Driving a Jeep Wrangler without spare tire changes the vehicle’s handling and requires a different tire carrier setup. Many owners remove the spare for a cleaner look, better rear visibility, or to save weight, but it is not as simple as just unbolting it. You need to think about balance, safety, and what to do in case of a flat.
This guide covers everything about running a Jeep Wrangler without spare tire. We will talk about the pros, the cons, the modifications you might need, and how to stay prepared on the road. Let us get straight into it.
Jeep Wrangler Without Spare Tire
Removing the spare tire from your Wrangler changes more than just the look. The spare is heavy, often weighing 60 to 80 pounds or more. Taking it off reduces the total weight of your Jeep. This can improve fuel economy slightly and make the rear end feel lighter.
But there are trade-offs. The spare tire also acts as a rear bumper in low-speed impacts. Without it, the tailgate or rear body panels are more exposed. You also lose the convenience of having a spare ready to go.
Reasons To Remove The Spare Tire
People remove the spare for different reasons. Here are the most common ones:
- Better rear visibility: The spare blocks a lot of the rear window. Removing it gives you a clear view.
- Weight reduction: Less weight means better acceleration and braking, especially off-road.
- Cleaner appearance: Some owners prefer the smooth, minimalist look.
- Fit larger tires: If you upgrade to 35-inch or 37-inch tires, the stock carrier might not work. You might remove the spare until you get a better carrier.
- Rear bumper clearance: On extreme trails, a spare tire can hit rocks or ledges. Removing it gives more departure angle.
What Happens To Handling
When you take the spare off, the weight distribution shifts. The rear axle becomes lighter. This can make the rear end feel more lively or even loose on bumpy roads. You might notice less squat under acceleration.
On the highway, the Jeep may feel less stable in crosswinds because the spare was acting as a stabilizer. Some owners report a slight improvement in braking distance because there is less mass to stop. Overall, the change is not dramatic, but it is noticeable.
Tailgate And Carrier Considerations
If you remove the spare, you still have the tire carrier mounted to the tailgate. On older Wranglers (TJ, YJ), the carrier is separate. On JK and JL models, the spare mounts directly to the tailgate hinges. Leaving the carrier in place without a tire can cause rattling or stress on the hinges.
You have a few options:
- Remove the entire carrier assembly.
- Install a delete kit that covers the mounting holes.
- Keep the carrier but secure it so it does not rattle.
Some aftermarket companies sell spare tire delete kits. These are metal plates that bolt onto the tailgate where the spare used to sit. They give a clean finish and prevent debris from getting into the hinge mechanism.
Preparing For A Flat Tire
The biggest risk of running without a spare is being stranded with a flat. You need a backup plan. Here are the most common solutions:
Carry A Repair Kit
A tire plug kit and a small air compressor can fix many punctures on the trail or road. This works for nail holes or small cuts. You do not need to remove the tire. Just plug it, reinflate, and drive.
Make sure you know how to use the kit before you need it. Practice at home. Also, check that your compressor can inflate your tire size. Small compressors take a long time for large tires.
Use A Full-Size Spare In The Cargo Area
If you remove the rear-mounted spare, you can put a full-size spare in the cargo area. This works if you fold down the rear seats or use a cargo organizer. The downside is that it takes up a lot of space. For daily driving, this might not be practical.
Some owners strap the spare to the roll bar or use a floor-mounted bracket. This keeps it secure during off-road driving.
Carry A Donut Spare
A donut spare is much smaller and lighter. It takes up less space. But it is only for temporary use. You cannot drive at highway speeds or off-road with a donut. It is a last-resort option.
Make sure the donut fits your Jeep’s bolt pattern. Most Wranglers use a 5×5 inch pattern, but check your model.
Rely On Roadside Assistance
If you have a good roadside assistance plan, you might choose to not carry a spare at all. This works for city driving. But off-road, help can be hours away. Always have a backup plan for remote areas.
Modifications And Parts Needed
Removing the spare is not always plug-and-play. You might need some parts to do it right. Here is what to consider:
Spare Tire Delete Kit
This is the most common modification. A delete kit covers the mounting holes on the tailgate. It also provides a flat surface for a license plate mount or a camera relocation bracket. Many kits include a third brake light mount because the stock brake light is often built into the spare tire carrier.
