ive read through dozens of posts about this issue. i believe it when some guys say theyve damaged their tailgate hinges etc by not getting a tire carrier but i think this was done with 35s or 37s. heres the math...a stock 17"moab rim with 255/75/17 bfg m/t weighs 72.5 lbs. my 285/75/16 bfg a/t on pro comp steel 16x8 weighs 90 lbs. 17.5 lbs makes that much of a difference? im speaking in terms of DD weekend warrior type stuff. seems like daystar bumpstops and mbrp spare tire reinforcing should offset the 17.5lb difference. im sure more serious offroading is a different story, but otherwise i cant see the huge difference. im a newb and i may be overlooking factors more experienced folks have learned from. what am i missing? thanks.

 

I've got 285/70-17 10 ply tires that weigh 97lbs. I've had my spare mounted on the stock tailgate holder for over a year and have had no issues. You can tell there's more weight when you open and close it though.

 

Its always safe to upgrade, but should be fine with a 33. If you do a lot of offroad where its going to be bouncing around a lot, I would change up

If you are wanting to save a little cash, this is what I would do. Plus you can keep your stock bumper if you want.

http://orfab.com/details.php?Applica...208&Title=TIRE

Muliple sites carry this product.

 

x2 for me too

 

Bestop makes a HD tire carrier to replace the stock one on the gate. I have had it on my tailgate for over 2 years. I live 4 miles down dirt roads from pavement and ,IMO the constant pounding over pot holes and humping over washboards, is the only reason I blew out the hinges over a year ago with my old 35's. Though I am waiting on the new Bestop swing-out carrier, I have had my current MTR 37's on this HD "gate" carrier since last year. All this said to suggest IMO that 33's should not be a problem without an expensive swing out bumper unless you are constantly pounding your jeep on washboard roads.

BTW I got the dealer to replace the tailgate hinges under warranty along with replacing all my door hinges after they lost paint due to "bubbling bad paint". Now my JK miles is far beyond warranty.

 

I have the stock carrier on there and it is doing fine..

 

i have had my 295/65/18 duratrac with stock 18" on the tailgate over a year now, but haven't done any hard off-road. i am very careful when closing the tail and make sure it doesn't slam.
I wouldn't say you NEED it, thats y i took the chance.

 

For a 33 I dont think you would NEED it. Now if you WANT it that's a different story.

Or if thats how you will justify it to you sig other.

 

I have 320/60/18 Hankook MTs and I had to get a carrier. I think the tailgate may have been able carry the extra weight but all the rattles were driving me nuts. I got a used LOD stubby/carrier on the forum and have loved it ever since. No more spare tire bouncing every bump I hit.

 

I ran a 305/70/17 before the 35's. That bent my tailgate which led me to a bumper and carrier. It was a Terra Grappler which is among the heavier tires though.