no need to reenforce it. It was made to support the rear tire so there is no problem for the gas tank. I ended up cutting the rear tire holder and then adding a piece of plate after cutting and I had some stainless steel large l brackets laying around and use those to run under the carrier.

2002 Honda Passport. 3 inch Indy4x lift with 912 OME's. 265 75 BFG m/t's with a 3 inch body lift, safari rack, tube sliders, tube rear bumper, on-board air