Land Rover Defender Rear Wheel Delete: The Complete Guide to Mounting Plates
Why Replace the Rear Spare Wheel on a Land Rover Defender?
The new Land Rover Defender is one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever made. But that rear-mounted spare wheel? It adds weight, limits what you can carry on the rear door, and — let’s be honest — not everyone needs it hanging off the back.
Whether you’re building an overlanding rig, a daily adventure vehicle, or just want a cleaner look, replacing the spare wheel with a purpose-built mounting plate opens up serious possibilities.
What Is a Defender Rear Mounting Plate?
A rear mounting plate (also called a wheel delete or blank plate) replaces the factory spare wheel carrier with a flat, functional surface. It bolts directly to the existing mounting points — no drilling, no modification, no trips to the garage.
Once fitted, you can mount:
- Jerry cans — fuel or water for extended trips
- Molle panels — modular attachment points for recovery gear, bags, and tools
- Recovery boards — sand ladders, MaxTrax, or traction boards
- Nothing at all — some owners prefer the clean, minimalist rear look
The YAKKT Defender Mounting Plate
The YAKKT Mounting Plate is CNC-cut from 4mm 5083 marine-grade aluminium — the same material we use across our entire range of modular van roof racks. It’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and built to last.
Key Features
- Fits all new Defender models — 90, 110, and 130
- CNC cut from 4mm 5083 marine-grade aluminium
- Textured black powder coat finish
- All stainless steel fixings included
- No modification required — fits in minutes using the supplied kit
- £395 with free UK delivery
How to Fit a Defender Rear Wheel Delete
Fitting the YAKKT mounting plate is a straightforward DIY job. You’ll need basic hand tools and about 20 minutes.
- Remove the factory spare wheel and carrier
- Offer up the YAKKT mounting plate to the existing bolt holes
- Secure with the supplied stainless steel fixings
- Torque to the recommended settings
No specialist tools. No modification to the vehicle. No need for a garage.
Where to Keep the Spare Wheel
If you’re removing the rear spare, you have a few options:
- Inside the vehicle — many Defender owners store the spare in the boot area, especially on longer trips
- At home — if you’re running a tyre insurance package or rarely go off-grid, the spare can stay in the garage
- Roof-mounted — some overlanders mount the spare on the roof rack for serious expedition builds
Defender Accessories — What’s Coming from YAKKT
The mounting plate is our first Defender-specific product, but it won’t be the last. We’re expanding our Land Rover Defender range with more accessories designed for adventure, overlanding, and daily use.
In the meantime, browse our full range of exterior accessories including gear trays and wheel carrier modules that pair well with Defender builds.
Why Choose YAKKT?
We’re a UK-based manufacturer specialising in modular aluminium accessories for vans and off-road vehicles. Everything is CAD-designed, CNC-cut from 5083 marine-grade aluminium, and backed by our lifetime guarantee.
- Designed and manufactured in Scotland
- All products held in UK stock
- Free delivery across the UK
- Lifetime guarantee on all products
Questions about the Defender mounting plate or anything else? Get in touch — we’re always happy to help.