Does a Ford Bronco Need Tailgate Reinforcement for 35s or 37s?

Does a Ford Bronco Need Tailgate Reinforcement?

Not every Bronco needs it. Tailgate reinforcement makes the most sense when the spare tire setup requires more support than the existing mounting system is approved to provide. A 35-inch or 37-inch tire label alone is not enough to decide.

Check the spare's combined tire-and-wheel weight, its mounting position, and the requirements for your exact carrier. If the current setup is factory-equipped, undamaged, and used within its documented limits, buying a reinforcement kit simply because one is available may be unnecessary.

Do 35-Inch Tires Require Bronco Tailgate Reinforcement?

Not across every trim and setup. Ford Performance recommends its M-19007-BRS swing-gate reinforcement kit when installing its M-19007-BRA35 or M-19007-BRD35 35-inch spare mount upgrades. The reinforcement kit includes upgraded hinges and a swing-gate exoskeleton.

That recommendation applies to those Ford Performance upgrade combinations. It should not be rewritten as a rule that every Bronco running factory 35s needs an additional aftermarket kit. A Bronco delivered with a factory 35-inch spare may already have a different mounting arrangement than one being converted from smaller tires.

Our advice: Identify the installed carrier and camera equipment before shopping. If you're following a manufacturer-specified upgrade path, include its recommended reinforcement instead of guessing that a larger mount is enough.

What About a 37-Inch Spare Tire?

Check the full mounting system before fitting a 37-inch spare. A larger spare can be substantially heavier, but not every 37-inch tire or wheel weighs the same. The location of that weight matters too.

A bracket advertised to clear a 37-inch or 38-inch tire doesn't necessarily increase hinge or tailgate capacity. Clearance tells you whether parts touch; a load rating tells you what the mounting system is approved to carry. Those are different claims.

We would look for a carrier or reinforcement manufacturer that documents the approved arrangement, including any required companion parts. When those details aren't available, don't assume the setup is safe merely because the spare bolts on.

For the broader carrier choices, read our Ford Bronco tire carrier guide.

What Does Tailgate Reinforcement Do?

It strengthens or redistributes how the rear mounting system carries the spare. Depending on the design, a kit may replace hinges, add a support structure, or use stronger carrier hardware.

The Turn Offroad TC3-M1 HD tailgate reinforcement is one example. Its design uses an all-steel boxed structure, upgraded hinges, and a pivot bushing to support a larger spare mounting setup. That's different from a simple spacer or relocation bracket.

Reinforcement isn't an unlimited weight allowance. The approved carrier configuration, wheel and tire combination, and installation instructions still determine whether a particular setup makes sense.

How Much Weight Can the Factory Bronco Tailgate Hold?

Don't rely on a single universal number without verifying it for your Bronco and carrier. Trim equipment, spare mount hardware, and aftermarket parts can differ. A claimed maximum tire diameter is also not a substitute for an actual weight limit.

As a simple illustration, a 75-pound tire on a 30-pound wheel weighs 105 pounds. Changing to a 90-pound tire and 40-pound wheel makes the spare 130 pounds, or 25 pounds heavier. Those are example weights, not measured specifications.

That extra mass affects the mounting system, but weight alone does not calculate the stresses at the hinges. Mounting distance, road impacts, and structural geometry affect the forces involved. Get the actual published weights for your chosen parts and follow the manufacturer's complete system requirements.

What Are the Signs Your Bronco Tailgate Needs Attention?

New rattles, movement, rubbing, or difficulty closing the swing gate call for inspection. They do not automatically prove that a reinforcement kit is needed.

• New rattling: Check wheel fasteners, carrier hardware, and nearby accessories.
• Closing or alignment changes: Inspect the latch and hinges rather than forcing the gate shut.
• Rubbing marks: Check tire clearance around the bumper, camera, and body.
• Loose or damaged mounts: Stop using the affected setup until it has been inspected and repaired.

Don't install reinforcement to cover up an existing damaged hinge or cracked panel. Repair the underlying problem first.

Is Tailgate Reinforcement Better Than a Bumper-Mounted Carrier?

Neither is automatically better. Reinforcement can preserve the convenience of a tailgate-mounted spare. A properly engineered bumper-mounted swing-out supports the spare through a separate carrier and bumper system, but it may add weight, cost, and extra steps when opening the cargo area.

For a daily driver, a properly rated reinforced tailgate system can be easier to live with. For a heavier trail-focused build that already has the required bumper, a swing-out may be worth considering. Check the exact bumper and carrier pairing before ordering.

When Is Bronco Tailgate Reinforcement Not Worth Buying?

When your existing, undamaged setup already supports the spare you're using. A reinforcement kit is not a required accessory for every owner, and it won't solve a clearance issue unless its design also changes the spare's position.

Before spending money, answer three questions: Does the tire clear? Is the complete system approved for its weight? Is the current mounting hardware in sound condition? If all three are satisfied, you may have no problem to fix.

If you're upgrading, compare the Turn Offroad HD reinforcement system with your current hardware and the relevant manufacturer requirements. The goal is a properly supported spare, not the most expensive rear-end setup.