I have the Or-Fab gas can & tire rack, and am very happy with it, but am curious about 1 thing...

Do you have to mount your wheel/tire backwards as I do? The T-handle that goes through the center of the wheel is not long enough for me to mount the tire the normal way.

The wheel is a 16x8, 4.5" backspacing, with 35x12.5 tire... nothing out of the ordinary.

 

I have stock tires, and I don't have to put it backwards. There are apparently two types of T bar, one longer than the other. You might call OR-FAB to see how if you can get one.

 

I have 4.5" of back spacing and mine fits fine. I would give them a call. Just dont drive away without it latched like I did this week. Time for a new tail light!!!

 

are these carriers hinge mounted and have nothing to do with the bumper

 

Yep.
For me it was a good solution because I already put a bumper on, then later needed to carry the extra fuel.

 

Yes, they mount on re-inforced hinges that install "outside" the regular tail gate hinges.

As to the mounting backwards issue: I bought mine from David at NorthRidge 4x4 about a year ago. I had stock Sahara wheels and tires then and had to mount the spare "backwards." It worked fine until I upgraded to 37" tires on stock Rubi rims. David did my lift and told me the 37" tire shouldn't be mounted that way because the much heavier 37" tire needs to be secured against the carrier frame to better distribute the weight and not rattle. Solution: There is an OR-FAB kit that extends the mount for the tire and the longer T handle mentioned earlier. Problem solved.

I wonder if you have the stock wheel installation kit and need the aftermarket wheel kit?



-meljr

 

I was thinking it would be better anyways to have the heavier side of the wheel closer in to the rack. I don't know if I'm too keen on having the T-handle sticking out from the back of the Jeep if I get a longer one and flip the wheel. As it is, the handle is tucked nicely out of the way.

It's just a cosmetic issue for me. I thought it might be nice to be able to see the wheel, and hide the whitewall lettering.

Maybe on my next set of tires I will have them put the letters outward on just one of the five so it won't show on the spare.

 

Nope, sits on there quite nicely

 

Nope....Mine sits on there normally?

 

I have my stock wheel on now, but I'm sure my 35's will fit ok, the t-handle seems plenty long.

Hopefully I'll be able to tell by this weekend (if I get my 2 rims).