Popular brands include Rugged Ridge, TeraFlex, and Mopar. Prices range from $50 to $200. Installation is usually straightforward with basic tools.
License Plate Relocation
On many Wranglers, the license plate mounts on the spare tire carrier. When you remove the spare, you need a new place for the plate. Some delete kits include a plate mount. Others require a separate bracket.
You can also mount the plate directly to the tailgate or rear bumper. Make sure it is visible and legal in your state.
Third Brake Light Relocation
The third brake light is often integrated into the spare tire mount. If you remove the spare, you lose the brake light. You need to relocate it to the tailgate or rear window. Some delete kits include a light mount. You can also buy a standalone LED brake light that mounts above the rear window.
Check your local laws. A working third brake light is required in most places.
Rear Camera Adjustment
Newer Wranglers have a rearview camera built into the spare tire mount. When you remove the spare, the camera needs to be repositioned. Some delete kits include a camera relocation bracket. Without it, the camera points at the ground or the sky.
You can also buy a separate aftermarket camera that mounts on the tailgate or bumper. This gives you a better view anyway.
Pros And Cons Summary
Here is a quick breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Better rear visibility
- Weight reduction
- Improved departure angle off-road
- Cleaner look
- Slightly better fuel economy
Cons
- No spare tire in case of flat
- Less rear-end stability in crosswinds
- Exposed tailgate and rear panels
- Need to buy delete kit and relocate parts
- Possible rattling from empty carrier
Step-By-Step Removal Guide
If you decide to remove the spare, here is a simple step-by-step process. This is for a JK or JL Wrangler. YJ and TJ models are similar but may have different hardware.
- Park on level ground. Chock the front wheels.
- Remove the spare tire by unscrewing the lug nuts or the center bolt. You may need a socket and breaker bar.
- Lower the spare carefully. It is heavy. Get help if needed.
- Remove the tire carrier assembly if it is separate. On JL models, the carrier is part of the tailgate hinges. You may need to unbolt it.
- Install the spare tire delete kit. Follow the kit’s instructions. Usually, it bolts into the same holes as the carrier.
- Relocate the license plate and third brake light using the kit’s brackets.
- Adjust the rearview camera if applicable. Use the relocation bracket.
- Test everything. Make sure the brake light works and the camera shows a clear view.
- Torque all bolts to spec. Do not overtighten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a Jeep Wrangler without spare tire on the highway?
Yes, you can. But the handling may feel different. The rear end is lighter, so crosswinds affect it more. Also, you have no spare if you get a flat. Carry a repair kit or have a plan.
Will removing the spare tire void my warranty?
Removing the spare itself does not void the warranty. But if you damage the tailgate or hinges during removal, that might not be covered. Aftermarket delete kits also do not void the warranty, but any damage from them might not be covered.
How much weight does removing the spare save?
It depends on the tire size. A stock 32-inch tire and wheel weigh about 60-70 pounds. A 35-inch setup can weigh 80-100 pounds. Removing it saves that much weight from the rear.
Do I need a delete kit to remove the spare?
Not strictly, but it is recommended. Without a delete kit, you have exposed bolt holes and an empty carrier that can rattle. The kit gives a clean finish and mounts your license plate and brake light.
Can I put the spare inside the Jeep instead?
Yes. Many owners put the spare in the cargo area. It takes up space but keeps the tire available. Secure it with straps so it does not move during driving.
Final Thoughts
Running a Jeep Wrangler without spare tire is a personal choice. It changes the look and feel of the vehicle. You gain better visibility and less weight, but you lose the security of having a spare. The key is to plan ahead. Carry a repair kit, know how to use it, and have a backup plan for serious flats.
If you do remove the spare, invest in a good delete kit. It makes the installation clean and keeps your license plate and brake light legal. Do not forget to adjust your rear camera if you have one.
Every Wrangler owner has different needs. For daily driving with good roadside assistance, going without a spare is fine. For off-road trips or long highway drives, you might want to keep a spare inside or use a different carrier setup. Think about your typical driving and make the choice that works for you.
Removing the spare is not a huge mod, but it is one that affects your daily driving. Take the time to do it right. Your Jeep will look cleaner, and you will enjoy the improved rear view. Just stay prepared for the unexpected.
That covers the main points about a Jeep Wrangler without spare tire. If you have more questions, check the FAQ above or ask your local Jeep club. They have likely done the same mod and can give you real-world advice.