This is the first time I see these. Did anybody notice these before. How come they never came up? I was browsing throught the 07 SEMA show pictures on here on jk-forums and came across these. Looks like a sturdy design to hold large tires on tailgate. Not much info except its made by Hanson and cost $500 on their website. Not cheap at all, but much cheaper than a new rear bumper... at least half the price of any rear bumper.



Info:
http://project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=65881
http://www.hansonoffroad.com/product...roducts_id=177

 

That looks sturdy to me, I agree this is not a off road bumper with a swing gate but it's another option. Maybe a new option for me thanks for the find.

 

I don't think re-using the stock hinges is going to help much. The OR-Fab one looks stronger and has gas can mounts, but is pricier at almost $700. The mounting system looks better though...

 

Go here for more pictures
http://project-jk.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=35875

I like Hanson's quality. The design on the front bumper left me wanting a little more though. The front bumper I got doesn't extend that far back toward the grill and leaves a significant gap showing the topside of the frame rails It shouldn't be so noticeable when I someday get a winch, but for the price I was a little disappointed.

I saw their rear bumper with swivel tire carrier at the Jeepers Jamboree and it looks pretty nice. I didn't see this particular carrier though.

 

And yet another option Thanks I like where the gas can is at.

 

Thanks for that link... but maybe those pictures are of a prototype that is different. Look here. I actually like the prototype much better, because it looks like you can remove that vertical rod. You see what I would do is paint the carrier the color of the Jeep and day to day ride without the spare and get full visibility in the back (I love the visibility w/o a spare). If I go to an off road park that requires a spare I put it on.

 

The question is what are the weakneses of the JK tailgate?

Is it that the door hindges don't hold the weight? Haven't seen any compliants that the tailgate sags like you heard with some TJs, but maybe enough time didn't pass yet.

Is it that the door is not so solid (hollow?) and the body bends and deforms from the weight at the mounting points of the carriers. Heard some of this.

 

Hanson has been just a little sloooow on coming out with anything for the JK. I finally saw their front bumper on a JK the other day. It has been long in coming. I'd love to see a JK version of their bumper/swing away tire carrier come out.