The term “spare tire” is a bit of a misnomer, as even if you have a small car with a small tire, you’re more than likely going to have a full-size tire and wheel combo in back. It’s also why some cars are sold with a spare tire already mounted on the vehicle. Even if you do have a compact spare, it’s a good idea to have a carrier for it, so you can stow it under your trunk mat, preventing it from rattling around in the back of the car.
Here to help you find the best spare tire carriers are our buying guides and reviews.
Our Editor’s Best Spare Tire Carriers Reviews
- 【150 LBS HEAVY DUTY】This spare tire bracket is reinforced with an upgraded triangular structure welded together, with a sturdy rectangular behind plate that holds the steel beam firmly in place and holds up to 150 Lbs.
- 【WIDE APPLICABILITY】Our spare tire carrier compatible with 4 lug X 4" diameter hole pattern, 5 lug X 4.5"/4.75“/5” diameter hole pattern, and 6 lug X 5.5" diameter hole pattern. Because of its universal compatibility, it is also suitable for boat trailers.
- 【Robust Construction】Once the screws are tightened, your spare tire mount will no longer have the risk of losing a tire. The industrial solid iron and sandblasting process gives it a durable, smooth and attractive surface so you don't have to have bumpy roads.
- 【EASY TO INSTALL】Features a sloping and raised design concept to reduce wind resistance and low clearance to the ground, firmly lock the tire. Different length bolts, no drilling required, just need a wrench, make installation and removal a breeze and you can choose the height of the steel beam yourself.
- 【WORRY-FREE VOUCHSAFING】GADFISH Spare tire carriers comes with 18 months of support and are rigorously tested before shipment. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding Carrier installation. We will definitely give you a satisfying solution.
- Holds 4-lug (4 on 4" bolt pattern) and 5-lug (5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern) trailer wheels and not compatible with 5 on 4-3/4" or 5 on 5" bolt pattern
- Mounts on trailer tongues up to 3 inch wide and 5 inch high
- Angled and raised mount design makes this ideal for boat trailers as well
- Durable powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion
- Zinc plated mounting hardware
- Pivots downward to allow tailgate access without removing the carrier from your vehicle
- Anti-rattle system holds the carrier upright tightly to prevent unwanted noise and vibration
- Fits any standard 2" receiver
- Includes three lug bolts and matching lug nuts - Stud Size: M12 x 1.75 x 50
- Hitch pin for receiver attachment not included
- Enhanced Design: This folded edged spare tire carrier is engineered for trailers and boat trailers, increasing bend strength by 100% to provide solid support for your spare tire.
- Heavy-Duty Durability: Constructed with a triangular welded structure, this spare tire mount holds up to 180 lbs. Its powder-coated finish resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for utility trailers and boat trailers.
- Universal Compatibility: Compatible with multiple bolt patterns (4-lug, 5-lug, and 6-lug), this spare tire holder fits most trailers and boat trailers, making it a versatile addition to your setup.
- Quick Installation: Easy, no-drill installation with just a wrench. This spare tire mount for utility trailers attaches to tongues up to 4 inches wide and 6 inches high, making the process quick and hassle-free.
- Complete Kit: Comes with all necessary bolts for a seamless installation on your trailer or boat trailer spare tire mount, saving you time and effort.
- Universal Fit for Most Truck Beds: Whether you drive a Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC, or Ram, it’s compatible with a wide range of truck beds and fits tire sizes from 33" to 40", max 14" wide.
- Easy Top-of-Bed Access: Our tire carrier gives you access to the spare from the top of your truck bed, allowing for quick and convenient access when you need it.
- Built Off-Road Tough: Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a stylish powder-coated black finish that resists corrosion, its engineered for extreme durability and reliability.
- Heavy-Duty Tire Strap: Reinforced nylon strap with an adjustable ratchet keeps your tire securely in place. A quick-release lever makes it easy to unlock and remove when needed.
- Easy Install with Lifetime Protection: Installation can be completed within an hour using basic tools, minor drilling required. Backed by Rough Country’s limited lifetime warranty.
- Compatibility & Fit: This trailer spare tire carrier is designed to fit trailer tongues, including boat trailers’, to 2.95″wide and 3.94″ high, and is further upgraded to hold 4-lug and 5-lug wheels with 3.94″, 4″, 4.25″ and 4.72″ bolt patterns
- Tough Construction: Made of forged iron with solid-state welding, this spare tire mount is designed to handle tires of up to 120 lbs, and Zinc plated spare tire mount and mounting hardware is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion
- Easy Installation: The bolt-on installation and removal is easy. No drilling is required for installation, thanks to the included tire plate and mounting hardware, which makes this spare tire mount a breeze to install and use
- Optimized Design: The spare tire bracket provides easy access in the event that it is needed, and the close-to-trailer design helps reduce wind resistance, and it also features raised design that moves the wheel up for increased ground clearance
- Peace of Mind: The package includes zinc plated mounting hardware, so you don’t have to buy bolts and nuts separately
- [Specification] U-bolt tire carrier bracket fits trailer frames up to 2" or 3" wide (up to 4" high) and up to 15" tires. For 4 or 5 lug wheels (bolt style: 4 to 4 or 5 to 4 -1/2).
