When the team at Rusty's started to work on the design of a unique tire carrier, we knew the number one thing was to keep it simple. Among our requirements was that a woman with a child in her arms had to be able to open and close it with one hand, and it had to be able to support a 40-inch tire. We've never been a fan of the bumper-mounted tire carriers that rattle and sag over time, in some instances in just a few months. Unlike other Jeep models the JK has reinforcements where the JK tail gate mounts, so we decided to do a much stronger tail gate mount, making the tire carrier a part of the hinge.

The new Rusty's 1/4-inch formed steel hinges bolt to the body with six new stainless steel mounting bolts. The 3/16-inch steel fabricated tire carrier and tail gate mount is attached to the tailgate with the 8 spare tire mounting holes as well as the 4 for the factory hinges, where we also use stainless steel hardware. We use stainless for corrosion resistance and because the factory Torx bolts are not worth using much more than one time. The tail gate and tire mount pivot in our 1/4-inch hinge bracket on Oilite oil embedded bronze bearings.

Another unique part of the Rusty's tire carrier is the ability to change the wheel pattern. We know that many people are doing axle swaps to handle bigger tires, and these swaps often require changing the lug patterns. The 1/4-inch steel fabricated tire mount has the option for the factory 5 on 5 bolt pattern as well as the popular axle swap bolt patterns of 5 on 5.5 and 8 on 6.5. This mount is even adjustable for maximum departure angle or good visibility out the back window. The tire carrier allows the installation of up to a 40-inch tall tire while retaining a one-handed operation. Because the position of the tire is adjustable, you can be confident that the spare tire will clear most aftermarket rear bumpers.

The Rusty's tire carrier is e-coated for inside and outside protection and then finished in a great looking satin black powder coating. Optional accessories are also available.

KEY FEATURES:

• Made in the USA
• Made of 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch steel
• No drilling - 100% bolt-on installation
• Will carry up to a 40-inch tire
• One hand operation
• Adjustable tire position works with most aftermarket bumpers and wheel offsets
• Three different lug patterns available
• E-coated and Powder Coated satin black
• Optional bolt-on accessories