The Story of Jeep’s Iconic Rear-Mounted Spare Tire
Originally published on Aug 8, 2023 | Updated on Nov 15, 2023
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Ever since the days of the Jeep’s conception, back when the title was nothing more than a slang term describing a general-purpose, four-wheel-drive military rig, vintage Willys MBs and Ford GPWs featured an externally-mounted spare tire at the rear of the tub. Fast forward nearly eight decades, and even modern Wranglers share a similar design, sporting a full-size spare tire on a tailgate-mounted carrier!
While pertinent to Jeep styling, does this positioning actually serve a purpose, or is it just for show? In this article, we’re covering everything there is to know about Jeep’s iconic spare tire placement, including its history, purpose, and even some aftermarket mounting options to improve rigidity and capacity. Now, let’s get started!
History
As aforementioned, Jeeps have utilized an exterior-mounted spare tire since their conception in the mid-1940s. During the days of military MBs and GPWs, these chassis featured a rear-mounted spare tire, similar to Jeep Wranglers; however, this placement faced issues with the release of 1945’s Willys CJ-2A.
When Willys engineered the CJ-2A, the company made several adjustments to the tub to make the “jeep” more palatable to civilians. Aside from removing firearm racks and ditching the matte olive-drab paint job, Willys opted to redesign the rear of the tub to accept a pickup-truck-esque tailgate, ideal for transporting farm equipment and supplies. Unlike the MB, which featured a solid rear tub, the CJ-2A required additional clearance to operate the tailgate, leading designers to shift the spare tire carrier to the passenger rear of the tub, just behind the rear tire.
This design remained through several Jeep generations, including the CJ-3A, CJ-3B, and even some early CJ-5 and CJ-6 models! However, with the release of the all-new CJ-7 in 1976, the CJ platform received a rear-mounted, swing-out spare tire carrier, allowing the spare tire to mount in its original position while retaining an operational tailgate. This design remained through the end of the CJ’s production when Jeep replaced it with a solid-mounted option on the YJ; while still positioned at the rear of the Jeep, the new spare tire carrier bolted to the YJ’s tailgate, allowing you to open the tailgate in a single motion.
This tailgate-mounted design has stood the test of time, stretching through the production of the Wrangler YJ, TJ, JK, and even the all-new JL!
Why Does Jeep Utilize an Exterior-Mounted Spare Tire?
Though differing in position and design across generations, there've been a couple of constants in Jeep’s spare tire setup. Firstly, the spare tire is always mounted externally. Secondly, it’s always been full-sized; no dinky donut spares here! With these constants in mind, let’s consider some of the reasons behind Jeep’s iconic spare tire positioning.
Ease of Access
First on the list is the ease of access; rather than cramming the spare tire beneath the chassis or inside the cargo area, where it’d likely be trapped under tools, cargo, and assorted gear, Jeep opted for an easily-accessible mounting location.
Maximize Cargo Space
The Jeep CJ and Wrangler chassis, especially pre-Unlimited models, aren’t renowned for their cargo capacity; can you imagine the volume an interior-mounted full-size spare tire would consume? Positioning the spare tire externally gives room to your Jeep’s interior space for camping gear, recovery equipment, tools, and anything else that’d be handy on the trail!
Retain Maximum Ground Clearance
Another common suggestion is mounting the spare tire between the rear frame rails, as several pickup trucks and SUVs do; however, this poses several issues. For starters, this location housed the gas tank on most Jeeps. Additionally, Jeeps are renowned for ground clearance; it’s one of the premier characteristics that allows Wranglers and CJs to be such domineering forces on the trail! Mounting the spare tire beneath the chassis would only harm a Jeep’s ground clearance and departure angle, thus hindering performance off-road.
Ditch the Donut!
With minimal space to mount a full-size spare in or beneath the cargo area, it’s only natural to question Jeep’s decision not to run a compact or “donut” spare tire. While convenient due to their space-saving design, donut spares are rather limited functionality-wise, featuring speed limitations and reduced durability; imagine getting a flat on the trail and crawling out on a donut!
Jeep’s externally mounted spare tire carriers provide the clearance necessary to mount a full-sized spare tire, meaning that, as opposed to vehicles with a compact spare, you won’t have to adjust your driving habits after installing the spare tire.
Aesthetics
While not originally intended to boost aesthetics, modern Wranglers likely retain the rear-mounted spare tire as an homage to the vintage CJs and Wrangler generations that previously commanded the roads and trails. After nearly eighty years of externally-mounted spare tires, spotting a Jeep without one would look unnatural!
Top Jeep Spare Tire Customizations
While your Jeep’s factory spare tire carrier can withstand the weight of a factory-size tire, issues arise when installing heavy, oversized tires, especially while off-roading. Check out some of our favorite products to bolster your Jeep’s spare tire mount!
Steelcraft Spare Tire Relocation Kit
One of the most commonly-expressed complaints with Jeep’s factory spare tire carrier is its size limitations. In factory form, your Jeep’s spare tire mount can hardly manage the weight of an oversized tire, let alone the increased diameter! For this reason, Steelcraft engineered its Spare Tire Relocation Kit, shifting the spare tire mount for additional clearance. Each kit also includes a tailgate reinforcement plate, reducing vibrations and fatigue, especially while traversing uneven terrain.
Features:
10-gauge steel construction
Textured matte black finish
Includes tailgate reinforcement plate
Easy bolt-on, no-drill installation
1-year warranty
Havoc Offroad Eliminator Anodized Spare Tire Delete
One of the most popular upgrades to beef up a Wrangler or CJ’s spare tire mount is installing a rugged aftermarket bumper with a built-in tire carrier; unfortunately, doing so leaves an unsightly gap and exposed vent where the factory spare tire mount bolted to the tailgate.
Consider the Havoc Offroad Eliminator Anodized Spare Tire Delete to remedy this eyesore!
This high-quality, anodized aluminum plate bolts to your Jeep’s tailgate using existing pre-threaded holes, making installation a breeze! Havoc offers spare tire deletes with or without license plate mounts for further customization and an integrated CB radio antenna mount for added convenience.
Available with or without a license plate mount
1/8-inch aluminum construction
CNC laser-cut and brake-formed
Clear anodized finish
Retains OE vent flaps
Features mounting location for CB antenna
Includes stainless hardware
Laser-cut Havoc logo allows for custom styling by backing with LED lights
Limited 5-year warranty
Rugged Ridge XOR Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier
For tires larger than 37 inches, we’d recommend investing in an aftermarket bumper with an integrated spare tire carrier, like the Rugged Ridge XOR! This heavy-duty rear bumper features a rugged plate steel construction and rigid integrated spare tire carrier, supporting up to 40-inch tall tires! The integrated hinge and tailgate mount enables the tailgate to function as it did from the factory, opening in a single motion.
Aside from holding your Jeep’s spare tire, this bumper also features built-in shackle mounts, an off-road jack mount, and LED bumper recesses!
Features:
Mid-width style bumper built to withstand the conditions of severe off-road use
High-strength 3/16-inch thick CNC laser-cut steel construction
Built-in shackle mounts, off-road jack mount & LED bumper recesses
Fully-adjustable tire carrier swings with tailgate and supports spare up to 40-inch diameter
Limited 5-Year Warranty
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