How much weight is the tailgate rated for?

trying to decide between upgrading bumper with a tire carrier.
or
Upgrade the the hinges and tire carrier

trying to do it cost effectively and w/o straining the tailgate, and adding unnecessary weight on the rear end.

upgraded tire and wheel is 285-70r17

 

Don't expect the hinges to last very long. Poor design. Unlike the door or hood hinges. They are rolled metal around a pin design. Tested by opening the tail gate and lifting up and down. The tire carrier is made of hard vinyl which over time cracks if you remove and install the tire yourself a lot. The area around the tire studs crack. So my advice to you would be to remove the tire and reinstall and that will give you a real good idea of what your up against. Those tires are heavy and requires a 2-3 step process to get that tire off the ground and back on without cracking the tire carrier.

 

I mounted it today , yes it is heavy
was easier than mounting them to the Jeep.
think i’ll look more carriers and their designs
thanks

 

According to jeep the stock carrier is rated to 69 lbs.

 

After years and years of going with no spare at all, I installed the Teraflex hinge carrier 2 weeks ago to hold my 120lb 37"/beadlock spare combination. It is pricey, but you know when you put some object in your hand and you instantly know that thing is quality.....this was like that. Zero regrets at all.

 

I like that Teraflex tire carrier. Just as a suggestion. If and when you decide to replace the tire carrier, mark the take gate using a sharpee with the tire on and mark it again with the tire off. Reason being is the gate sits higher with the tire off and doesn't close very well with the tire off. Or at least thats what I have experienced with the tail gates, adjusting and getting line up right.

 

I just put a LOD destroyer steel bumper and tire carrier on my 2011 JKU. NOT the cheapest out there for sure BUT you get what you pay for. Solid build TWO bearing races on the post that supports the weight. I ahd no idea how bad my tailgate was until the tire carrier relieved the pressure. Look at this way, new door and hinges or good tire carrier. Either way you are gonna pay !