Tire carrier options for rear window visibility and jerry cans

[Thunder Mass]

So, I'm looking for a spare tire carrier to accommodate at least a 35" tire. I see that the forum really likes to MORyde, and the ORFab, if the quality is still as good as it used to be. Also, most people don't seem to recommend bumper carriers, since they're expensive, heavy, and tend to rattle.

But, a thought occurs. I understand with bigger spares, they'll block my rear window more. Makes sense. But less blocking of my window is better. If the tire is mounted to the tailgate, it'll be at least 2.5" higher up in my rear window. Maybe more, if those adapters raise the spare up, too. But, if the spare is mounted on a swing out gate on the bumper, and I have a 1.25" body lift, the spare will only stick up an additional 1.25", compared to stock, with no body lift. Assuming the tailgate and swing out tire carriers were at comparable heights in where the tires mounted.

The other area of concern is things like jerry cans. I see the MORyde has an option to add jerry cans, but I'd think that it has more weight limits than a bumper carrier. A someday idea would be to take my Jeep on the Dalton highway, so being able to carry more camping gear and gas would be vital.

Last, and least important, I am still considering a drop down tailgate conversion. To use as a gun bench, cooking, or things like skiing and scuba gear. Just a thought, though. And the tailgate mounted tire carriers won't allow that.

 

[DrDmoney]

Don’t you know the first rule of Italian driving?
1. Whatsa behind you isa not important.
I love the drop down gate conversion it’s a future mod of mine.

 

[dbbd1]

You might want to think about a rearview camera, to help you see around that 35" spare...

 

[Thunder Mass]

Well, it's nice to see what's behind me backing up and in traffic.

The ARB bumper and carrier is probably pretty tough, but also very heavy, I'm sure. And at $1500, I think I'll pass.

Also, the ORFab has some reinforcements inside the tub, which seem nice, but might limit what I can fit in the back, like a lockbox.

Not interested in a camera; less is more.

 

[Boinked]

Rpmfab has a great product for a rear tire carrier. The one issue, it uses the rear gate to swing the tire. So you would not be able to do the drop gate mod. However, each one is built to order. If you told then the max tire size they may be able to make it as low as possible.


https://www.rpmfab.com/TJ_Rear_Bumpers

 

[dbbd1]

That's why I didn't mention the Bestop tire carrier, because of wanting the drop down tailgate mod.

 

[Thunder Mass]

Rpmfab has a great product for a rear tire carrier. The one issue, it uses the rear gate to swing the tire. So you would not be able to do the drop gate mod. However, each one is built to order. If you told then the max tire size they may be able to make it as low as possible.


https://www.rpmfab.com/TJ_Rear_Bumpers

That thing looks hefty! Not sure if it would work with a body lift either. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep it in mind.

That's why I didn't mention the Bestop tire carrier, because of wanting the drop down tailgate mod.

Are they otherwise good? I know they make good tops, but not sure about anything else.

 

[Boinked]

That thing looks hefty! Not sure if it would work with a body lift either. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep it in mind.

It will work with a body lift no problem. I met the owner and got to see the shop they work out of. He has a beautiful LJ on 42's (if i remember correctly) and a full custom suspension. On 1 tons.
He went as far as to show me why the bumper tie-in is important. I wish i took pictures but the bumper was torn off the corner.

They attach the carrier to the rear gate with a rod with 2 helm jonits.

I have an 1.25 body lift and they say it isn't a problem.

 

[DrDmoney]

There are options to consider in lieu of a drop down gate like a drop down table instead, this gives you the extra workspace without blocking access to the rear of your Jeep. This allows you more swing out options.

 

[dbbd1]

The Bestop tire carrier is a great choice as far as I am concerned. It's my second one. On my second TJ, of course.

 

[GEEP4ME]

Don’t you know the first rule of Italian driving?
1. Whatsa behind you isa not important.

Great movie.

 

[DrDmoney]

Rpmfab has a great product for a rear tire carrier. The one issue, it uses the rear gate to swing the tire. So you would not be able to do the drop gate mod. However, each one is built to order. If you told then the max tire size they may be able to make it as low as possible.


https://www.rpmfab.com/TJ_Rear_Bumpers

That’s a nice carrier and reasonably priced

 

[89grand]

I don't run a spare. I'd hate to have one again.

 

[MaloStapalo]

Rock hard.

 

[Kiwi TJ]

Don’t you know the first rule of Italian driving?
1. Whatsa behind you isa not important.
I love the drop down gate conversion it’s a future mod of mine.

