I have finally accepted that I need to get a tire carrier instead of trying to hang my 315/70 MTR on the tailgate. (seeing a buckled tailgate on another Jeep sold me on it).

So after my lift, rails, tires, wheels etc I dont have tons of cash to spend. I have narrowed it a bit.

The cheapest option - Rancho Rear Off-Road Bumper with Tire carrier = about $500 but gives no corner protection, keeps the factory hitch so no added clearance but it would do the job.

The middle - HighRock 4x4™ Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier = about $700 BUT seems to have very limited availability. It looks good, not much available as to quality as it is just now available.

The most expensive - LOD JK Door Linked Shorty Signature Series Bumper w/ Generation 3 Tire Carrier = $1100. This would match my front bumper, has a good reputation, has backup light provisions and I can save the shipping by picking it up on my way to Badlands.

Questions: pros/cons to the linked vs regular LOD carrier? Shorty vs Full width?

What others am I overlooking? I know there are other options but most seem more expensive than the LOD reaching $15-1600 which is way more than I care to spend.

I wish there were more options in the 5-8 range...

 

You have some great choices there. The only other option you may conceder, is the Or-Fab and choose a rear bumper from someone else if you wish. I just ordered one, so I can't give specifics yet but I will. For me, it gets my 35 off the gate and let's me pick a bumper I like. Just my 2 cents...

 

I have the Expedition One on mine. It is also door linked and seems to be very good quality.

 

What about the HighRock Oversize Tire Carrier...works with factory bumper and is only $244.99 at Quadratec. Holds up to a 37" tire and up to 200lbs.
Subscribing so I too can figure out he route I will be taking.

*Edit* Too many bad reviews on the HighRock Tire Carrier...so scratch that, lol

 

Have you tried craigslist, I got my xrc for 300 off there saved my a lot of money

 

Have you had any luck with your decision? I am sold on the OR-FAB swing-a-way...i haven't heard one bad thing about it other than the installation.

 

Mark, you know I am an ORFAB fan, but your Jeep needs the LOD to match the front. Make the leap.

 

I have the OrFab and love it. The install was not all that bad once I figured it out. If I had to do it a second time I think I could do it pretty fast.

As for the LOD I was looking at those too. I really like their look and they worked with my Gobi rack. As for shorty vs full you have to decide what your plans are for your jeep. A shorty will always look good, but will look even better if you have flat fenders or cut fenders. Also you lose a bit of protection in the rear corner. Fulls look good only with full fenders (They also look good with a Gobi rack, which I cannot say for the shorty). The fulls also give protection to the rear corner better too.

The linked part I have heard some reviews, but I have never seen one in person. So no first had comment. I have seen a friend's gen 3 that wasn't linked and it was nice.

 

Do you have the Swing-A-Way?

 

Lod 3dr gen linked full width is what I have. Honestly. The linked is amazing. Only downfall...not 100% rattle free (99.97%) if you are on a bumpy road it rattles because it isn't latched tight on the bumper...it's held with the linkage and bumpstops. Other than that you can't add as much weight to a linked as you can the regular. I woulda gone stubby but they were only doing full width linked when I bought mine. I love it tho! Wouldn't trade it at all. For anything. And it can hold my weight