Jeep Wrangler owner switching from 32" factory tires to 35", advised by tire store employee to also replace the spare mount on the rear gate due to size upgrade.
Upgrading Your Jeep Wrangler JL's Spare Tire Mount for 35-inch Tires: A Guide
When upgrading your Jeep Wrangler JL from factory 32-inch tires to 35-inch tires, it is crucial to consider upgrading the spare tire mount to a reinforced or relocated mount. The larger and heavier 35-inch tires place additional stress on the stock tailgate hinges and latch, which can lead to rattling, misalignment, and potential damage or failure over time.
A commonly recommended solution is the use of a spare tire relocation bracket or heavy-duty tire carrier, such as the RedRock 4x4 Spare Tire Relocation Bracket, specifically engineered for Jeep Wrangler JL models from 2018 to 2024. This bracket raises the factory mount higher to accommodate larger tires and is made of durable steel to withstand the extra weight of the bigger spare. It installs easily with basic hand tools, typically taking about an hour, and helps maintain tailgate alignment and preserve the backup camera setup by stabilizing the spare tire load.
Choosing the right spare tire mount upgrade is essential to avoid costly repairs due to tailgate wear and backup camera misalignment caused by the increased tire size and weight. Some recommended solutions for tailgate reinforcement include adjustable Teraflex mounts, heavy-duty Jeep Wrangler XR spare tire carriers, and bumper-mounted swing-out tire carriers.
When upgrading, it is also important to consider the compatibility of your backup camera system. After installing 35-inch tires, it is advisable to check the alignment of the brake light and backup camera. Some Jeep Wrangler trims handle 35-inch tires differently, with the Sport requiring at least a mount spacer and the Rubicon not needing one.
In summary, the key spare tire mount upgrades to consider when moving from 32" to 35" tires on a Jeep Wrangler JL are:
- Install a reinforced or adjustable spare tire carrier/relocation bracket to reposition and better support the heavier, bigger spare tire.
- Use high-quality, durable steel mounts to reduce strain on the tailgate hinges and prevent rattles.
- Ensure compatibility with your backup camera system by maintaining proper alignment and clearance.
When upgrading tires on a Jeep Wrangler, measuring the tire size before purchase is important. Larger tires on a Jeep Wrangler JL can put stress on the tailgate, hinges, and backup camera setup. Ignoring the potential shake from larger tires can lead to tailgate issues. Reinforcement kits for hinges can prevent tailgate damage from larger spare tires on a Jeep Wrangler.
In addition, many Jeep Wrangler spare tire carrier upgrades for 35s also improve camera placement, brake light visibility, and resale value. Best tailgate reinforcement kits for Jeep Wrangler JL with 35-inch tires are popular among Jeep owners seeking both looks and durability. Every upgrade in Jeep building has a ripple effect, and modifications should support each other. The selfless decision is to build for reliability as well as style in Jeep building.
Reinforcing the mount now is often cheaper than repairing tailgate damage later. Professional solutions for spare tire setup are recommended to protect the Jeep and keep it trail-ready. When upgrading your Jeep Wrangler JL, consider the benefits of upgrading the spare tire mount to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
[1] - [Source for potential damage or failure over time] [5] - [Source for maintaining tailgate alignment and preserving the backup camera setup]
- Upgrading the spare tire mount of your Jeep Wrangler JL is essential, as larger tires like 35-inch tires place added stress on the stock tailgate hinges and latch, potentially causing damage or failure over time.
- Besides ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience, upgrading the spare tire mount also helps maintain tailgate alignment and preserves the backup camera setup by stabilizing the spare tire load.
- When considering accessories for your Jeep Wrangler JL, look into options like heavy-duty Jeep Wrangler XR spare tire carriers and bumper-mounted swing-out tire carriers for improved camera placement, brake light visibility, and resale value.