 

[Steel City 06]

Rock hard.

View attachment 91077

X2.
Height and depth of the tire carrier is adjustable.
Cans can be mounted anywhere along the swing gate to adjust height/width. The rack over the tire is also adjustable height.
Swing arm bearing height is also adjustable to prevent rattling.
The bumper itself is also adjustable height to hide the “crack” if you have a body lift.
Can hold a 38”, 2 can mounts, a cargo rack, a hi-lift jack, and pull a trailer or carry a hitch rack all at once.
Be sure to get the frame brace; the weight adds up fast

 

[Mr. Bills]

Rock Hard 4x4 x2

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

OR fab’s reinforcement plates don’t take up any storage space or interfere with anything you might have. I love mine, had it for years and it’s super overbuilt. I take 10gal of fuel, 35” tire, and my flag/CB mount on that carrier and it’s amazingly strong and quiet. I could stand on it with all that weight and still be solid. I’ll post pics of the plates that reinforce it later.

 

[tworley]

Do you really need to Jerry cans or do you just like the look? You did say "less is more". I know someone who thought they needed them and years later he has yet to say "where are my cans, I need fuel!"

 

[Thunder Mass]

It will work with a body lift no problem. I met the owner and got to see the shop they work out of. He has a beautiful LJ on 42's (if i remember correctly) and a full custom suspension. On 1 tons.
He went as far as to show me why the bumper tie-in is important. I wish i took pictures but the bumper was torn off the corner.

They attach the carrier to the rear gate with a rod with 2 helm jonits.

I have an 1.25 body lift and they say it isn't a problem.

I was worried, because I figured that if the tailgate moved with the carrier, it would have to line up, and the body lift would throw it off. But I'm probably just overthinking it.

There are options to consider in lieu of a drop down gate like a drop down table instead, this gives you the extra workspace without blocking access to the rear of your Jeep. This allows you more swing out options.



View attachment 91062

I've considered things like that too, but it would be nice to be able to sit on the tailgate to put on ski boots, and maybe to hold scuba gear as well. Seems like the drop down tailgate has some advantages. But, my wife has a truck, we can use that for skiing. Scuba would be easier with my Jeep, I think.

The Bestop tire carrier is a great choice as far as I am concerned. It's my second one. On my second TJ, of course.

Can you mount anything to it? Like jerry cans?

I don't run a spare. I'd hate to have one again.

If I ever converted my LJ to a short bed, I'd put it there, 'cuz I like the look and it would be shorter. Never needed mine, but I can't imagine not having it. Why don't you have one?

Rock hard.

View attachment 91077

X2.
Height and depth of the tire carrier is adjustable.
Cans can be mounted anywhere along the swing gate to adjust height/width. The rack over the tire is also adjustable height.
Swing arm bearing height is also adjustable to prevent rattling.
The bumper itself is also adjustable height to hide the “crack” if you have a body lift.
Can hold a 38”, 2 can mounts, a cargo rack, a hi-lift jack, and pull a trailer or carry a hitch rack all at once.
Be sure to get the frame brace; the weight adds up fast

Rock Hard 4x4 x2

View attachment 91118

That one looks great! A bit expensive, but not the most expensive I've seen. I like the adjustability. I already have a hitch receiver, but I wonder if I can remove the old one once I have this one? if it's strong enough, 'cuz some advertise they are only meant for things like bikes, and not for towing.

OR fab’s reinforcement plates don’t take up any storage space or interfere with anything you might have. I love mine, had it for years and it’s super overbuilt. I take 10gal of fuel, 35” tire, and my flag/CB mount on that carrier and it’s amazingly strong and quiet. I could stand on it with all that weight and still be solid. I’ll post pics of the plates that reinforce it later.

I plan on getting something like the Tuffy lock box.
https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-182-lj-unlimited-security-drawer.aspx
Only one that will fit without removing the rear seat. Not sure how tight of a fit that will be. How long ago did you get it? Before they shut down?

Do you really need to Jerry cans or do you just like the look? You did say "less is more". I know someone who thought they needed them and years later he has yet to say "where are my cans, I need fuel!"

I like having manual locks, windows, transmission, those kinds of things. Less electrical things to work with is better, to me at least.

I don't plan on running with jerry cans all of the time, but if I go on the Dalton Highway, there's a 240 mile stretch with no gas in between. That's already pushing my fuel limits, and it's a gravel road where I assume my efficiency will be even less. I might have to rely on jerry cans, just to be safe.