Topic: Tire carrier options

[jfrabat]

Since I killed the hinges (and probably the tailgate as well!) I am now looking foroptions for a tire carrier.  Since I already got an aftermarket bumber, I was trying to find something I could tie in to the rollbar, like the high rock tire carrier.  Are there any other similar options?  Which do you recommend?

[Jeffy]

You have have a body mounted setup that has backing plates that attach to the cage.  This is how the Bestop Tire carrier is as well as the OR FAB, I think.

[aka-justin]

There's always the minimalist approach...

[jfrabat]

The OR Fab one looks a bit bulky to me...  Is the High Rock one any good?

[Jeffy]

Well, you could always just reinforce the stock tailgate, add some backing plates from the hinges to the cage and the lower body mount?

[neale_rs]

Get rid of the rear seat and throw the spare inside.  This is the low cost solution.  You could even sell the seat to make money off it.

[oldjeep]

Swing down are the only carriers that I've seen which are properly supported.

http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=RTC3400

[jfrabat]

I dont want to use a swing down to carry a tiny 33" tire; besides, it would make opening the tailgate a real PITA, and would kind of kill the purpose of the Jeep (dual porpuse rig, that can travel long distances on the road, hit the more difficult trails, and then come back home under its own power).  As I see it, my current options are:

Keep the configuration I had (stock tire carrier with spacer) except now with Tj hinges, which are a bit stronger...

Go with the High Rock carrier AND use the TJ hinges.

I think the high Rock option will have dual benefits; it will take some weight off the tailgate (not 100%, but enough to make opening and closing the tailgate easier), andit will also allow me to loose the spare spacer, which would put the tire closer to the tailgate, which in turn, would increase departure angle...  The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on it is the fact that there are a lot of mixed reviews online about this product.  Some people love it, but on other cases, it has not worked as advertised.  Anyone here has any comments on it?

Felipe

[Jeffy]

Roof rack and strap it up there?

[neale_rs]

I think that in the end it will just be better to get another rear bumper with tire carrier, and then sell the one you have now.  It probably won't be any more expensive than a body mounted carrier.

[jfrabat]

I am not a fan of roofracks; too many trees to get caught on, and having a spare up there makes the Jeep way more tipsy.

I considered the new bumper route, but the price diference is HUGE, especially when you consider shipping costs to Panama...

[FourbangerYJ]

Can you find someone local to build one?

[neale_rs]

Can you find someone local to build one?

That's what I would do here in Mexico, really keeps the price down.  And some of the local builders do a good job of making practically exact copies of what you see in catalogs.

[jfrabat]

I decided ti give the high rock one a shot...  found one for under $300 with shipping to miami, so it should be less than making a bumper with tire carrier.  If this fails, I will try to make a tire carrier for my current bumper.