What size tire is too big for the tailgate?

[TerryMason]

I've just ordered my 33s and was wondering if my new spare will be too heavy for the tailgate. I've got a spacer, so I'm not worried about the diamater of the tire, just the weight.

When do you have to move to an aftermarket rear carrier?

 

[Ken72]

I believe 33 is too big for stock i you still have the third brake light attached.
If the light is removed you should be ok if you use the spacer. But it wouldn't hurt to get the rack. Only cause it will look cool.

 

[JPNinPA]

For the past 2 years I have 33X9.50R15 BFG AT's on the stock carrier. Used PCV spacers on the 3rd brake light with no other mods. No cracks or bends. Tight fit though.

 

[Jason4x4]

I had to do a little ghetto-fab modification to the 3rd brakelight when I went to 32's a couple years ago - but don't worry, it's easy to make it fit. I would plan on getting some kind of aftermarket tire carrier/bumper in the future though cause it'll definitely take a toll on your tailgate's hinges after a while.

 

[jfrabat]

I used ABS rods instead to extend the bumpstops. And I DID have to use a spacer to push the spare back a bit, as it was not clearing the rear bumper. It's been over a year since I've done it, and still no cracks, sagging or anything (and I DO wheel the rig).

By the way, after taking this pic, I went to an aftermarket LED 3rd brake light to bring it OVER the spare wheel. But you can easily make your own and put it on the wheel itself (have seen it done) or space the 3rd brake light with some metal channel or something similar.

Felipe

 

[Gennybro]

I've got 33x12.5 tires,I had the same concern when attaching the spare tire to the tailgate,but went ahead and put it on,no bad repercussions so far,though I do baby the tailgate a little when opening and closeing it.

 

[54cj3b]

terry I would get a steel bumper and have the swing mount off the bumper less chance messing up tail gate imo

 

[jfrabat]

terry I would get a steel bumper and have the swing mount off the bumper less chance messing up tail gate imo

That's the best solution to the problem if budget is not a concern; but I think his budget may be limited. To be honest, mine is staying as it is until I go a larger tire, which, as of now, I doubt I'll do because (1) 33's get me most of the places I go (and if not, the winch ussually does!), (2) I drive 600 mile road trips about 4 times a year, and (3) cost is too high to go to 35's...

Felipe

 

[jeepgurl6969]

I also had to rig my 3rd Break Light but heck it works and I got a swing tire gate.

 

[jps4jeep]

meehh.. I had a 35 on the stock carrier (sans third brake light) my tailgate never sagged. Let me brake this down for you the way I see it..

what is the actual weight difference between a stock 30" tire (or 235/75r15 tire) and a 33" tire... no that much, maybe 10-15 pounds at best. add a steel wheel instead of a aluminum one, another 10 lbs, so at most, 25 lbs more... if the tail gate is latched, 25 extra pounds is not going to sag a hinge, heck, 100 extra pounds on a latched tail gate is not going to sag a hinge, keeping it open for extended periods of time, might, but not closed. put it on there, you'll be fine

 

[jfrabat]

The problem is actually not the hinge; the problem is that most people do not extend the bump stops so the new tire ends up wiggling around back there (and the bigger the more leverage it has to wiggle) until it fatigues the metal, and the tailgate brakes (not at the hinges, but the metal itself rips). But if you extend the bump stops, you distribute the force, and whala! problem solved! now the issue can become if you can open the glass with the hardtop on, but that's a whole other ball game (mine BARELY clears the third light).