MetalCloak is an American manufacturer based in California that has been designing and building off-road components exclusively for Jeeps for over two decades. Every part is CAD-engineered, laser cut, welded and finished in-house, and the company backs its structure and coating with a lifetime warranty.

Casual Duty SportGate Tire Carrier - Jeep JL Wrangler

The SportGate mounts to the body and tailgate rather than on a separate swing-out arm. The factory tailgate handle still opens it, and the whole assembly is lighter and simpler to install than a classic swing-out. The kit includes an adjustable tire mount for wheel backspacing and a back-up camera bracket.

Specification

• Carrier: 3/16" (4.8 mm) hot rolled steel
• Adjustment brackets: 3/16" hot rolled steel
• Finish: black powder coat
• Fitment: Jeep JL Wrangler 2018 and up

Black Textured Powder Coat

The powder coated version carries MetalCloak's signature micro-textured semi-gloss finish. It resists stone chipping and local trail damage can be touched up without refinishing the whole part.

What's in the kit

• SportGate tire mount
• Adjustable tire mount
• Backspacing adjustment mount
• Back-up camera bracket
• All required hardware

Weight limit - important

The manufacturer recommends not installing a tire weighing more than 150 lbs (about 68 kg). In practice that means up to roughly a 37-38" tire on a steel wheel, or 40" on a light alloy - worth weighing your actual combination before buying.

What owners say - read before buying

This is one of the few MetalCloak products with a clearly lower score: 2 reviews averaging 60%. Both concern the same design limitation, so we quote them in full:

"I want to start by saying I think honest reviews are important. I really like MetalCloak products but I think the bar was set low with this one. The fit is perfect, everything lines up really nice but that's where the pros stop. The factory hinges are reused which allows the door to continue to drop that 1/4" with a larger spare tire hooked to it. Actually the drop is a little worse now with the added weight." - 3/5

"MetalCloak needs to incorporate new hinges so I can carry a 40 inch tire. I too am looking for more support." - 3/5. Manufacturer response: "We are actually prototyping a new style of tire carrier for the JL right now and it should become available soon."

Our take: this carrier reuses the factory tailgate hinges. With a big, heavy wheel the gate will sag - that is a design limitation, not a build defect. If you plan on a 40" tire or regular rough terrain, consider a swing-out carrier on its own hinges. We are happy to advise.

Installation

Easy. 1-2 hours. No body modification.

Homologation: this product carries no European type approval. Road legality after installation is decided by the vehicle inspection station; check before buying if in doubt.

We import this product directly from the MetalCloak factory in the USA. Please contact us for the current lead time before placing an order.

Warranty and service

MetalCloak backs its products with a lifetime warranty on structure and coating for the original owner. The warranty does not cover accident damage, incorrect installation or owner-performed modifications. As an authorised dealer we handle the whole claim process for you.

Why buy from us

Szekla4x4 is a Jeep-focused shop and workshop. We import MetalCloak parts directly from the manufacturer, advise on the right configuration for your model year and engine, and can fit the part in-house. If you are unsure about fitment for your vehicle, contact us before ordering - a VIN lets us confirm the match.