Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

CavFab Tire Carrier

BC Moto

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
May 27, 2021
Messages
889
Location
Bay Area SF
So I purchased the CavFab spare tire carrier when I was released in november of last yr and I had it painted to match the jeep. After it was painted I let it sit on a cabinet at work till I had time to install it. Doing that led to some time and cavfab letting people know that the stock tail lights would not work so I got bummed out and did not get around to installing because I needed new tail lights and I have been trying to find a set of maxbilt trail tails with zero luck. Last week I finally purchased a set of metal cloak slim LEDs in hoping that it would work. Over the weekend I finally installed everything and the carrier went on easy enough and theres a slight clearance issue since I have some rear corner gaurds but nothing too bad. For the rear tail lights the only way to make them work was to rotate them 90 degrees and drill a new mounting hole in the base plate not the jeep and I got everything to work. I most likely will switch out the tail lights if I find a set of trail tails. The carrier itself looks great and I drove around a bit and no wierd noises but I will take the jeep to the off road park on sat to see if I get any noises. Overall I like the look of it as it looks close to OEM

TIRE C.jpg


MATCH.jpg


Rear Carrier.jpg


Rear Lights.jpg


Rear Complete.jpg


Rear Side.jpg
 
I have the same carrier, but haven't installed it yet. Their corner guards don't have cutouts for the hinges. This may be why you're having an interference issue??
 
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The cutout for the hinge is ok but part of the carrier rubs the corner gaurd a little and I am just going to take a lfap wheel to it so it clears better.
 
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Just make sure you have the tail light positioned so it illuminates the license plate. Don't need a stupid ticket.
 
So it looks like I might have to go with the ORO round tail lights, maxbilt has no idea if they are going to get them back in stock
 
Older post, but I'm shopping for a better solution for a tire carrier. As much as I love the constant banging and clanging of the swing out carrier , how is the CavFab carrier holding up for you as of late? Only concern/consideration is that dang light orientation but it looks super solid overall.

Also
 
It has been solid, just drove 1k mile trip down to socal in JV for KOH played around and drove it home. No squeaks or rattles. I am glad I went with this over traditional swing out.
 
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It has been solid, just drove 1k mile trip down to socal in JV for KOH played around and drove it home. No squeaks or rattles. I am glad I went with this over traditional swing out.

No tail light issues other than side mounting them or regret about that part?

Appreciate the feed back it helps for sure.
 
You have to run aftermarket tail lights thats the only drawback but I already had trailtails in mind
 
The lights are hanging me up a little bit. I know we all have our own personal take on looks. Not sure I want to cut a hole in the tub or have the flush lights - I'm kind of partial to the boxy housing or at least square body.
 
I got my ORO tail lights from Wade at Diesel Freak. Had them in stock, don't know if he still does, or how many but... Wade LaLone wade@dieselfreak.com
Super good guy.
BTW the carrier looks great color matched.
 
The lights are hanging me up a little bit. I know we all have our own personal take on looks. Not sure I want to cut a hole in the tub or have the flush lights - I'm kind of partial to the boxy housing or at least square body.

The MaxBilt Trail Tails came highly recommended by everyone and bolt onto the jeep using the OEM mounting holes so no cutting necessary. If these lights were not available I might not have this carrier. These light are well built and fit the jeep nicely.
 
Thanks @mudmaster how do you like it? My current bumper is plenty strong and heavy and I hit it coming down on rocks. Will it take the abuse? Mine for reference

trailtailinstalled.jpg
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts