Once larger tires are installed on a Jeep JL or JLU, the factory tire carrier quickly becomes a weak point. The added weight of a 35 inch or larger tire puts stress on the factory hinges and mounting points, which were not designed for that kind of load. Over time this leads to sagging, rattling, and difficulty opening and closing the tailgate.
Many aftermarket solutions try to fix this by adding bumper-mounted carriers or complicated linkage systems. These often introduce new problems, including alignment issues, additional moving parts, and constant adjustment to keep everything working correctly.
The Motobilt JL Tire Carrier is designed to address those issues by reinforcing the factory tailgate mounting structure with a fully integrated, single-piece design. Instead of spreading the load across multiple separate components, this carrier mounts using 12 points compared to the factory 4, distributing the weight more evenly and improving long-term durability.
Built from 3/16 inch laser cut and formed steel, the carrier is designed to support larger tire and wheel combinations while maintaining smooth operation using the factory tailgate handle. Adjustable mounting points allow the tire to be positioned both vertically and front to back, helping dial in proper clearance for different tire sizes and wheel setups.
This tire carrier is available in multiple lug patterns to match your wheel and axle setup. In addition to the standard Jeep bolt pattern, Motobilt offers versions for 8 lug applications including 8 on 6.5 and 8 on 170 (Ford Super Duty). These options are intended for builders running one ton axles or heavy duty wheel and tire combinations where matching lug pattern is required.
The system uses high-density hinge bushings with steel inner liners along with greasable pivot points to maintain smooth operation over time. It is designed to work with both factory and aftermarket bumpers and integrates with Motobilt accessories and license plate relocation systems.
This is a bolt-on solution for builders who need to support larger tires without adding unnecessary complexity to the rear of the Jeep.