Should the tire rest against the tire carrier or should the tire be fully supported by the mounting plate/studs? I am working on a DIY carrier and I was curious if the tire is supported by the carrier's mounting plate, how far away from the carrier does the tire set?

If you have an after markecarrierer, would you mind taking a measurement?

 

The tire should rest against the tire carrier. The Body Armor directions said to make the mounting plate distance 1/2" shorter than the inner rim to tire measurement so that tightening the lugs will firmly draw the tire against the carrier.

 

Edit : The tire rests tightly against the arm, and the arm tightly against the rubber pads on the gate. The entire tire weight is supported on the spindle. Happy to take any measurements you need, I've an Expedition One rear carrier.

 

Mine is a or-fab. The tire rests against the frame. The central pin and bolt support the weight and compress the tire against the frame to prevent rattle.
I believe the Jeep's original carrier does a similar job by compressing those two large rubber stops on the gate against the tire.

 

Thanks fort he quick replies! I love this forum. I will finish my project and snug the tire up agains the carrier. That deos seem like a more stable idea.

I'll post some pictures when I get it done.