Rear door spare and jerry can carrier

What a rear door spare and jerry can carrier really does

A rear door spare and jerry can carrier moves bulky essentials outside the cabin and keeps weight accessible. With the tire at chest height and cans beside it, roadside changes and refueling become quicker and safer. You also reclaim interior volume for sleep systems, bikes, or storage.

Choosing a design starts with how you use the vehicle. Daily drivers need easy door access and zero rattle. Trail rigs need ground clearance, tight packaging, and stout attachment points. Long highway runs favor low drag and a setup that preserves rear camera views and parking sensors.

Common layouts you will encounter

• Hinge mounted baskets that tie into factory hinges with a backing plate and spreader brackets
• Ladder integrated carriers that combine climbing access with can mounts or a tire hoop
• Full swing out frames that move with the door or swing independently for cargo access
• Modular plates with bolt on arms for variable tire size and one to two jerry cans

Each layout trades mass, access, and complexity differently. Modular systems adapt as your tire size or water needs change, while single purpose hoops can be lighter and simpler.

Fitment and engineering basics that matter

Rear doors are designed to swing and seal, not to be structural bumpers. Any carrier must respect the door skin, inner frame, and hinge load rating. Look for designs that spread forces across multiple points, use reinforcement inside the door, and keep the tire centerline close to the hinges to reduce leverage.

Tire size drives loads. A compact 30 inch tire can weigh under 60 pounds, while a large all terrain with wheel can exceed 90 pounds. Add two filled jerry cans and you may double the hanging weight. Plan for both static weight and dynamic loads from bumps, washboards, and emergency stops.

Electrical aids also come into play. Rear cameras, wipers, and sensors can be blocked by a poorly placed tire. Smart routing for license plate lights and plate relocation keeps you legal. Gas struts may need a different force rating to control a heavier door. Door checks and seals must still work smoothly.

Weight, leverage, and longevity

• Keep mass close to the hinge line to reduce twisting on the door
• Verify door and hinge ratings for dynamic loads, not just static figures
• Use anti vibration hardware, rubber isolators, and nylon washers to quiet micro movement
• Stainless hardware with anti seize reduces galling and eases service down the road

Material choice matters too. Coated steel offers strength and value. Aluminum saves weight and resists corrosion but may need reinforcement at high stress points. Powder coat with proper prep and drain paths slows rust, and touch up paint should be part of your maintenance kit.

Safety, legality, and maintenance in the real world

Jerry cans require careful handling. Modern fuel cans often include spill safe spouts and vapor control. Water should live in BPA free containers or purpose built cans that do not affect taste. Separate fuel and water, label clearly, and use secure latches that cannot pop open on a rough trail.

Aim for firm but serviceable mounts. Rattles are more than a nuisance. Vibration can crack welds, elongate holes, and stress hinges. Periodically check torque on carrier hardware, hinge bolts, and wheel lugs. Inspect for paint rub, dust trails around fasteners, and early signs of fretting that point to movement.

Legal details change by state, but basic best practices hold. Keep tail lights and plate visible, avoid blocking the rear camera if your vehicle uses it for safety features, and confirm the carrier does not extend past legal width. If the setup adds significant rear overhang, be mindful of departure angle on steep exits.

Noise control and corrosion care

• Add thin rubber shims at contact points and an adjustable latch stop to tame noise
• Use thread locker where specified and recheck fasteners after the first long trip
• Wash road salt and mud from seams, then dry and spray a light corrosion inhibitor
• Grease any service bushings and keep locks lubricated for winter reliability

A well designed carrier should open and close with minimal extra effort. If the door needs a big shove or sags, reassess the load path and hardware. Doors should seal, hinges should not deflect visibly, and the latch should click home without slamming.

When to move beyond a roof or underbody mount

Roof mounting steals mileage and raises the center of gravity. Underbody mounts are clean but may not fit larger tires, and off pavement use can damage a low hung spare. A rear door carrier keeps weight low, serviceable, and out of the cabin, which is why van and SUV travelers increasingly adopt this layout.

Final tip: plan for everyday life. Will the door clear your garage, campsite table, or hitch rack bike bars when loaded with a tire and cans? Do you need a step, a handle, or a way to lock the jerry cans? These small usability choices add up over thousands of miles.

Build and installation support from OZK If you want the practicality of a rear door spare and jerry can carrier without guesswork, our team can integrate a solution into a complete van build or a targeted upfit. We verify door loads, sensor paths, and latch alignment, then tune the hardware for quiet, long mile performance. Explore our van focus at Explore recreational vans, scope a tailored package at Custom build your van, or see platforms that finance at See mainstream van options.

Tell us how far you travel, how big your spare is, and whether you carry fuel, water, or both. We will design a clean rear door installation that protects your door, rides quietly, and looks factory. Based in Fayetteville Arkansas, OZK Customs delivers complete custom builds and precise upfits for adventure vans and overland rigs. Fill out the form and let us map your carrier plan.