Rear bumper

[Cheepcheep]

Hey Guys

I’m looking for a rear bumper with a tire carrier.

I have a smitty bilt front bumper and side steps so I though I would match.

Any insite on these bumper. Also wondering if I could keep my factory hitch

https://www.smittybilt.com/shop/bum...to-2006-wrangler-rubicon-and-unlimited-76621/

 

[Cheepcheep]

Best shot I have on my phone of my bumper and hitch now

 

[MichaelGH]

The bumper you linked has a hitch receiver built in that wants to be in the same space as your frame mounted hitch. Almost any rear tire carrier bumper is going to have a certain amount of real-estate it needs to occupy, and they will all most likely have interference issues with your frame mounted receiver.

 

[JMT]

Best shot I have on my phone of my bumper and hitch now
View attachment 634859
View attachment 634861

Most here frown on swing out tire carriers. What’s wrong with the stock carrier? If it’s doing its job then there’s no reason to choose something sub-par. Swing out tire carriers usually clunk and squeak and give out. Plus to open the tailgate you have to open the tire carrier first, then the tailgate. Gets old real quick. If you want a matching bumper just get the Smittybilt matching bumper with receiver hitch. Or try Dirtworx for something better.

 

[That'll Buff]

I agree with @JMT. I have the classic version of the bumper you posted (installed by PO) and despite my best efforts I have never been able to make it quiet. It's not so loud that it's annoying when normally driving, but it's very noticeable on bumpier roads. It also makes it annoying to get to stuff in the back since you're adding extra steps every single time you need to access your tailgate. They are heavy and, if not adjusted properly, can be a PITA to open. If you plan to not go much bigger with your current tire size and aren't too picky with the finish matching exactly to your other pieces, there are plenty of tube style bumpers on the market without swing out carriers for much cheaper.

 

[Imagineer]

Just wanted to chime in and thank JMT & Buff for their insight regarding swing away tire carriers.

I'm in the final stages of designing a new set of bumpers for my '97 and was planning on incorporating a swing-away carrier. Considering the warnings about noise and such, I'll forego adding the feature on the rear bumper and instead, modify the existing tailgate spare tire mount to fit better.

 

[That'll Buff]

Just wanted to chime in and thank JMT & Buff for their insight regarding swing away tire carriers.

I'm in the final stages of designing a new set of bumpers for my '97 and was planning on incorporating a swing-away carrier. Considering the warnings about noise and such, I'll forego adding the feature on the rear bumper and instead, modify the existing tailgate spare tire mount to fit better.

View attachment 634900

That's pretty cool! I didn't realize how much I didn't like my swing out until I started storing things in my front seat that were originally in the back, even though I wasn't using whatever I grabbed. It wouldn't be until I was forced to open the tailgate to grab something else that I would finally put them back. This issue only got worse once the handle on my swing out broke off somewhere along the road, so now I have to use the lock pin to open it. Once I get around to redoing my armor and bumpers, I'm going to switch to a normal bumper and an exogate.

 

[Cheepcheep]

I was thinking about the tire on the bumper because I was worried about over loading the gate with my tire bag and possible adding a basket over the tire.

 

[Plumber1]

Well Cheepcheep look at Rock Hard 4x4 for a great bumper tire carrier setup. But they are not cheepcheep

 

[DuckNut]

I have the bumper/carrier you linked.

Despite all the noise complaints, I do not experience any. None.

The problem I have is the arm says and opening requires stooping down under the tire and using my back to lift it so the arm can open. Closing it just requires a little momentum. It says maybe 1/8", I can close it but cannot open without lifting. There is a small amount of adjustments but the extent is surpassed.

My fix is going to have it hydraulically bent and see how that works.

 

[Cheepcheep]

This I what I wanted to add to the spare for gear and maybe a deer if it would take the weight. Can a factor spare tire mount hold that weight