So, you've finally put those massive 35-inch tires on your rig, only to realize your factory jeep wrangler spare tire brake light is now completely hidden or, worse, you had to hack the bracket off just to get the new rim to fit. It's a classic Jeep owner's dilemma. You want the beefy look of an oversized spare, but you also don't want to get pulled over—or even worse, get rear-ended because the person behind you couldn't see your third brake light through all that rubber.
The third brake light, or the CHMSL (Center High Mount Stop Lamp) for the more technically minded, isn't just a suggestion from the factory. It's a safety requirement that helps people see you're stopping when your lower taillights might be obscured or simply out of their direct line of sight. When we start modifying our Jeeps, this is often the first part that gets in the way. Thankfully, there are a ton of ways to fix this that actually make the back of your Jeep look a whole lot better than it did when it rolled off the lot.
Why You Probably Need a Change
Let's be real for a second. The stock third brake light on a Wrangler is fine. On a stock JK or JL, it sits on that plastic stalk, hovering just above the tire. It does its job. But the second you move to a larger tire or an aftermarket tire carrier, that stalk becomes a nuisance. It either blocks your rear view completely, or it's physically in the way of the new tire.
If you've gone up to a 33, 35, or 37-inch tire, you've likely noticed the stock light is either buried behind the sidewall or you've had to remove it entirely. Driving without one is a gamble. Aside from the legal aspect—most states require a functioning third brake light—there's the simple fact that Jeep Wranglers are tall. If you're sitting in traffic and a small car is right on your bumper, they might not see your main taillights as easily as they'd see a light mounted higher up or right in the center of the spare.
The Popular "LED Ring" Option
If you've spent any time on the trails or scrolling through Jeep forums, you've definitely seen the LED ring lights. This is probably the most popular way to handle the jeep wrangler spare tire brake light issue these days. Instead of a stalk that sticks up, you have a circular disc filled with LEDs that sits right behind the spare tire.
The light shines through the gaps in your wheel spokes. It looks incredibly clean and gives the back of the Jeep a modern, custom feel. Honestly, it's one of those mods that looks way more expensive than it actually is. Most of these rings are "plug and play," meaning you don't have to be an electrical engineer to get them working. You just pop the spare off, slide the ring onto the lug bolts, and tap into your existing brake light wiring.
One thing to keep in mind with the ring lights is your wheel design. If you have "solid" wheels with very small gaps, the light won't be very visible. But if you have typical off-road wheels with open spokes, the effect is awesome. It turns your entire spare tire into a glowing red signal every time you hit the brakes.
Relocation Brackets: Keeping the Classic Look
Maybe the glowing ring isn't your style. Maybe you like the look of a traditional light but just need it to be in a different spot. This is where relocation brackets come in. These are simple metal extensions that bolt onto your tire carrier and move the factory light housing higher up so it clears the bigger tire.
The upside here is that you get to keep the OEM look, and you don't have to buy a whole new light fixture. The downside is that it still sits up high and can further block your visibility out of the rear window. If you're already struggling to see past a 37-inch tire, adding a plastic tower on top of it doesn't exactly help. However, for a budget-friendly and street-legal fix, it's a solid way to go.
Dealing with the Backup Camera (JL Owners)
If you're driving a 2018 or newer Wrangler (the JL model), things get a little more complicated because of the backup camera. The camera is located right in the center of the spare tire mount. This means you can't just slap any old light back there without thinking about the camera's field of view.
Many manufacturers have designed specific jeep wrangler spare tire brake light kits for the JL that incorporate a cutout for the camera. Some even relocate the light to a small bracket that sits right above or around the camera lens. It's a bit more "fiddly" than the older JK setups, but the results are usually very slick. You get to keep your safety tech and your legal compliance all in one go.
Installation: Is It a DIY Job?
Absolutely. Changing out or relocating your brake light is one of those perfect Saturday afternoon projects. You'll need some basic tools—usually a socket set to get the spare tire off and maybe some wire strippers if you aren't using a plug-and-play harness.
Most modern kits come with a T-harness. This is a lifactor's dream because you just unplug the factory wire, plug the T-harness in between the two ends, and you're done. No cutting, no soldering, and no worrying about your electrical system shorting out because you used too much electrical tape.
If you do end up with a kit that requires splicing, don't sweat it. There are usually only two wires: a power wire and a ground wire. You can use heat-shrink connectors to keep everything waterproof. Since this light is on the outside of the vehicle and will be exposed to rain, mud, and car washes, you want those connections to be tight and protected.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, after installing a new jeep wrangler spare tire brake light, you might notice your turn signals acting weird or a "lamp out" warning on your dash. This is usually because LEDs draw much less power than the old-school incandescent bulbs. The Jeep's computer thinks the bulb is blown because it doesn't feel enough resistance.
If this happens, you might need a simple resistor, though most high-quality Jeep-specific kits have these built-in already. Another thing to check is the clearance between the light and the wheel. If the light is pressed too tightly against the rim, vibrations from driving can eventually chafe the wiring or crack the light housing. Always leave a tiny bit of breathing room.
The Safety Factor
We joke about "Jeep things," but safety is a real concern when you start hanging heavy parts off the back of your vehicle. A bright, clear third brake light significantly reduces the chance of a collision. When you're out on the trail and creeping down a steep descent, having that extra light visible to the person behind you is huge. Dust and mud can quickly coat your main taillights, but a high-mounted light often stays just a little bit cleaner and more visible.
Plus, let's be honest, it just looks "finished." A Jeep with a massive spare and no third brake light looks like an unfinished project. Adding that light back in—especially if it's a sleek LED ring—shows that you took the time to do the build right.
Final Thoughts
Whether you go for the flashy LED ring that glows through your spokes or a simple relocation bracket to keep things functional, fixing your jeep wrangler spare tire brake light is a must-do mod for any lifted Wrangler. It's relatively cheap, easy to install, and keeps you on the right side of the law.
Next time you're standing behind your rig, take a look at where that light is sitting. If it's buried or gone, it might be time to pick up a kit. It's one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference in both how the Jeep looks and how safe it is on the road. Besides, any excuse to spend an hour working on the Jeep is a good excuse, right?