How to Install a Ford Bronco Reinforced Tire Carrier

By Body Armor 4x4 | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step guide to installing a reinforced tire carrier on a 2021-2026 Ford Bronco. Learn how to mount the Odyssey RTC without drilling and keep your spare secure.

Quick answer

You can install a reinforced tire carrier on your 2021-2026 Ford Bronco in about an hour using the Odyssey RTC. No drilling is required, and the carrier retains your factory backup camera and single-action tailgate opening.

Why upgrade to a reinforced tire carrier

Factory spare tire mounts on the Ford Bronco are designed for a stock wheel and tire, typically around 80–90 lb. If you run larger, heavier off-road tires—especially an all-terrain or mud-terrain combo—the stock mount can sag over time or even fail on rough trails. A reinforced carrier like the Odyssey RTC adds a heavy-gauge steel hinge plate that distributes the load directly into the tub and body, reducing stress on the tailgate and hinge.

The trade-off is added weight and a slightly more involved install compared to a simple hitch-mounted carrier. But for anyone running a 35-inch or larger spare, the extra structural rigidity is worth it.

Installation steps for the Odyssey RTC reinforced tire carrier

Remove the factory spare tire and mount: Lower the spare using the factory winch mechanism. Remove the three bolts securing the factory mount bracket to the tailgate. Keep the bolts—they are reused with the new carrier. The factory bolts are metric; do not replace them with hardware-store bolts that may not match the thread pitch.
Install the reinforced hinge plate: Position the heavy-gauge steel hinge plate over the factory hinge mounting points on the tub (driver side). Use the supplied bolts and torque to spec. The plate extends the hinge surface to distribute load across a wider area of the body panel. Do not overtighten—strip the thread on the tub-side nutsert, and you will need a rivet nut repair tool.
Mount the carrier bracket to the tailgate: Align the carrier bracket with the three factory holes on the tailgate. Insert the factory bolts and tighten evenly. The bracket includes a gasket to protect the paint finish. If the gasket shifts during tightening, the metal-on-metal contact can cause rust over time. Reposition it before final torque.
Attach the spare tire to the carrier: Lift the wheel and tire onto the carrier studs. Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then torque to the vehicle manufacturer's specification (typically 100–120 ft-lb for aftermarket wheels). Check that the tire does not contact the bumper or tailgate when closed. A spacer may be needed for tires wider than 12.5 inches.
Verify backup camera and tailgate operation: Close the tailgate and test the single-action latch. Confirm the backup camera view is unobstructed. The Odyssey RTC is designed to retain full camera function without relocation. If the camera image is blocked, the tire may be mounted too high. Adjust the carrier's vertical position if the model allows it.

What you need for this install

2021-2026 FORD BRONCO ODYSSEY RTC REINFORCED TIRE CARRIER: Constructed out of heavy gauge steel with a reinforced hinge plate that adds structural rigidity to the tub and body. This design prevents the tailgate from sagging or cracking under the weight of a heavy spare tire, keeping your rear access reliable on and off the trail.
2021-2026 FORD BRONCO ODYSSEY RTC REINFORCED TIRE CARRIER