Top 3 Best Jeep Wrangler Tire Carriers

Are you looking for a new Jeep tire carrier? Once you've had your Jeep for a while you'll most likely want to start customizing it. Well the most popular upgrades are lift kits and new rims/tires. What some Jeepers forget is a new tire carrier for your new oversized tires. Not everyone goes to bigger tires but if you plan on running 35's or higher a new tire carrier is a must have. 

1. Smittybilt Pivot Heavy-Duty Oversized Tire Carrier 

The Smittybilt Jeep Wrangler tire carrier is a solid option and one we install frequently. With a load capacity of 135 pounds it can handle tires sized up to 37" inches. Perfect if you've upgraded your OEM tires, but don’t want to run an aftermarket rear bumper with an integrated tire carrier. Install is easy with no extra drilling required on this Jeep tire carrier. It is a little on the heavier side coming in at 56 pounds. 

Pros:

• Strong monocoque aluminum construction eliminates tailgate sag
• Adjustable tire mount with 37" maximum tire size
• Increases load carrying capacity to 135 lbs
• Forged chrome mounting brackets – 30% stronger than steel
• Third brake light mount included
• Protective EPDM gaskets included to protect factory finish
• Maintains easy single action of opening and closing of the tailgate
• No drilling required - you can maintain OE bumpers, if preferred
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Can be difficult to install, especially alone
• Instructions are not very clear
• Some users have reported that the carrier can rattle at high speeds
• Can be heavy and add weight to the rear of the vehicle

Overall, the Smittybilt Pivot Heavy-Duty Oversized Tire Carrier is a good option for Jeep Wrangler JK owners who need to carry a large spare tire. It is well-built and durable, and it maintains the functionality of the tailgate. However, it can be difficult to install, and some users have reported that it can rattle at high speeds.

2. Rugged Ridge Spartacus Heavy Duty Tire Carrier Kit

My favorite Jeep spare tire carrier is hands down the Rugged Ridge Spartacus tire carrier. We install this tire carrier the most probably about 50% of the time. With a nice combination of locks and function, and a low-profile design its almost perfect for any Jeeper. At 63 pounds this tire carrier punches above its weight class for sure. This is the tire carrier you see in all the shop install pics. 

Here are some of the key features of the Rugged Ridge Spartacus Heavy Duty Tire Carrier Kit:

• Heavy-duty steel construction for durability
• Can carry up to a 37" tire
• Single-action tailgate latch for easy opening and closing
• Built-in third brake light mount
• Adjustable tire mount for precise positioning
• Protective EPDM gaskets to protect the factory finish
• Easy installation

The Rugged Ridge Spartacus Heavy Duty Tire Carrier Kit is a great option for Jeep Wrangler owners who need to carry a large spare tire without sacrificing the functionality of their tailgate. It is well-built, durable, and easy to use.

Here are some pros and cons of the Rugged Ridge Spartacus Heavy Duty Tire Carrier Kit:

Pros:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Can carry up to a 37" tire
• Single-action tailgate latch
• Built-in third brake light mount
• Adjustable tire mount
• Protective EPDM gaskets
• Easy installation

Cons:

• Can be heavy and add weight to the rear of the vehicle
• May interfere with the rear view camera, depending on the model of camera
• Some users have reported that the carrier can rattle at high speeds

Overall, the Rugged Ridge Spartacus Heavy Duty Tire Carrier Kit is a good option for Jeep Wrangler owners who need to carry a large spare tire. It is well-built, durable, and easy to use. However, it is important to keep in mind that the carrier can add weight to the rear of the vehicle and may interfere with the rear view camera.

3. TeraFlex HD Tire Carrier W/Alpha Spare Tire Mounting Kit