Hey guys. Anyone know if anyone sells a weld-it-yourself spare tire carrier kit for my '98 XJ with aftermarket rockcrawler bumpers? I need a kit of some kind that can be welded together, and then welded to the bumper. Every option I've seen so far (like modifying a carrier specifically made for certain brands of aftermarket bumpers) are stupid expensive (like 400 bucks and up). I'm looking for a kit that will relocate my 33" spare for around 200 bucks. Anyone know a good option?

Here is my rear bumper setup.





Thanks!

Kev

 

Have you looked at Detours' hitch mounted tire carrier?

https://detoursofmaine.com/

 

Yep. I looked at them. 305.00 for the Knucklebone alone, and then another 50.00 for the hard mount to weld onto the bumper...and then another 75.00 for shipping...which puts this option at around 450.00 when all is said and done. I just want something cheap but strong. I can have a local shop do the welding, and do all the grinding/painting/finish work myself if it means I can save some serious dollars.

Kev

 

ruffstuff specialties offers some builder parts to fab your own

 

just got done welding together a JCR rear bumper i'm going to adapt this smittybilt on it.

 

That one looks promising and is closer to what I want to spend. Because I can't mount it to the top of the bumper and still be able to open the tailgate, I could weld plates to the outside of the bumper and install this on the plates. Not sure how well the plates sticking out like little shelves would hold up to the weight of a 33" mud tire though.

Anyone else have a source or any other good ideas? This idea isn't bad though.

Kev

 

I'm going to box in the back of the bumper for added strength, only time will tell!

 

Maybe I'll just go for a roof rack basket, and stick the spare tire up there. The spare tire on the bumper will block my rear spot lights, and I sure do love those things! Especially when some idiot starts tailgating me at night and flashing their high beams. And I would also have to relocate my license plate and light.

Any other suggestions for affordable spare tire carriers or DIY kits?

Kev

 

I bought what looks like the same lights I'm going to flush mount them in the bumper, as far as the license plate I've gotten a few ideas online. Good luck which ever way you go!

 

Thanks! What part of AZ are you in? I'm over in Gold Canyon, near Apache Junction.

Kev

 

I'm in Cactus Forest about 7 miles south of Florence just off 79. I'm out around the Box Canyon area quite a bit also Montana Mtn., Millsite trail...should get together sometime!

 

Sounds good! I haven't taken "Elizabeth" out on the trail in over a year.

Kev