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If you have ever wondered what you need to upgrade when going from 32 to 35 inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler, you might expect it to be just a matter of swapping rubber. That is what I thought too, until I came across a surprisingly pleasant but eye-opening post today in the Jeep Wrangler JL Owners 2018+ group. The topic? Spare tire mounts. And it all started with a 2020 Wrangler Unlimited Sport owner who thought he was simply leveling up his Jeep’s stance.
“I am moving up from the factory 32” tires to 35” on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. The guy at the tire place said I will need to replace my spare mount on the rear gate. Is this true? If so looking for suggestions. I do have the backup camera and 3rd break light.”
That unexpected comment from the tire shop worker sparked a flurry of responses. As it turns out, upgrading to 35 inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler JL can create real challenges for your tailgate, your hinges, and even your backup camera setup.
Why Bigger Tires Put Stress On Your Jeep Wrangler Tailgate
Bigger tires look great and perform better off-road, but they also weigh more and sit further out from the tailgate. This can put unchecked stress on the hinges and latch, leading to rattles, misalignment, or in extreme cases, tailgate failure. Christina Herzog, who bought a 2021 Sahara with 35s, said, “I noticed when I took it off-road, the tire was shaking which made the back door sound like it was loose.”
It might sound minor, but ignoring that shake is not a good idea. Just like when deciding between a Jeep Wrangler or a Subaru Crosstrek for serious off-road use (which I explore in this comparison), one small choice can have bigger consequences than expected.
Different Jeep Wrangler Models Handle 35s Differently
Not all Wrangler trims are built the same. Don Wilson pointed out, “Depends on if you have a Sport, Sahara, or Rubicon. I think with the Sport you need a mount spacer at minimum or it will rub when you close the gate. Rubicon can take a 35 inch.”
That is why how to fit 35 inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler Sport is not the same as doing it on a Rubicon. Even tire sizing can be misleading. “Not all 35 inch tires measure 35,” Wilson reminded. Measuring before you buy can save you headaches later.
Tailgate Reinforcement Options For Jeep Wrangler Owners
Several group members recommended solutions. Glenn Johnson uses an adjustable Teraflex mount that works with different tire sizes and keeps the brake light and backup camera in place. Paul Adams Adamopoulos was blunt: “Yes, for fit and, more importantly, to provide additional tailgate support due to the increased weight.”
Heavy-duty options like the Jeep Wrangler XR spare tire carrier for larger tires can handle 35s and even 37s without flexing the tailgate. Lon Harter uses the XR model hanger and runs 37s without issue. Erik Brown solved his problem by adding a bumper-mounted swing-out tire carrier, which made upgrading later even easier.
Why A Spare Tire Mount Upgrade Is More Than Cosmetic
The real issue is structural. Your tailgate was designed for the stock spare tire weight, not the extra pounds that come with 35-inch mud terrains. A mount upgrade is like buying peace of mind. In the same way, it is better to work with pros when deciding why you should turn to experts for your spare tire setup, professional solutions protect your Jeep and keep it trail-ready.
3 Extra Tips That Jeep Owners Should Know Before Upgrading to 35s
1. Check Your Brake Light and Camera Alignment After Installing 35s
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When installing 35 inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler with a backup camera, you may need to adjust the camera angle or relocate the brake light to keep them legal and functional. Bigger tires can block part of the view or cover the light completely. Adjustable mounts often include camera relocation brackets for this reason.
2. Reinforce Hinges Before They Become a Problem
If you are looking for how to prevent tailgate damage from larger spare tires on a Jeep Wrangler, start with hinge reinforcement before you notice sagging or rattling. Many reinforcement kits work with factory mounts and add strength without replacing the entire carrier.
3. Choose Tires That Truly Fit Your Lifestyle
The key to choosing the right 35 inch tire size for a Jeep Wrangler JL is not just diameter. Consider weight, tread type, and sidewall strength. A lighter all-terrain might be better for mixed driving, while a heavy mud-terrain could be overkill for a daily driver that rarely sees deep trails.
The Overlooked Factor: Long-Term Reliability
Upgrading to 35s without reinforcing the mount can lead to tailgate rattles and hinge wear. Once the alignment is off, fixing it can get expensive. That is why best tailgate reinforcement kits for Jeep Wrangler JL with 35 inch tires have become a popular search among Jeep owners who want both looks and durability.
The Real Cost of Upgrading Your Jeep Wrangler Spare Tire Mount
When you price out the cost of upgrading a Jeep Wrangler tailgate for 35 inch tires, you might be surprised. A quality tailgate reinforcement kit ranges from $250 to $600, while a heavy-duty bumper with a swing-out carrier can run $900 to $1,500. Compare that to the potential cost of repairing a bent tailgate or replacing damaged hinges — which can easily hit $800 or more in parts and labor.
The math is clear: reinforcing your mount now is often cheaper than repairing tailgate damage later. Plus, many Jeep Wrangler spare tire carrier upgrades for 35s also improve camera placement, brake light visibility, and resale value. In other words, you’re not just paying for strength — you’re investing in long-term reliability.
In Jeep building, every upgrade has a ripple effect. Just like Jeep engineers designed the 2018 Wrangler’s five new features to work as a package, your modifications should support each other. It is about being mindful of the next owner, your passengers, and the people you wheel with. The selfless decision is to build for reliability as well as style.
Key takeaway: If you are thinking about installing 35 inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler without replacing the spare tire mount, think twice. The cost of prevention is often far less than the cost of repairs later.
Have you upgraded your Wrangler to 35s and reinforced your spare mount, or did you stick with the stock setup? If you skipped the mount upgrade, did you notice any rattles or issues later on? Share your experience in the comments section below.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
Image source: Gemini.
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Source: torquenews.com
