6 Best RV Spare Tire Mount Options for Secure Travel
Secure your spare with our top six RV tire mount picks. Learn which durable, easy-to-install solutions ensure safety and stability for your next road trip.
There is nothing quite as humbling as realizing your spare tire is buried deep under a mountain of camping gear when you’re stranded on a desolate shoulder. A proper mounting system isn’t just a convenience; it is the difference between a minor delay and a ruined vacation. Choosing the right setup ensures your safety gear is accessible, secure, and ready the moment the unexpected happens.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why Secure Spare Tire Mounting Matters for RVs
When you are hauling a rig down the highway, every ounce of weight and every point of structural stress matters. A loose spare tire isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a genuine road hazard that can damage your bumper or, worse, become a projectile for the driver behind you. Proper mounting keeps that weight balanced and prevents the constant vibration that leads to metal fatigue.
Beyond safety, there is the undeniable reality of ease-of-use. If your spare is tucked away in a dark storage bay, you’ll likely never check its air pressure, and you certainly won’t want to dig it out in a rainstorm. A dedicated mount keeps your tire visible and accessible, encouraging you to maintain it properly so it’s actually useful when you need it.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Tire Mount
Before you drop money on a mount, you need to look at how your RV is actually built. Most travel trailers have thin-walled bumpers that can twist or tear if you hang too much weight off them without reinforcement. Always verify your bumper’s weight rating, as some are purely decorative and not meant to hold a heavy spare tire and wheel assembly.
Think about your travel style as well. If you frequent off-grid spots or washboard dirt roads, a simple bolt-on mount might shake loose over time, requiring periodic tightening. Conversely, if you stick to paved interstates, you have more flexibility. Consider your specific tire size and bolt pattern, as "universal" mounts often require a bit of tinkering to get the lug nuts to line up perfectly.
Lippert Components Under-Mount Tire Carrier
The Lippert under-mount carrier is the gold standard for those who want to keep their rear bumper clear for bike racks or storage boxes. By tucking the tire underneath the frame, you lower your center of gravity and keep the aesthetic of the RV clean. It’s an ingenious use of "dead space" that most owners ignore until they need it.
However, this comes with a trade-off: accessibility. You will have to crawl underneath the rig to lower the tire, which is never fun in the mud or rain. If you have a low-clearance trailer, this might not be a viable option at all. This is the perfect choice for the minimalist who values clear exterior lines and doesn’t mind a little manual labor during a roadside emergency.
Stromberg Carlson Bumper-Mount Tire Carrier
Stromberg Carlson has built a reputation on sturdy, no-nonsense metalwork, and their bumper-mount carrier is a classic for a reason. It clamps directly onto your 4-inch square bumper, making it incredibly easy to install without drilling into your frame. It’s a robust solution that puts the tire right where you can reach it without getting dirty.
The main concern here is the leverage placed on your bumper. If you have a lighter-duty frame, you should definitely pair this with a bumper reinforcement kit to prevent the metal from twisting. If you have a solid, welded bumper, this is the most reliable, "set-it-and-forget-it" option for the average weekend warrior.
Curt Manufacturing Spare Tire Mount Bracket
Curt is known for precision, and their spare tire mount bracket reflects that focus on functional engineering. This is a straightforward, heavy-duty steel bracket that bolts securely to your bumper or frame rail. It’s less about fancy features and more about providing a rock-solid anchor point that won’t budge under highway speeds.
This mount is ideal for those who prefer a permanent, bolt-on solution that feels like it came from the factory. It doesn’t offer the "swing-out" convenience of more expensive models, but it makes up for that with sheer durability. If you want a simple, affordable way to get your spare off the floor and onto the exterior, this is your best bet.
MORryde Heavy-Duty Swing-Out Tire Carrier
If you are tired of wrestling a heavy tire every time you need to access your rear storage, the MORryde swing-out carrier is a game-changer. It functions like a heavy-duty gate, allowing you to swing the tire away from the back of the RV with minimal effort. It is significantly more expensive than a static mount, but the convenience factor is unmatched.
This is a premium product designed for long-term travelers who prioritize ergonomics and ease of use. The heavy-duty construction is meant to handle larger tires without sagging or rattling. If you have the budget and want the most user-friendly experience possible, stop looking—this is the mount you want.
Eaz-Lift Bolt-On Bumper Tire Mount System
The Eaz-Lift system is the quintessential "DIY-friendly" upgrade. It utilizes a simple bolt-on design that fits most standard RV bumpers and provides a reliable platform for your spare. It’s lightweight, affordable, and gets the job done without requiring a degree in engineering to install.
Because it’s a lighter-weight system, it’s best suited for standard-sized trailer tires. If you’re running massive, heavy off-road tires, you might find this setup a bit too flexible for your needs. For the average camper who just needs a secure spot for a standard spare, Eaz-Lift offers excellent value for the price.
Camco RV Bumper-Mount Spare Tire Carrier
Camco is a household name in the RV world, and their bumper-mount carrier is a reliable, entry-level workhorse. It’s designed to be universally compatible with most 4-inch square bumpers and features a simple, effective lug-nut mounting system. It’s the kind of product you’ll see on thousands of trailers across the country.
The beauty of this mount is its simplicity. There are no moving parts to break and no complex mechanisms to maintain. It is the perfect choice for someone who wants a quick, cost-effective solution that works right out of the box. Just be sure to check your lug nut tightness after the first few hundred miles of travel.
Essential Tips for Installing Your Tire Mount
Always use a torque wrench when tightening your mounting hardware, as over-tightening can crack the metal or strip the threads. If you are bolting into an existing bumper, ensure you are using high-grade, rust-resistant hardware. A little bit of anti-seize compound on the threads will save you a massive headache if you ever need to remove the mount years down the road.
If you are mounting to a bumper, consider adding a reinforcement bracket or "stiffener" to distribute the weight across a larger surface area. This simple step prevents the "oil-canning" or twisting effect that often leads to bumper failure. Finally, always double-check the clearance between the tire and your rear wall or window to ensure no contact occurs during transit.
Maintaining Your Spare Tire and Mount Hardware
The most common mistake owners make is forgetting about the spare tire until a blowout occurs. Once a year, take the tire off the mount, check the air pressure, and inspect the sidewalls for dry rot. While the tire is off, inspect the mount itself for any signs of stress fractures or loose bolts.
Vibration is the enemy of all things mounted to an RV. Every time you stop for gas on a long trip, give the mount a quick "wiggle test" to ensure nothing has rattled loose. Keeping your hardware clean and free of road salt will also ensure that when you actually need to change a tire, the nuts will turn freely rather than being rusted solid.
Investing in a high-quality spare tire mount is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides on the open road. Whether you choose the rugged simplicity of a bumper mount or the ergonomic luxury of a swing-out carrier, the goal remains the same: staying prepared for the unexpected. Choose the option that fits your rig’s structural integrity and your personal travel habits, and you’ll be ready for whatever the journey throws your way.
