Smittybilt XRC tailgate with tire carrier (is anyone else's really tight?)

Immrtn02

Immrtn02

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Joined
Jan 30, 2020
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Ventura County
New to forum and new JK owner. Just have a question for anyone with the smittybilt XRC tailgate. Recently purchased it and just completed the install (instructions were horrible by the way). My question is, is anyone else's tailgate extremely tight to the rear window making it feel like the rear window could shatter any second? Hinge side is flush but unless I slam the door the handle side sticks out a bit. Any kind of fix that anyone has done to relieve some of the pressure on the window? Really just worried that If I start rocking the Jeep at all the window is gonna bust 🤔.
 
Immrtn02 said:
New to forum and new JK owner. Just have a question for anyone with the smittybilt XRC tailgate. Recently purchased it and just completed the install (instructions were horrible by the way). My question is, is anyone else's tailgate extremely tight to the rear window making it feel like the rear window could shatter any second? Hinge side is flush but unless I slam the door the handle side sticks out a bit. Any kind of fix that anyone has done to relieve some of the pressure on the window? Really just worried that If I start rocking the Jeep at all the window is gonna bust 🤔.
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So its basically touching? That sounds like something is out of spec. I would contact Smittybilt.

I know their manufacturing is sub par.
 
IndominusHuman said:
So its basically touching? That sounds like something is out of spec. I would contact Smittybilt.

I know their manufacturing is sub par.
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It's putting pressure along the rubber lining when shut that then makes the window creak. Wondering if I need to take it to 4 wheel parts to have them check it or just return it and put old one back on.
 
Immrtn02 said:
It's putting pressure along the rubber lining when shut that then makes the window creak. Wondering if I need to take it to 4 wheel parts to have them check it or just return it and put old one back on.
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Either one would be a good option.

I would personally return it and go for something like JCR Offroad or a higher quality manufacturer. I know its more expensive, but I have heard of smittybilt tire carriers sagging after a short time. I hear JCR Offroad makes high quality products.
 
IndominusHuman said:
Either one would be a good option.

I would personally return it and go for something like JCR Offroad or a higher quality manufacturer. I know its more expensive, but I have heard of smittybilt tire carriers sagging after a short time. I hear JCR Offroad makes high quality products.
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Thanks!
 
Chris said:
Can you post a picture? I want to compare it with my buddy, who has the same setup.
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It def is a snug fit. I like the look but very cumbersome and the window thing. I dont think it will actually break the glass but also maybe because the tailgate could withstand a bomb blast but the rest of the Jeep will be obliterated 🤣..

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IndominusHuman said:
Oh! I thought it was a spare tire carrier on the bumper. To me this looks correct.
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Oh sorry I may not have explained it right. I do like the overall look but was just curious that if there is a little more strain on the window from the tailgate could that possibly make it shatter when rocking the jeep more than just down the street.
 
Yep, I can tell you from looking at his first hand, that is exactly what his looks like. He's never had any issues with it, and he has a 35 mounted to it and does some decent off-roading, so I doubt you have anything to worry about honestly.
 
Chris said:
Yep, I can tell you from looking at his first hand, that is exactly what his looks like. He's never had any issues with it, and he has a 35 mounted to it and does some decent off-roading, so I doubt you have anything to worry about honestly.
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Ok perfect. Thanks so much!
 
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