the gate begin to fail. I think there are many who would find this information interesting.

Include a bit of detail:
1. Rim type (aluminum or steel)
2. Tire model
3. Anything you added to the setup such as new tailgate bumpstops, spacers, etc
4. Any other detail you think contributed to the success/failure of this setup

 

I have a 35/12.5/15 MTR on an alloy rim. Only thing I have changed was the bumpstop and so far nice and tight, no rattles or play in the mount

 

35" tire, steel rim 4" backspace.. Completely destroyed my tailgate

 

for any interested i have a spare tire bracket that you can mount straight to the stock tailgate to carry a bigger tire.

 

What broke the seams was a 16x8" Cragar (steel) Wheels, 5" BS, 35" ProComp AT's. Thought that with the 5" BS which made the tire sit on the rear bumper.. but that only lasted a year till I popped the welds on the gate.

 

I have a BFG KM2 on an alloy rim, fits nice and tight on the stock carrier with no problems yet. I've done some pretty rough & bumpy back country driving as well.

I would say that if your rig is on the street 99% of the time the stock carrier is good. keep a eye on it, but it will more than likely last awhile.

If you see alot of off-road and/or wheeling though, i wouldn't depend of the stock carrier for long. I plan on upgrading once i finish up with more urgent mods.

 

MY TAILGATE BEGAN TO BEND ABOUT 6500 MILES AFTER THE 35s went on..... replaced it imediatly to avoid seperation!!!!!! i do wheel pretty hard....... I know guys who have no problems but they dont use there jeeps!!!!!!

 

On a related note, Off Camber Fabrications makes a tailgate reinforcement kit that might help hold the weight. I just ordered a kit because I'm going to be hanging a Gerry can off of mine in addition to the spare tire. They sell it at Quadratec and it's only $30.

 

35" x 12.5 on 15" steel rim 4" backspacing, tire + rim weight is about 85 lbs. Been running the spare on the stock carrier for about a year (11K miles) and wheel it moderately hard, mostly on rocks. No problems yet, but I'm keeping a close eye on the gate and I'm getting ready to build my rear bumper/tire carrier this winter, whether I have any warping/popped welds or not.

Also, I added daystar extended bumpstops.

 

Ive had mine on for over 6 Months, If you wheel just remove it and out it in the back ive had now problems that way