Carnivore Spare Tire Reinforcement Kit Review

The sag.

You’ve probably seen it around, maybe in a strip mall parking lot, or even at a weekend Jeep event.

It’s that poor Wrangler tailgate that has to take the brunt of an oversized spare tire’s weight. All because an owner just slapped the tire onto the spare tire mount and figured everything would be okay.

Well, the sag tells you it is not okay.

The factory tailgate setup works fine with stock-sized tires. But once you step up to something bigger and heavier, that extra weight starts to add stress over time and cause the tailgate itself to droop, like a sleepy toddler’s eyelids before naptime.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Because that’s exactly where a reinforcement kit comes in.

We recently installed the Carnivore Spare Tire Reinforcement Kit on one of our Wrangler JLs that is running Nitto Trail Grappler 37x12.50R17 tires, and right away it felt like one of those upgrades that just makes sense if you’re planning to run a larger spare long-term.

First Impressions & Build Quality

Most of us here have been using Carnivore products for a while now, and out of the box, this kit gives off the same impression as everything else the brand offers. Solid, no-nonsense construction with a focus on function over flash.

The components are all heavy-duty steel with a black powder coat finish that matches well with factory hardware. Nothing feels thin or overcomplicated. It’s straightforward, which is exactly what you want for something that’s supporting weight on the back of your Jeep.

Everything you need is included: brackets, hardware, and reinforcement pieces designed to spread the load more evenly across the tailgate.

Again, it’s not a flashy upgrade, but it’s one of those parts you appreciate more the longer you run it.

Installation

The installation of Carnivore’s Spare Tire Reinforcement kit is a bit more involved than something like side steps or a bumper, but still well within reach for a typical driveway project.

You are working around the tailgate and spare tire mount, so expect to remove the spare and factory carrier components before installing the reinforcement brackets. Take your time here, especially when aligning everything back up.

The included instructions are clear, and everything lines up with factory mounting points, so there’s no drilling or modification required.

Overall, you should plan for about two to three hours, depending on your experience level and how methodical you want to be.

Real-World Use

This is one of those upgrades you don’t ‘feel’ right away in the same way you would with suspension or tires. Instead, it’s about what you don’t notice over time.

With the reinforcement kit in place, the tailgate feels more solid when opening and closing, especially with a heavier spare mounted. There’s less flex, less movement, and overall more confidence that things are supported the way they should be.

If you’ve ever noticed that slight sagging, creaking, or just an uneasy feeling with a larger spare hanging on just the standard carrier, this helps eliminate a lot of that stress.

It also gives you peace of mind on rougher trails where the rear of the Jeep takes more vibration and movement. Knowing that the load is distributed more effectively makes a difference, even if it’s not something you actively think about while driving.

We utilized this carrier exclusively during our last Easter Jeep Safari adventure in Moab, Utah, taking our vehicle through trail days on Hell’s Revenge, Metal Masher, and Steel Bender. All of those trails offer plenty of bumps and jarring ledges, and we didn’t notice any issue with that rear spare tire.

Who This Is Really For

Not every JL owner needs this kit.

If you’re running a stock tire or something close to it, the factory setup is usually fine.

But if you’ve upgraded to a heavier wheel and tire combo, especially 35s or larger, this modification becomes a smart move. The added weight and leverage on the tailgate over time is exactly what this kit is designed to address.

It’s also a good fit for anyone who loads up the tailgate with extra gear like pull-down tables or heavy cargo bags, or spends time (like we did) on rough terrain where that stress gets amplified.

Any Downsides?

A couple of practical notes to keep in mind:

Install takes more time than basic bolt-ons
You’re adding a bit of weight to the rear (though that’s expected with reinforcement)
It’s not a visible upgrade, so the value is more functional than cosmetic
You don’t need this if you have the factory tires, or something similar.

Remember, this isn’t a flashy upgrade like new lights or bumpers. This is for the long-term survivability of your tailgate when it is holding 35-inch or larger tires.

So, the Final Verdict?

The Carnivore Spare Tire Reinforcement Kit is one of those upgrades that’s easy to overlook until you actually need it.

It doesn’t change how your Jeep looks, and it’s not something you’ll show off. But it plays an important role in protecting your tailgate and keeping everything functioning the way it should, especially as your build evolves.

If you’re running a larger spare or have plans to upgrade soon, this is a smart, preventative modification that helps avoid bigger issues down the road.