- [High Quality Material] U-bolt trailer spare tire mount is made of 8.8 grade thick steel, which can bear heavy objects and resist deformation. The galvanized coating on the surface is durable and rust-proof, and it is not afraid of bad weather.
- [Easy to Install] This spare tire holder can be easily installed to secure the tire. Just put the bolts into the throat of the trailer and tighten. The spare tire is mounted on the side of the trailer protector.
- [Function] U-bolt spare tire bracket for trailer is a simple solution for hauling spare trailer tires.
- [Package includes] 1 x U-bolt and 2 x lug nuts.
- Universal RV tire carrier can be used for fold-down applications
- Heavy-duty, powder coated steel construction
- Fits 5, 6, and 8 lug Kelsey Hayes-type wheels and Fayette-type travel trailer wheels
- Easy bolt-on assembly and installation
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Holds 4-lug (4 on 4" bolt pattern) and 5-lug (5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern) trailer wheels and not compatible with 5 on 4-3/4" or 5 on 5" bolt pattern
- Raised, angled mount design provides additional clearance for spare tire and makes ideal for boat trailers as well
- Handle your trailer spare tire of up to 100 lb. in weight
- Sturdy steel construction with corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish
Best Spare Tire Carriers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best spare tire carriers you should consider following options:
1. Hanger Bracket: The first thing you should check out is the hanger bracket. This is the part of the carrier that is mounted to the chassis.
It is what the tire rests on when it is in the upright position. The bracket will either be made of steel or aluminum, and will have mounting holes drilled in it.
The holes will correspond with the mounting points on the chassis. The main thing to look for here is strength.
The bracket will be supporting the weight of the spare tire. You don’t want it to tear away from the chassis from the weight and cause a dangerous situation.
2. Carrier Frame: The second thing to check out is the carrier frame. This is the part of the system that connects the tire to the hanger bracket.
The frame can be made of steel, aluminum or a combination of the two. The main thing to look for here is strength, as it will be supporting the weight of the tire.
It will also be supporting the weight of the car on the tire in the event of a flat. Look for a frame that is as strong as possible, without being overly heavy.
3. Tire Clips: Tire clips are another essential part of the system. These will hold the tire in place on the frame. They can be made of rubber or steel.
Steel is the stronger option and will hold the weight of the tire better. Rubber will not hold the weight of the tire as well, but it is easier to change.
You will want to get the ones that best suit your needs. Tire clips can either be plastic or metal. The main thing to look for here is strength.
The clips will be holding the weight of the tire and will be supporting the car when it is on the spare. Look for ones that will hold the weight well and be easy to change.
4. Tire Strap: The tire strap is the last part of the system. It will hold the tire on the carrier when it is in the upright position.
This is the part of the system that will be most exposed to the elements. It will be exposed to the UV rays of the sun as well as rain, snow and salt.
The strap will be in contact with all of these elements, so it should be made of a material that is resistant to the elements.
The main thing to look for here is durability. The strap will be exposed to all of the elements, so make sure it is well built.
What else you should know about spare tire carriers
1. What is the purpose of a spare tire carrier?
A spare tire carrier is a device that is used to carry a spare tire on a vehicle.
2. What are the different types of spare tire carriers?
The different types of spare tire carriers are:
1. Standard carrier: A standard carrier is the most basic type of carrier and is typically found on older vehicles. It consists of a metal frame that is mounted to the vehicle’s frame and holds the spare tire in place.
2. Enclosed carrier: An enclosed carrier is a more modern type of carrier that is typically found on newer vehicles. It consists of a metal or plastic enclosure that is mounted to the vehicle’s frame and holds the spare tire inside.
3. Hitch-mounted carrier: A hitch-mounted carrier is a type of carrier that is mounted to the vehicle’s hitch receiver. It is typically used on vehicles that do not have a lot of space for a spare tire.
4. Roof-mounted carrier: A roof-mounted carrier is a type of carrier that is mounted to the roof of the vehicle. It is typically used on vehicles that do not have a lot of space for a spare tire.
3. How do you choose the right spare tire carrier for your vehicle?
The most important thing to consider when choosing a spare tire carrier is the size of the tire. Make sure to measure the width and height of the tire before purchasing a carrier. Additionally, consider the weight of the tire and the strength of the carrier. Some carriers are designed for lighter tires, while others can accommodate heavier tires. Finally, think about where you will be mounting the carrier. Some carriers mount on the front or rear bumper, while others mount on the roof or inside the trunk.
4. How do you install a spare tire carrier?
Most spare tire carriers are mounted to the underside of the vehicle using bolts. Many newer vehicles have a tire carrier that is integrated into the vehicle’s frame.
5. How do you use a spare tire carrier?
A spare tire carrier is a device that is used to hold a spare tire on a vehicle. There are a variety of different types of spare tire carriers, and they are typically specific to the make and model of vehicle. Most spare tire carriers are mounted on the rear of the vehicle, and they typically have a strap or a chain that is used to secure the spare tire.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best spare tire carriers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best spare tire carriers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.