Durability Of M38a1 Spare Tire Carrier

Hello,
I have a M38A1 that was stripped of military hardware by a previous owner. The rear of the tub appears to be a replacement as it doesn't have mounting holes for anything. I was considering installing a reproduction military spare tire carrier. I'm not sure about the durability of this style. Seems like a lot of weight to support with sheet metal. Does anyone have experience with these?
Thanks,
Ken

 

I haven't marked out the holes yet but it may catch the braces on the inside of the panel that go down to the floor. I'm not sure if that's the intent of the design.

 

In my experience, they are fine with an original tire and wheel in the original location. Add a big tire and they need reinforcement. It's the same tire carrier as was used with the solid back panel, which became optional for CJ-5s in 1973.

 

The carrier itself is very rugged, as produced for the military. Not so sure about repros. They all pricey!
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...60.m570.l1313&_nkw=m38A1+spare+tire+&_sacat=0

M38A1 has solid rear tub, no tailgate. The reinforcement would seem to be fairly strong as built.

 

My '73 (back in '73) cracked between the solid rear panel and the body side panel. I would not expect any trouble with the bracket pulling through the panel or such. AFAIK there's no difference between these parts and the M38A1 parts. Doesn't the M38A1 spare mount off-center, with a jerry can beside it?

 

Yes, it's off center mount.

My tires are P225/75R15 so I don't think it's any heavier than a stock tire.

 

You say the rear panel looks to be a replacement, so it may not have the reinforcements as did the original. These were just hat channel, but you can fabricate them by welding sticks of 1" X 2" rectangular tubing inside the panel which would be stronger than original. I am sure you can find pictures of the inside of an original panel.

 

My 33X12.5X15 tire has been bouncing around on my M38a1 for years now with no problems.
I'm even missing the back support channel. I would suggest finding a military tire carrier. They are stronger.