I can't seem to find the weight capacity of the tailgate of a 2015 JKU. Does anyone know the specific capacity and how long before the hinges start to bend at maximum capacity?:th_pray:
The Owner's Guide states 50 lbs but that obviously includes a good safety margin. In practice, it highly depends on securing the spare tight against the tailgate and where you drive. Offroad where the spare is moving up down constantly is much different that driving on a smooth road.
IMO, with a little care you can get away with a typical 33x12.5 but anything larger should have an aftermarket carrier, preferably mounted on the bumper.
BTW, it's not just hinges, the whole tailgate can warp.
NOTE: If you have added aftermarket accessories to the
spare tire mounted carrier, it cannot exceed a gross
weight of 85 lbs (38.5 kg) including the weight of the
spare tire.
I ran a stock carrier and 35s on my 1st jk. Was fine until I dropped down and the spare hung up. Bent the tailgate at the hinges and popped some welds. As soon as I bought the new jk the tire carrier was one of my 1st purchases.
I do have 1 broken spot weld, and my tailgate was already tweaked at the bottom corner where I closed something in it. Thats why I just decided to run it on the gate and find out what happens, but so far, life is good.
I ran a 35" on my stock carrier. My tailgate is now bent. I don't just drive around town though, I wheel it. In my opinion, get a tire carrier before it happens to you. I wish I did. No sense waiting after reading this post, you'll end up with a bent tailgate, then have to buy something anyway.
Thanks guys. I wheel about 2-4 times a month so not a whole lot. I'll just keep it on the stock carrier. The Trail Grapp and rim I have on there now weighs about 85lbs.
That's quite a bit of wheeling to me. I'm lucky to get out twice a month. Anyhow, I went with a carrier since I didn't like how the tail gate "felt" and I had to slightly lift up when trying to close it with a 35" BFG.
Just weighed my spare and it came in at exactly 100lbs!
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