MetalCloak SportGate — tailgate spare tire carrier, Jeep Wrangler JK

The factory JK tailgate was designed around a 32in tyre. Fit a 35in or 37in and the hinges start working, the gate sags, and before long you hear it over every bump.

SportGate solves that without adding a swing-out arm behind the bumper. The structure reinforces the tailgate itself and carries the load on upgraded hinges — and you still open the Jeep with the factory handle.

The three things that matter

• One-piece fully formed and welded frame in laser-cut 3/16in steel plate — it stiffens the tailgate structure instead of just bolting to it
• Billet 6061-T6 aluminium hinges (3.5in square bar), CNC machined, hard black anodized — they replace the factory ones and they are what stops the rattle
• Adjustable tire mounting plate — up/down and side to side, so the wheel sits exactly where it should

Tyre size

• The manufacturer states up to 37in
• Rated at 150 lbs — and the manufacturer says plainly: “MetalCloak recommends not installing a tire & wheel combo weighing more than 150lbs on to the SportGate Tire Carrier."

For scale: a 37in mud tyre on a steel wheel can weigh 45–55 kg, so the 68 kg limit is realistic, but it is worth checking with heavy beadlock combinations.

Backspacing — which mount

An adjustable tire mount is included. The manufacturer offers it in two backspacing ranges:

• 3.75in – 5.25in (narrower) — the standard version on this card, part no. 3954
• 4.75in – 6.45in (wider) — part no. 3953

Backspacing is the distance from the back edge of the wheel to its mounting face. If you are not sure which range you have, contact us before ordering and we will swap the mount. We stock both separately.

⚠ Only one accessory mount

The manufacturer notes: “Only 1 accessory mount may be used with the SportGate." If you plan a jerry can, a Hi-Lift and a step all at once, this is not the design for it.

What is in the kit

• Tire carrier arm
• Vertical adjustable mount and horizontal adjustable mount
• Billet hinges
• All required hardware

Specifications

• Fits: Jeep Wrangler JK 2007–2018 (2- and 4-door)
• Manufacturer part number: 3956
• Carrier arm: 1/8in and 3/16in hot rolled steel
• Adjustment brackets: 3/16in steel
• Hinges: 6061-T6 aluminium, 3.5in square bar, black anodized
• Finish: black textured powder coat
• Tyre: up to 37in, rated 150 lbs
• Shipping weight: about 27 kg (our estimate — the manufacturer does not publish one)
• Made in the USA
• Manufacturer lead time: 5–10 days

Reviews

Manufacturer rating: 100% of 100 from 3 reviews.

FAQ

Does the tailgate still open the same way?

Yes — that is the whole point of SportGate. The factory handle stays, with no separate arm to unlatch.

Will it take a 40in tyre?

The manufacturer rates SportGate to 37in. For 40in you want the tub-mount carrier (MC3970, which we stock).

Will it stop the gate sagging?

Yes — billet aluminium hinges plus a stiffened gate is exactly the fix for that.

Which tire mount should I choose?

It depends on your wheel backspacing. We ship the 3.75in–5.25in version as standard; we will swap in the 4.75in–6.45in on request.