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Modified JK TechTech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.
PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM
With my 75th rear bumper I have the option, I think... to install a bumper mounted tire carrier. While I don't have the biggest spare tire it is larger than stock and heavy. I took the JK up the hill and got onto some very steep wash board switchbacks and instantly noticed the tire carrier starting to rattle in the gate. At least that is was I thought it was. That said I am considering just getting the bumper mounted version just to play it safe. I've looked around and have come across a few that are designed for the bumper I have. What I'd like to hear is some feedback from those who have certain models and what they think.
Cost is what it is so I am not worried about that too much. AEV seems to be at the top of the list.
I will continue to search but haven't found much on the specific topic.
Most complaints surrounding bumper-mounted carriers will be general rattling around. Not to say there aren't decent ones out there, but really, a nice tailgate mount, either Teraflex or even MORryde (which Karls10jk could expand upon), beef up the hinges and work with any bumper, should you ever change at some point in the future. I had a friend with an AEV bumper/carrier for a good while. I gave him shit all the time on the trail asking where the spigot was for his water tank in the bumper. His jeep was an AEV eddition from the start, and that was indeed a solid bumper while he had it......eventually selling it to go PSC without a carrier. The weak point of any bumper mount will be the spindle supporting the weight way off to the side. Some combat that with a small turnbuckle tied to the gate, but still......
Last edited by resharp001; Apr 9, 2021 at 06:20 PM.
Sounds like there are pros and cons to either side. Hmm, never considered strengthening what was already there! Since the rattle I have now got me here I don't think I'd be happy trading up a different style just to get the same rattle.
As it sits I don't ever plan on going any bigger in tires. Maybe, and a slim maybe I'll get back into an AEV but at 3.5" and run 35's....but that is a lot of coin I can better spend elsewhere. Like gears... even though I have 3.73's that was the 2nd thing on my list after my first run. Felt like I wasn't going anywhere. Although the last time I wheeled I was sporting 5.13's so I might have developed a biased opinion about those.
I'll start by confirming its actually the tailgate mount that's actually making the noise and dissect if from there. I am a reasonable welder and could make one... now there's a thought!
Interesting comment about your friends AEV water tank bumper as I just finished reading about those on AEV. Their products are surely alluring and its almost a slap in the face since my JK actually has or had rather an AEV lift from the start. I can see why the dealer replaced the fronts as the rears were in pretty rough shape.
I almost ripped my spare tire off a while back. Since then I moved my license plate to my tailgate and no longer care to keep my spare tire back there. I can fit my 37” spare, co2 tank, and a gear box in the back of my Jeep.
Right now I just use ratchet straps to hold everything but eventually I’ll build a specific cradle/mount for everything so it’s more solid.
Just a thought, a spare tire behind the Jeep isn’t always the greatest. However, I would at least be sure your spare is deflated while wheeling so the tire can flex if needed when/if you hit something.
My 2013 MOAB came with AEV Bumpers. I had been planning on installing the AEV Bumper Mounted Tire Carrier for a couple years. After a lot of research I ended up ordering the MorRide HD Hinges instead. I will probably at some future point add the MorRide Tailgate Reinforcement. I had a high end bumper mounted tire carrier on my Cherokee Police Package Jeep. Like was said above it rattled seriously after loosening up from years of use.
I seriously doubt that I will ever go bigger than 33's on my Wrangler. I believe the HD MorRide Rebuildable Hinges will work for my uses.
No matter which way you go check the isolator rubber stoppers to ensure they are firmly up against your tire. Number one cause of rattle. I went with the LOD Full width w/ carrier back 10 years now, Zero rattle carrying a heavy 37 tire wheel combo. I don't agree any hinged can be as stout as a bumper carrier. Sure a stronger hinge but it's still mounted to the tub the same way. TeraFlex why go Chinese when you can go USA for about the same money. Check out EVO's hinged carrier. Good for up to 37's.
I guess first things first- verify the fit of the tailgate on the latch. If it isn't done correctly then you'll have a little rattle. The MorRyde system has been great to me and I'm not sponsored or anything by them. Here's what I like on the MorRyde- a forum member here designed it for the TJ and then adapted it to the JK (or maybe vice versa, I don't recall), but it was born out of necessity and out of our group. The hinges are greseable so you have that extended service life and they're just flat out beefy.
They do still attach to the body, but behind your hinge bolts are plates that they're bolted to. The rest of the system keeps the weight riding on the reinforcement bracket. It feels lighter (my 100ish lb combo) than a stock 32" on your factory hinges.
Just a couple last tidbits to chew on- AEV was a supplier to Mopar for a while for factory upgrades. Teraflex now supplies their tire carrier (or did at last check). You'll notice the JL has a similar system to the Teraflex available for that model. I like AEV and I'm sure the carrier is well built (also greaseable btw), but it's just not my first choice.
Teraflex now supplies their tire carrier (or did at last check). You'll notice the JL has a similar system to the Teraflex available for that model.
If this is the case it still doesn't mean that it's any good. Just cheap with a higher profit margin.
I guess what I'm really saying if I can avoid buying anything from China I will. Like it or not I'm a little pissed off at them right now. Yes I know this will be hard to do in this day and age, but if I have a choice I will buy Made in the USA.
Sorry OP excuse my rant. If you are staying in the 33 to 35 tire range hinged carrier is the way I would go. Bumper carriers are pretty heavy. I would love to throw it inside but that's a big sacrifice in cargo space. But I do love the way it looks.
Last edited by 2011oscarmike; Apr 10, 2021 at 04:32 AM.
its smittybuilt, and truth be known I wud not have purchased it. but came on the Jeep I bought last year...it appears to be well made (surprise surprise) and so far has held up well, tire is secure....wheeling it has had no effect..(affect?) anyway just thought I wud share my experience with it..BGTW its a 35
Bumper Mounted tire carrier
If you are staying in the 33 to 35 tire range hinged carrier is the way I would go. Bumper carriers are pretty heavy. I would love to throw it inside but that's a big sacrifice in cargo space. But I do love the way it looks.
