I need to find a low profile solution for mounting my 35" spare on the back of my JKU. I temporarily mounted the spare to the stock hardware, and I only have about an additional 5" between the tire and my garage door. Is there a bumper/carrier solution that adds less than 6" to the overall profile? (I have a stock front bumper, so maybe there is a front/rear bumper combo that could net me the space I need.)

I could use the other side of the garage, but don't think my wife would take too kindly to being exiled from her spot.
Thanks!

 

exile the wife....she'll get over it

 

I have an Olympic "Rock" rear bumper, and the factory tire carrier.
Since I've upgraded my tires to 315/70R-17 I've been concerned with the strength (or lack of) of the factory spare tire carrier. Not wanting to shell out $$$ for a rear bumper/tire carrier combo, I went with the Off Camber Fabrications tail gate reinforcing kit. Then I installed the Olympic Heavy Duty Tire Mount (#708-174).

Can't really say if that changed the spacing from the tailgate much, but it's a lot stronger now.

I'll try to get some measurements for you in a couple of days.......

 

If I exile the wife I risk getting exiled as well...

Thanks tex, I appreciate it.

 

Sorry this is taking so long.......

I measured from the tailgate to the outside edge of the spare tire. 15" with the stock tire carrier.

I'm running ProComp series 8107, I think they have a 4" offset. That will make a lot of difference with how close you'll be able to have the spare to the tailgate.

I'll be able to get a measurement with the Olympic spare tire carrier this weekend.

 

Thanks tex. I would truly appreciate the new measurement when you get it. Thanks again!

 

OK, got a measurement on the Olympic tire carrier....16" from the tailgate to the edge of the tire.

Sorry, not going to help you. But it is stronger than the factory tire carrier.

Now I'm thinking about the OR-FAB tire carrier. I like the fact that you can use any rear bumper.
Plus you can add Jerry Cans. Wonder how far that sticks out behind the Jeep?

 

Took a photo of the Olympic tire carrier.

Hard to see, but it's much stronger and really only added about an inch to the overall length.




You will have to add a third brake light. Notice my rubber snubbers don't touch the tire now.
Have to fix that......