Upgrading Your Bronco Spare Tire Carrier: Key Benefits
The Ford Bronco is an iconic vehicle that blends rugged capability with modern technology, making it a favorite for drivers who demand performance and reliability. One of the best upgrades for your Bronco is the spare tire carrier.
This essential component is key to your vehicle’s functionality, especially on tough terrains or in emergency situations when you need your spare tire. Upgrading your spare tire carrier provides several benefits, including larger tires, better durability, and improved aesthetics. Here are some of the reasons to consider upgrading this stock part on your vehicle.
Understanding the Stock Bronco Spare Tire Carrier
Ford designed the factory spare tire carrier with standard specifications that work well for most drivers. The stock system handles factory tire sizes effectively and integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s original design. However, serious off-road enthusiasts may find that this factory setup has limitations when they want to push their Bronco further.
The stock carrier restricts you to smaller tire sizes, which limits your off-road performance potential. Many owners find that the factory system lacks the robust construction needed for extreme off-road conditions where durability matters most.
Key Benefits of Upgrading Your Bronco Spare Tire Carrier
Upgrading your Bronco spare tire carrier unlocks a range of advantages that enhance both functionality and performance. Below, we explore the key benefits of making this modification.
Enhanced Durability and Strength
Aftermarket spare tire carriers feature construction that withstands the punishment of serious off-road adventures. These upgraded systems use heavy-duty materials, such as steel, which enhances strength to keep your spare tire securely mounted even during the most challenging trail conditions.
Professional-grade construction means your carrier won’t fail when you need it most. This reliability becomes critical when you’re miles from civilization and can’t repair your equipment if it fails.
Reinforced Carrier Design
One major concern for off-road vehicle owners is door sag. This issue worsens with oversized tires, as the extra weight strains factory hinges and mounting points. A reinforced carrier fixes this by shifting the load from the door to the vehicle’s frame or a support system.
These reinforced carriers keep doors aligned, even with heavy tires. This prevents sagging, extends the life of hinges and the body, and provides peace of mind during off-road adventures.
Improved Tire Clearance
Upgraded carriers accommodate significantly larger tire sizes that transform your Bronco’s off-road capabilities. Larger tires provide better traction, improved ground clearance, and enhanced obstacle-climbing ability.
Many aftermarket systems clear up to 38-inch tires while maintaining factory components like the rear bumper, camera, and third brake light. This expanded clearance allows you to run the aggressive tire sizes you’ll need for tackling serious trails.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Aftermarket spare tire carriers often feature sleek designs that complement your Bronco’s rugged appearance. These systems integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s style while adding a custom touch that sets your build apart. Many carriers offer powder-coated finishes that resist corrosion and maintain their appearance through years of use.
Additional Accessory Mounting Options
Modern spare tire carriers often include mounting points for additional accessories like recovery gear, lighting, or storage solutions. Jerry can carriers and third brake light accessories are particularly popular additions. These integrated mounting options expand your vehicle’s utility without requiring separate mounting systems.
This modularity means your carrier grows with your build as you add more equipment and accessories over time. Versatility allows you to customize your setup based on your specific adventure needs.
Types of Aftermarket Spare Tire Carriers
Aftermarket spare tire carriers come in a variety of designs, each tailored to meet different needs and preferences. Explore the key types of aftermarket spare tire carriers to help you make an informed decision.
Bumper-Mounted Carriers
Bumper-mounted systems integrate directly with aftermarket rear bumpers to create a unified appearance and enhanced strength. These carriers distribute the tire’s weight across the bumper structure, providing excellent stability and load-bearing capacity.
This creates opportunities for additional features, including integrated lighting and recovery points. This mounting style works particularly well for builds that prioritize maximum durability and integrated functionality.
Adjustable Tire Carriers
Adjustable carriers offer flexibility to accommodate different tire sizes and configurations. These systems feature adjustable mounting points that adapt to various tire dimensions without requiring complete replacement. This adaptability is ideal for drivers experimenting with different tire setups or planning future upgrades.
Body-Mounted Carriers
Body-mounted systems attach directly to the vehicle’s frame or body structure, often maintaining the factory tailgate functionality. These carriers provide excellent weight distribution while preserving the convenience of the original tailgate operation. This mounting style offers an excellent balance of strength, functionality, and convenience for daily driving.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Spare Tire Carrier
When selecting a spare tire carrier, you need to evaluate various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and vehicle requirements. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision-making process.
Tire Size and Weight
Your truck’s tire size impacts which carrier system will work best for your application. Larger, heavier tires require more robust mounting systems with enhanced load-bearing capacity.
Consider your current tire size and potential future upgrades when selecting a carrier system. The weight distribution characteristics of different tire sizes also affect how the carrier interacts with your vehicle’s handling and performance.
Vehicle Use
Off-road-focused builds require maximum durability and strength to handle extreme conditions. Street-driven vehicles might prioritize convenience features and aesthetic integration over ultimate strength.
Consider how you use your Bronco when evaluating different carrier options. Your usage patterns determine which features matter most and which compromises you’re willing to accept.
Your Budget
Aftermarket spare tire carriers can range in price based on size and the extent of their features. Determine your budget early and focus on systems that deliver the most value for your specific needs.
Remember that quality construction often provides better long-term value than budget alternatives. Consider the total cost, including installation and any additional accessories you might need.
Installation Requirements
Some carrier systems require professional installation, while others offer straightforward bolt-on installation. Evaluate your mechanical skills and available tools when choosing a system.
Complex installations might require specialized knowledge and professional assistance, which affects your total project cost. Factor in installation time and complexity when planning your upgrade timeline.
Where To Find Ford Bronco Tire Carrier Upgrades
Turn Offroad offers a comprehensive selection of Ford Bronco spare tire carrier upgrades. Our tire carrier systems include protective features like closed-cell foam pads that prevent bracket damage to your vehicle’s paint. We also carry popular accessories for tire carriers, such as jerry can carriers and brake light customizations.
This attention to detail ensures professional results that enhance both function and appearance. Browse our full selection today to find a tire carrier that matches your Bronco.
Transform Your Bronco’s Capabilities With Tire Carrier Upgrades
Upgrading your Bronco spare tire carrier unlocks significant performance and aesthetic benefits that transform your vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The enhanced durability, improved tire clearance, and additional mounting options create a foundation for serious adventure builds. These upgrades provide the reliability and functionality that serious off-road enthusiasts demand from their equipment.
Choose a carrier system that matches your specific needs, budget, and intended use. Find a wide range of tire carrier upgrades and other exterior vehicle modifications at Turn Offroad to enhance your vehicle’s capabilities.
