Tire Carrier With Protection?

[Beachhead]

Awhile back my Jeep was hit in the rear, it had a unknown brand/smittybilt style steel tire carrier on the back with the full 33" spare on it. Tire pushed forward and broke the back window on my hard top, smashed the tailgate, etc.

Working on getting all this repaired and I need a new tire carrier. I was looking at the "rock hard" brand carrier, but unsure if that will give me any more rear damage protection than what I already had. Is there any tire carrier that won't bend in as easily or provide rear protection better than that style? I've seen the large cage style also but It seems like those will just push the whole tub forward instead.

Thanks.

 

[DaveC]

I don't think there's really any product that's going to do much to mitigate damage in a rear impact situation of any significance. Many here, myself included, favor the MORryde tailgate system that strengthens the tailgate and tire carrier. Not sure I'd suggest it'll do much to reduce damage in a rear impact situation, but I don't think you'd do any worse than a swing away bumper/carrier setup, while reducing weight and eliminating the need to open 2 things every time you want access to the rear of the Jeep.

https://www.morryde.com/products-cat/reinforcement/

 

[macleanflood]

Not sure a better bumper or tire carrier will help you...TJs are not that robust.

All I can say is make sure your significant other is paying attention when following you on the freeway.



-Mac

 

[pbeach]

Must have been one hell of a hit. I've had the Smittybilt tire carrier on for years — it's solid and beefy.

FWIW: For those with this Smittybilt tire carrier, I finally found the perfect pin lock for it. Discreet, stainless steel, known brand. The lock fits nicely between the carrier and the body with enough room for the pin. As with any lock, you'll never stop a determined thief but is this definitely a worthy deterrent.

 

[DuckNut]

Not sure a better bumper or tire carrier will help you...TJs are not that robust.

All I can say is make sure your significant other is paying attention when following you on the freeway.



-Mac

You're lucky you knew the person who hit you. Your cameras would have your insurance company paying out the azz.

 

[Plumber1]

Must have been one hell of a hit. I've had the Smittybilt tire carrier on for years — it's solid and beefy.

FWIW: For those with this Smittybilt tire carrier, I finally found the perfect pin lock for it. Discreet, stainless steel, known brand. The lock fits nicely between the carrier and the body with enough room for the pin. As with any lock, you'll never stop a determined thief but is this definitely a worthy deterrent.

View attachment 615050

View attachment 615051

View attachment 615052

Now all I need to do is order key for #3583 and I am good to go. Oh yea I need to locate your jeep also

 

[DuckNut]

Must have been one hell of a hit. I've had the Smittybilt tire carrier on for years — it's solid and beefy.

FWIW: For those with this Smittybilt tire carrier, I finally found the perfect pin lock for it. Discreet, stainless steel, known brand. The lock fits nicely between the carrier and the body with enough room for the pin. As with any lock, you'll never stop a determined thief but is this definitely a worthy deterrent.

View attachment 615050

View attachment 615051

View attachment 615052

What size tire you got hanging from that?

I have 35 and need an act from God to open it. I can pull the lever up but then I have to stoop below the tire and stand up with my back against the tire to raise it so it won't rub in order to get it open. Same for closing. It droops 1/4" with the tire on and works beautifully with it off. I am about ready to have a frame shop bend the entire thing so it works properly.

 

[pbeach]

What size tire you got hanging from that?

I have 35 and need an act from God to open it. I can pull the lever up but then I have to stoop below the tire and stand up with my back against the tire to raise it so it won't rub in order to get it open. Same for closing. It droops 1/4" with the tire on and works beautifully with it off. I am about ready to have a frame shop bend the entire thing so it works properly.

Wow. 33". Never had any issues. 35s are another animal. Sorry to hear this.

 

[squirrelmaster]

What size tire you got hanging from that?

I have 35 and need an act from God to open it. I can pull the lever up but then I have to stoop below the tire and stand up with my back against the tire to raise it so it won't rub in order to get it open. Same for closing. It droops 1/4" with the tire on and works beautifully with it off. I am about ready to have a frame shop bend the entire thing so it works properly.

Exact same thing with mine and 35s - I have to put my shoulder into it open and even more so to get it to close, including lifting it at the end to clear the latch. Pretty annoying.

 

[jjvw]

I don't think there's really any product that's going to do much to mitigate damage in a rear impact situation of any significance. Many here, myself included, favor the MORryde tailgate system that strengthens the tailgate and tire carrier. Not sure I'd suggest it'll do much to reduce damage in a rear impact situation, but I don't think you'd do any worse than a swing away bumper/carrier setup, while reducing weight and eliminating the need to open 2 things every time you want access to the rear of the Jeep.

https://www.morryde.com/products-cat/reinforcement/

Here is a MorRyde/Exogate after I dropped off of a tall ledge a few days ago and landed on the tire. The answer is to build a new mount and put the tire into the rear cargo bed.