So Im just curious if anyone has tried this. Using the spare tire mount for a Wrangler
(eg. http://www.quadratec.com/products/12008_910X_PG.htm ) and attaching it directly to the rear door (instead of to a swing arm like is suggested).

I hate swing arms, so this would be an awesome option. The only issue i can really see is the shocks on the hatch not being strong enough to hold up the extra weight, but what if you swapped them out for something stiffer? Do you think you could mount it far enough to one side to still access the handle?

 

I wouldn't recommend it. The hatch has no substantial support to prevent the mount from ripping off the thin sheet metal. It could potentially work if an inside support structure was fabricated.

I've actually been wanting to build a light weight tube carrier that spreads the load over the whole hatch for some time. The carrier would act as an extension of the hatch. some day.

 

I agree. The Wrangler has supports on the inside of the tailgate to help support the weight of the tire. Using that mount will likely result in the mounts pulling through the thin sheet metal.


Here is an option as well: http://detoursusa.com/knucklebone.php.


What size tire are you running? A 32 will fit in the rear where the factory spare goes with a little modification.

 

Here's a video of someone who did it. "video of the hatch mounted carrier I built. Extra struts from a Pontiac Transport minivan. Works great."

 

If I was to do that, I would in the very least run some flat steel in between the bolts in the back like a giant washer. Its not going to rip through a square foot of sheet metal but would be very dangerous IMO without some kind of support.

 

ya good point, i wasn't thinking about it pulling straight through the metal. It wasn't a tire size issue, more about freeing up some interior space by not having the spare inside.

That knucklebone might be a good option though. i like the side-drop feature. the biggest issue I have with the swing-arm mounts is that its so inconvenient to access the back hatch (Im looking for a setup for a spare to have on all the time, no just offroading/whatever)

 

I wonder how long will the hatch hinges and lack handle the extra weight before breaking.I would run a hitch mount carrier or swing out bumper carrier.

 

Cheapest option is a roof rack in addition to extra storage for you.

 

I'm pretty sure that the lift gate isn't made of sheet metal. More of a fiberglass material.

 

pre 97 = fiberglass
97+ = steel

 

I don't know what sized tires you have but lifting the hatch with a 33x12.5 strapped to it would be pretty inconvenient to me.

 

Ah, gotcha. I've only had an '88 and a '93. ☺

 

 

This is the single best argument for not doing this, these components are engineered to handle the weight of the liftgate and that's it. Depending on the size of the spare, you're more or less doubling the working load on the hinges and latch.

I like everything in this photo.

 

One thing to keep in mind, if you drop your spare on the highway, you can pretty much plan on the personal injury clowns raping your life.