How Much Spare Tire Weight Can a Ford Bronco Tailgate Hold?

How Much Spare Tire Weight Can a Ford Bronco Tailgate Hold?

There is no single verified weight limit in pounds that you should apply to every Ford Bronco factory tailgate. The answer depends on the vehicle's original mounting equipment and the spare carrier configuration. Don't trust a forum number without checking what vehicle, carrier, and hardware it describes.

The safer question is: Is your exact spare assembly approved for your exact mounting system? That means checking more than tire diameter. A wheel, tire, relocation bracket, and carrier all affect the finished setup.

Does Ford Publish a 35-Inch or 37-Inch Spare Limit?

Ford publishes specific approved equipment combinations, but that is not the same as a universal tailgate capacity. Ford Performance says its M-19007-BRS reinforcement kit, used with its M-19007-BRA35 or M-19007-BRD35 mounts, provides a way to mount 35-inch spares. Ford also recommends reinforcement when installing those mount upgrades and a 35-inch spare.

That guidance applies to the stated parts and model years, not every Bronco with a nominal 35-inch tire. In the 2026 order guide, the Bronco Raptor is listed with a 37-inch spare and a reinforced swing gate. That is evidence of a factory-designed combination, not proof that a standard Bronco carrier is rated for every aftermarket 37-inch assembly.

Our recommendation: if you change the factory wheel and tire, look up the current guidance for your particular mount instead of borrowing a load number from another trim.

How Do You Calculate Your Bronco Spare Tire's Actual Weight?

Add the published tire and wheel weights, then account for attached equipment. Look up the exact tire model and size, not just the advertised diameter. Wheel diameter alone is not enough either; different wheel designs and materials can weigh very different amounts.

For example, using hypothetical weights:

• Original spare: 65-pound tire + 27-pound wheel = 92 pounds.
• New spare: 83-pound tire + 36-pound wheel = 119 pounds.
• Increase: 27 pounds, or about 29% compared with the example original spare.

These numbers explain the calculation, not a Ford-approved limit. That extra weight does not, by itself, tell you whether the hinges are safe. You still need the carrier's approved configuration and the position of the load.

Don't confuse the shipping weight of a reinforcement kit with the carrier's load capacity. The numbers describe completely different things.

Why Does Wheel Offset Matter to Spare Carrier Stress?

Weight farther from its support creates more leverage. Wheel offset and a relocation bracket can change the spare's position. Two assemblies of equal mass can place different forces on the supporting structure if mounted at different distances.

A simple physics model shows the point: 120 pounds acting 8 inches from a pivot produces twice the static moment of the same 120 pounds acting 4 inches away. That is an illustration, not the Bronco's actual hinge geometry or a safe operating calculation. Trail impacts introduce forces that this simple example doesn't capture.

If you are adjusting mounting depth, look at the Turn Offroad adjustable tire carrier and camera mount. Its adjustment helps position wheels with different offsets, but it does not eliminate the need for appropriate reinforcement and rated support.

Does a Spare Tire Relocation Bracket Increase Tailgate Weight Capacity?

Not unless its manufacturer explicitly says it does. A relocation bracket often raises or repositions a larger spare for bumper and brake-light clearance. It should not be mistaken for structural reinforcement.

For example, the Turn Offroad tire carrier relocation kit is marketed for spare clearance up to 38 inches. That statement describes available space, not an unlimited load rating for the factory swing gate.

If you're considering reinforcement, read our focused guide: Does a Bronco Need Tailgate Reinforcement for 35s or 37s?

What Should You Do If You Cannot Find a Spare Carrier Weight Rating?

Ask the manufacturer for the approved complete assembly before fitting a heavier spare. Request guidance for your Bronco's model year, trim, wheel-and-tire weight, tire dimensions, wheel offset, and installed carrier. Include any additional accessories attached to the swing gate.

If a seller can only tell you that a bracket fits a certain tire diameter, ask whether that means clearance or supported load. Those are not interchangeable.

Don't take a lack of published failures as proof that a setup is safe. And don't assume a reinforcement kit repairs a loose hinge, cracked mount, or damaged tailgate. Address those problems before increasing the load.

What's the Smartest Spare Tire Setup for Daily Driving?

Keep the simplest manufacturer-approved setup that supports your actual spare. A larger bumper-mounted swing-out might be appropriate for a heavy off-road build, but it also adds hardware, overall vehicle weight, and potentially an extra step to reach the cargo area.

For a street-driven Bronco, avoid paying for a complex carrier just because it looks stronger. Verify the existing equipment first, then upgrade only the part of the system that needs more clearance, support, or adjustment.

Compare the available options in our Bronco tire carrier collection, or start with the complete tire carrier buying guide if you haven't decided which mounting design you need.