I just purchased my 2011 Wrangler this past February and she's got about 5500 miles on her so far. At 2500 miles I swapped out the stock 32" Wrangler SR-A's for 33" Wrangler Duratracs. I've only wheeled her once so far and I didn't do anything crazy with it. Just a lot of mud. Now, after this trip while the spare is mounted on the tire carrier the tailgate creaks with every bump I hit. It sounds like the sheet metal creaking, not the hinges as it does it while the tailgate is closed. If I remove the spare, the creaking goes away. I noticed that when I push the handle in to close the tailgate, the sheet metal around the handle buckles inward.

I assume these symptoms mean that my tail gate is trashed and I'm also assuming that Chrysler won't bother to fix it under warranty as I'm running a non factory sized tire? With this in mind I've been looking at new tire carriers. I don't have a $1000 to dump, more like $500 max. I see three options but I'm not entirely convinced that they will relieve the stress off the tail gate.

The first option is from Bestop - http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/prod...productID/2653

I don't see how this option will relieve the stress off the tail gate. It just looks like all new brackets.

The second option is from OR-FAB - http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...d=OR-FAB-85207

This option looks a lot better. My big concern is that the hinges look like they're mounted to the tub. I can't imagine that being too strong. It's also much more expensive.

The third option is from Off Camber Fabrications - http://www.quadratec.com/products/22202_1001.htm

It's just a reinforcement kit for the stock carrier. I certainly like the price but would like to hear the opinions of those who have used it before I jump on it.

Thanks!

 

Go with the OR-FAB... Its the only one that will truly relieve your tailgate from the weight.

Make sure to Download the instructions and prepare for the install... it requires drilling... but it shouldnt be too hard.

Enjoy.

 

Could always try swapping your old tires back on and playing dumb with the dealer? Even with that swap it shouldn't have trashed it, I think they should replace it.

 

Contact OrFab. Their tire carrier is very popular and with good reason..it is built like a tank. Mine will be here this week. The install is extensive but if you have the right tools it should be no problem

 

Will the OR-FAB solution work with the OEM rear bumper?

 

Orfab has nothing to do with the bumper at all. Totally body mounted. Great piece of kit.

 

My bad. What I meant was, will the mounted spare clear the OEM bumper with the new tire carrier?

 

x2 on this idea. Then get the OR-Fab carrier or an aftermarket bumper/tire swing.

Yes. Honestly, it wouldn't be much of a tire carrier if it didn't clear the bumper. This carrier has a good rep and I don't think you could go wrong with it. I'm about to do the same but I'm waiting on the new rotopax model to come out (hopefully next month).

 

Before you purchase anything that you don't need to spend money on, first answer these two simple questions:

1) What backspacing are your wheels? This questions is assuming that you purchased new wheels to fit your 33's.

2) If you did purchase new wheels to fit your 33's, are your new tires touching the two rubber bumpstops on your tailgate?

 

I'm using the stock Moab's for wheels. I have the Spidertrax 1.5" spacers. Yes, the tires touch the rubber bump stops on the tailgate.