Tire carriers

timp

Jeep Newb
Debating on a gate mounted carrier or a bumper mounted carrier. What are y’all’s opinions/preferences of the two?
 

El Sanchimoto

Jeep Owner
I have the MC sportgate and I love it. I can go with any bumper at any time. Sure I am limited to my tire size because of the weight limit being 150lbs but at this point in time I don't plan on ever running more than a 35" tire.
 

gingerempire

Jeep Newb
I have a gate mounted carrier. It's simple and functional and integrates well into the door release. The downsides being the weight limit (usually 37" tire max) and limited number of accessory mounting points. My carrier can hold one rotopax or a hilift jack, but that's about it. Typically less expensive than a bumper carrier since you're not usually buying a bumper with the setup.

Most bumper carriers will hold more weight. Some will even have a number of add on mounting points for accessories. Potentially more expensive if you have to buy the bumper with the setup. But overall you're getting more weight capacity and probably more options for carrying more stuff.

Like most everything Jeep related, it just depends on budget, what you do with your Jeep, and where your build will take you to determine the best option.
 

russebp

Jeep Newb
Building off El Sanchimoto and gingerempire's responses, it depends on which size tires and your vision for your Jeep. With my Dana 30 up front, I know that 35" is as big as I'll go, so I went with the hinge-replacement, tailgate mounted solution. If I were building a beast, though, there's no doubt I would pick a bumper mounted carrier – likely one with the extra steel protection back there.
 

Jeep Monkey

Jeep Newb
In my recent research it depends on styling, weight, and future upgrades. gate mounted carriers will "lack" in style and weight capability but offer a larger selection of bumper options = style. They also open a few different avenues of future upgrades.

I can not speak on the bumper mounted carriers as i have the TF Gate carrier.

Price is also an issue. Gate mounted carriers are much less expensive than a bumper, carrier combo.
 

LoneWolf

Jeep Newb
I went with a bumper-mounted/tailgate-tied carrier and kind of regret it. Functionality is great, but my tailgate rattle started after I mounted the bumper/carrier, and has gotten MUCH worse over the years. Adjusting the latch hasn't helped, either.
 

Rocklobster

Jeep Newb
agree, with all the above, depends on what your tire ambitions are. I've got an LOD bumper with tire mount, it's held up really well even with 40" tires. only thing I had to do was make a custom mount for the 8 lug wheels when I switched over.
 

Yson

Jeep Newb
I still cant decide... TF tailgate or poison spider bumper + carier to match the PS Bruiser bumper i'm getting :(
 

tunp

Jeep Newb
for me it came down to vehicle use and tire size, for my terrain and use a 35" tire works, so I went with a beefier tailgate mount.
 

rubicon4wheeler

Jeep Newb
I have the MetalCloak rear bumper and tire carrier, and its utility has been awesome! I love that it's essentially unlimited in how much weight I can hang off of it, and it never rattles. I have mounted to the tire carrier a 14.5-gallon Titan Trekker fuel tank, 35" spare (soon to be 38"), a 60" Hi-Lift Jack, and a Trasharoo. It still opens and closes with just 2 fingers.
 

Jeep Monkey

Jeep Newb
If you plan to go big later, or plan to go extreme offroading i would probably look into the bumper carrier. it will allow for more protection as well as taking stress off the tub. otherwise the TF hinged Carrier is good up to 37" tire. possibly a 40 if you go with the right aftermarket bumper and is a stronger support for the tailgate. it also gets the tire ALOT closer to the jeep. mine is only 1.5" off the gate, that is a much smaller lever arm for the downward forces to act upon.

check out ebay and FB marketplace as well. that may sway your decision...
 

Auburndozer

Jeep Owner
I went with the MC SportGate and am happy with it. Motobilt just came out with one and it looks pretty good too. Both are made in US.
 

war_shiper

Jeep Newb
We had a DV8 body mount on our old JKU and it was a love hate kind of relationship. Looked awesome but was a pain to open and then open up the rear separately. With our new one I think I'll stick with one that opens with the tailgate.
 

Attachments

SCREAMER

Jeep Newb
I would prefer a tire gate like the Genright version that supports the weight equally from both sides. A frame mounted version like the AEV would also be a better choice. I’m not fond of the versions that attach to the stock hinge location because that sheet metal just isn’t strong enough for anything above 33 inches. Doesn’t matter how strong the gate or reinforcement are, you’re still putting all that weight on the same hinge mount points. Just my 2 cents. I run nothing on my tailgate because I carry my spare inside. I can see out my rear window with zero obstruction, the tire and wheel weight is much further forward and lower which is better for weight distribution when climbing, better theft protection, etc.32DFD97D-C3A4-41FC-AE6A-1A6801101E74.jpeg
My 35 inch spare fits with plenty of room. I know a 37 will fit also. Not sure about a 40.
 

Hank

Jeep Newb
I would prefer a tire gate like the Genright version that supports the weight equally from both sides. A frame mounted version like the AEV would also be a better choice. I’m not fond of the versions that attach to the stock hinge location because that sheet metal just isn’t strong enough for anything above 33 inches. Doesn’t matter how strong the gate or reinforcement are, you’re still putting all that weight on the same hinge mount points. Just my 2 cents. I run nothing on my tailgate because I carry my spare inside. I can see out my rear window with zero obstruction, the tire and wheel weight is much further forward and lower which is better for weight distribution when climbing, better theft protection, etc.View attachment 1657
My 35 inch spare fits with plenty of room. I know a 37 will fit also. Not sure about a 40.
While those are all great points for inner carry, I use my cargo space quite a bit. My JKU is my DD, so I need that space available, and I don't look at a spare as an optional thing, so I've got the TF gate. Holds my 35" dead solid, opens and closes like OEM. I can't speak to any frame or bumper mounted options, but I've got no qualms with the TF.
 

SCREAMER

Jeep Newb
While those are all great points for inner carry, I use my cargo space quite a bit. My JKU is my DD, so I need that space available, and I don't look at a spare as an optional thing, so I've got the TF gate. Holds my 35" dead solid, opens and closes like OEM. I can't speak to any frame or bumper mounted options, but I've got no qualms with the TF.
Yeah that’s a great point. My Jeep is not my DD so I only keep trail support gear back there. If I needed the cargo space I would run an exterior tire gate but I would still have it mounted to an aftermarket bumper like the poison spider spindle design or have it frame mounted. I know the tailgate options are popular and perform well in most cases but it’s not the best option in my opinion from a strength standpoint.
 

DBAEHM

Jeep Newb
I'm using the TF gate carrier and it holds my 37s on beadlocks (about 130 lbs) without any issues. It's been on for 3 years over some nasty trails and it's still doing great.
 

rubicon4wheeler

Jeep Newb
I have the MetalCloak rear bumper and tire carrier, and its utility has been awesome! I love that it's essentially unlimited in how much weight I can hang off of it, and it never rattles. I have mounted to the tire carrier a 14.5-gallon Titan Trekker fuel tank, 35" spare (soon to be 38"), a 60" Hi-Lift Jack, and a Trasharoo. It still opens and closes with just 2 fingers.
Along with a bunch of other MetalCloak upgrades, I've now upgraded to 38's which of course the MC rear tire carrier has no problem accommodating. I could sit my near-300lb ass on top of the spare and jump around, and the assembly still wouldn't care. :)
spare tire.jpg
 

Xkid

Jeep Fanatic
I have the aev. It’s good. Carries up to a 40. Smooth no ratles. It makes the jk lean worse. I love the look of no spare on the back but I need the room.
 
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