TJ Tailgate Strength

[scott slade]

How strong is a TJ tailgate and hinge..?  I have an 06 LJ with stock Rubicon rim and tire as a spare.  If I add the weight of a standard jerry can with fuel... Can the tailgate and hinge handle the weight..   Your thoughts...   

[rawekwit]

i have a basket made to bolt onto the tailgate to hold stuff like a jerrycan so the hinge is probably capabe but it depends where on the tailgate you attach it and how

[Moezer]

its not the tail gate hinged u gotta worry about its the tire carrier it self

[scott slade]

Only the spare will be on the tire carrier.  The jerry can would bolt on in another spot on the tail gate. Thats why I wanted to know if the gate and hinge could take the weight.   

[Jrama]

It can take the weight.... but If you leave it there for long periods time it will start to flex with bumps. Attaching the weight closer to the hinges will help a lot with this though. I'd do it only for wheeling trips and keep an eye on it. I think it would be fine.

[scott slade]

Thats what I thought.  Relocated the spare tire rack closer to the passenger side, extended / added strength plate to lock side of gate, installed jerry can holder with spacing to allow gate handle and lock operation. removed brake lights and added flush mount lights.   Looks sort of like WWII Jeep...  cool.. Will monitor for wear or sagging.  Will also watch tail gate and new sett up for wear and sagging....