Is the TF worth the extra cost over the Smittybilt? Anyone with either one chime in why you picked it please?

 

I think it's worth every penny. Easy to install and is rock solid. Tire doesn't move. I have had mine for about a year or so and no issues at all.

 

Buy American, I vote TF although Poison Spyder makes a nice rear bumper/tire carrier combo. Smittybilt is only a small increment cheaper than American-made products that don't have the potential fitment/quality problems associated with parts that come over in a container. What's more, there's actually a replacement part supply chain for said American-made products.

 

Teraflex carries all the weight including the tailgate whereas the tailgate hinges will be carrying all the weight with the SB.

 

I know the cost for the TF is more but it doesn't seem to come with any means to attach the 3rd brake light?

I'm mainly interested in getting the carrier first, then see if I need the hinge.

 

I have the Smittybilt carrier on mine. It's a great solution for putting a 35 on the back (this is what I have) without breaking the bank. I do not like that the stock hinges take all of the extra weight from the tire/wheel combo, but so far I haven't seen any issues or sagging the last 2 years. I intend on using the SB until I see an issue come up, then I'll entertain upgrading to a tire carrier.

If money were not an issue, I'd buy an AEV bumper with the tire carrier... BUT there is a reason I drive a sport and NOT a rubicon. I'm not rich! Haha

 

The TF is made in Taiwan

 

The SB carrier idea is it secures the tire firmly so I doesn't move or wiggle but all the load is on the tailgate still , this can also be achieved by using the factory carrier and making proper bump stops to the tire does not move at all. If mounted properly with no movement the tailgate should be fine with a 35 for a while. The TF carrier puts the load more on the new hinges and not as much on the tailgate.

 

for the long term, I'm better off with the TF, since I can get the hinge later as an upgrade. Not sure if like the way SB mounts the tire anyway.

 

If the get the TF Carrier you need to get the hinge part as well I believe , that's the part that actually distributes the weight, and yes that is a good long term option.