WE TEST: SPARE TIRE CARRIERS
We put three mounting systems head-to-head to determine the best carrying options that can haul a trusty spare.
Earlier this year we set out to establish – once and for all – the best way to carry a 40” spare tire. If orange is the new black and Zoom meetings are the new normal, then 40” is the new 33”.
Off-road tires are becoming larger and aftermarket companies are supporting this transition by providing a host of new spare tire carrying options.
Aside from just plopping a spare in your trunk or mounting it inside, we tested three different options to carry ours with only one major requirement – it had to have a one-handed tailgate opening.
For this comparison, we got our hands on the Mopar Tailgate reinforcement option, A CavFab Motorsports’ 4x4 tailgate hinge replacement, and a bumper-mounted swing-out carrier made by DV8. Bear in mind, there are countless other brands and varieties available, but unfortunately we can’t test them all.
The Mopar spare tire tailgate reinforcement bracket has, as-expected, OEM-quality engineering. The instructions were clear and relatively helpful, and it fit perfectly – no camera or brake light alterations required.
The product’s fit-and-finish is as good as or better than factory with a slick black powder-coated finish. The downside to this system is that it’s only recommended to carry up to a 37” tire (but it does fit a 40” tire, so we gave it a shot). This kit merely reinforces the tailgate and doesn’t re-support the hinges or tailgate. Being magnesium, the JL tailgate flexes hard.
That hard flex translates to a squeaky spare out back. This carrier option is also quite limited in options, with only a few choices to move your spare up, out or in. Keeping your spare tight up against your backdoor provides the maximum departure angle.
What about replacing the entire carrier bracket and hinge mounting system? Well, CavFab Motorsports offers a stout carrier that they are confident can hold the weight of up to a 40” tire without concern.
It also incorporates a license plate and brake light relocation option. This system takes the weight off the tailgate, replacing the factory hinges with super strong thru-bolt-style hinges, which is very durable (as it
should be). It’s 5 kg (11 lb) heavier than the Mopar system.
This version also offers the most variations of spare tire locations. The install is slightly complicated and it’s much more of a permanent installation than the other two. But, it’s rattle-free and holds solid. It does come unpainted though, which is a bummer. Instant-gratification installation is postponed as you literally wait for paint to dry.
With tailgate options exhausted, what about getting that heavy spare off your tailgate entirely? DV8 Offroad offers a one piece, bumper and swing-out spare tire option. Bumper-mounted spare tire carriers are actually quite popular. In addition to transferring the load of your spare to your frame, this option also provides the most extra space, so you can carry a jack, fuel, a shovel, or traction pads. However, with limited bumper options, you’re stuck with whatever shape and style that’s available.
DV8 Offroad offers a few different spare carrier bumpers. The model we installed, was the RBJL-08, and it actually increased the departure angle over factory, which was a bonus. It still allowed for simple one-handed operation of the tailgate, thanks to a clever little heim joint tucked on the inside. This allowed the spare carrier arm to pivot as you open the tailgate.
This option is ultimately the most relaxing as there is no concern about harming that precious tailgate in any way whatsoever. The textured black finish is a nice touch. The DV8 bumper also provides the highest carrying capacity. However, depending on your rim offset, you may struggle with your tire clearing the bumper and bracket for installation. Be sure to clarify with DV8 Offroad about the specific measurements on your rims and tires prior to ordering.
Ultimately, how you carry a spare is entirely up to you. Each option has valuable benefits and some drawbacks. One system is not necessarily better than the other. But what we can tell you is that getting caught without a spare is the worst situation you can find yourself in and it always seems to happen at the worst time. Do not get caught without a spare, however you carry it.