I'm looking into buying a tire carrier bumper for my Cherokee. The only options that I know of are the JCR and Smitty built. The Smittybuilt is in my price range, but I don't like how far away the tire sits from the hatch and how much that'll effect my departure angle. The JCR one is the right look but it's definitely more on the pricey side. Just wondering of anyone knows any options other than fabricating something myself. Thanks y'all and Merry Christmas

 

Yeah, Dirtbound offroad. I am runnng their mojave cut and fold bumper with the tire carrier addon. They offer both DIY and pre-built options.

 

I have the Smittybilt on mine. It is a very heavy bumper that should hold up well, but it is made in China so the quality control isn't that great. After installing it I couldn't get the latch to close even after adjusting it as much as I could, I contacted Smittybilt and sent them some pictures, and they sent me a new bumper free of charge. The new bumper fit and lined up much better than the first one. Overall I'm happy with it, but I have only had it installed for a few days, time will tell how well it holds up.

 

Dirtbound, Filthy Addictions, ARES Fab, JCR are my top recommendations.

 

I'm in the process of installing the ARES expedition bumper and tire carrier. Working on finishing it up this week. The quality is extremely high, and the owner picks up his phone every damn time I call. I just ordered the front stealth bumper as a result of what I've seen on the rear and my communications with him. I'd recommend ordering it powder coated though; I'm not sure how to do a quality paint job on the inside of the carrier portion.

ARES Expedition Bumper

 

I just today ordered the Smittybilt front and rear bumpers from 4 wheel parts they have a discount on them and if you use a promo code it gets cheaper

 

I have the Sh*tybilt, and really wish I would have spent the extra money and went with JCR.
If you live anywhere there is snow, the latch system does not like to open when frozen, and once you get it open you wont be able to latch it. I have had to ratchet strap closed a few times when it is icy up here.

The other thing is the hinge mechanism pretty much sucks.
I have had my bumper on for about a year now, and even though I keep the hinge lubricated, the play in it is getting worse and worse. There is only a 31" on a factory mag on the back, and it has so much play in it already.

Another problem is fitting a standard Jerry can in the holder......................... It wont fit!

When I installed it half of the cheep Chinese hardware that came with it would not thread properly. I ended up going to a fastener store and buying all new hardware for it. Not to mention the welded nut bars that go in the frame were all buggared up. I had to just tap them out to a SAE bolt size.
The instructions are off as well.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the show?

 

Now that is funny, lol

Anything I've ever gotten from JCR had EXCELLENT instructions. Dirtbound Offroad is awesome, great guys and great products/service.

Anything ever gotten from shmitty bilt has been I'll fitting or straight out unusable. Low quality and service every time

 

I got my bumpers on Friday , I hope Smittybilt quality control has gotten better . Smittybilt is only about 50 miles from where I live so if there is a problem with it I will take it back to them so they can fix it .

 

Here's another option that seems like a good upgrade over the smittybilt that is not as expensive as the others listed. The price looks like it includes both the bumper and tire carrier. Their website says their products are made in the USA. Definitely worth checking out if price is a factor. If you do buy it please report back with a review of it, the CF will thank you. Here's the link HARDCORE OFFROAD REAR XJ BUMPER W/ TIRE CARRIER

 

Rockhard 4x4 "Patriot" rear tire carrier bumper. $1200 complete and powder coated plus shipping. Extremely well made and easy to install. Top notch customer service. Worth every penny.

https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-1013.htm