Bracing tire carrier to hatch

[MaxxXJ]

Here's my $.02 on reinforcement... Mine was in the bumper itself, it flexed at the bolt hole mounts, so I ran a brace from the bumper to the hitch like this

And because it's 1/4" thick and went from top to bottom of my bumper it didn't allow any up and down movement or back and forth flex.

My buddy Casey has an older JCR bumper with the bumper reinforcement brackets and it still flexes at the stock mount. Otherwise it's very stout. I'd have someone shake your tire while you observe the stock mounting location

 

[tigmeister]

I made it to be able to accommodate a 35. The end is fully captured with UHMW and has no rattles.

 

[tigmeister]

I made mine out of 2 x 2 x .120 wall tube. Seemed to be a good balance between weight and strength.