Smittybilt Spare Tire Carrier Mount

Smittybilt Spare Tire Carrier Mounts: Built for Oversized Tires, Built for the Trail

When you upgrade to larger off-road rubber, your factory spare tire setup rarely keeps pace. Carrying a 35", 37", or even 40" spare on a stock tailgate invites hinge fatigue, sag, and rattles that compound with every mile of rough terrain. Smittybilt has addressed this problem head-on with a lineup of spare tire carrier mounts engineered specifically for the demands of serious Jeep and off-road truck owners.

The HD Pivot Tire Carrier System

Smittybilt's flagship offering in this category is the HD Pivot Tire Carrier — a bolt-on tailgate reinforcement and oversized spare carrier system available for popular platforms including the Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU (2007–2018), the Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU (2018+), and the Ford Bronco (2021+). What sets it apart from a simple bracket is its dual-purpose design: it doesn't just hold your spare, it actively strengthens the tailgate itself.

The system is constructed from monoblock aluminum, while its mounting brackets are forged chromoly — a combination that is 30% stronger than steel while keeping weight manageable. These forged chromoly brackets triangulate the tailgate mounting points and body tub hinge points using existing hardware holes, distributing load across a wide area and eliminating the dreaded tailgate bow. The HD Pivot Carrier supports up to a 37"–40" tire (depending on fitment) and a maximum load of 135 lbs.

No Drilling, No Compromises

One of Smittybilt's defining philosophies in this product line is preserving your factory setup. The HD Pivot Tire Carrier requires no drilling and allows you to retain your OE bumper if preferred. The carrier and tailgate continue to operate with a single-action open and close — meaning no fumbling with separate latches when you need quick tailgate access on the trail. Protective EPDM gaskets are included to guard your factory finish against wear at mounting contact points.

The adjustable tire mount lets you fine-tune height and backspace for a precise fit, and the adjustable tilt angle can improve departure clearance when paired with an open or slant-back top. An integrated third brake light mount ensures your lighting remains fully functional, and optional mounting points are built in so you can add a trail jack mount (sold separately) for a complete rear-end recovery station.

Warranty You Can Count On

Smittybilt backs its HD Pivot Tire Carrier with a Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty and a 5-Year Finish Warranty — a statement of confidence that reflects the brand's trail-tested engineering standards. For off-road enthusiasts who depend on their rig in remote environments, that coverage matters as much as the hardware itself.

Whether you're rock crawling, overlanding, or just want peace of mind that your full-size spare is secured for the long haul, Smittybilt's spare tire carrier mounts deliver the strength, adjustability, and OE integration that demanding drivers require. Browse the full selection of Smittybilt products or explore the complete range of spare tire carrier mounts to find the right fit for your build.