6 Best Trailer Spare Tire Mounts For Space Efficiency

A roadside blowout is a rite of passage for every traveler, but struggling to access a spare tire buried under gear turns a minor inconvenience into a major headache. Utilizing the right trailer spare tire mount keeps your equipment accessible, balanced, and—most importantly—out of your precious living or storage square footage. Optimizing this small detail saves space and stress, ensuring you remain ready for the road ahead without sacrificing efficiency.

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BAL Hide-A-Spare: Best Under-Frame Mount

The BAL Hide-A-Spare is the gold standard for those who prioritize a clean exterior aesthetic. By mounting the spare between the trailer frame rails underneath the chassis, this system keeps the tire entirely out of sight and preserves your valuable tongue and bumper space. It functions like a drawer, sliding out for easy access when needed.

This mount is ideal for owners of travel trailers or small campers where every square inch of exterior wall and frame real estate is accounted for. Because the tire sits low, it does require a bit of clearance, making it less suitable for extreme off-road enthusiasts who frequent rocky, uneven terrain. However, for highway driving and light boondocking, its ability to keep the center of gravity low is unmatched.

If the goal is to maintain a clutter-free look while maximizing interior storage, the BAL Hide-A-Spare is the definitive choice. It removes the spare from the elements and keeps the trailer profile aerodynamic. It is an investment in long-term organization for those who plan to keep their rig for years.

Extreme Max Tongue Mount: Best for A-Frames

For owners of traditional A-frame trailers, the tongue is often underutilized, making it the perfect spot for a spare tire. The Extreme Max Tongue Mount clamps directly onto the trailer tongue, lifting the tire off the ground and positioning it securely behind the propane tanks or battery box. It is a robust, simple steel solution that doesn’t require drilling into the trailer frame.

This mount is best suited for those who need an affordable, rock-solid solution that installs in minutes. Because it uses a bolt-on clamp system, it is highly adjustable, allowing for minor tweaks to fit various tongue widths. Just be mindful of the clearance between the tire and the vehicle tow bar; if the mount is placed too far forward, tight turns could lead to contact between the tire and the tow vehicle’s bumper.

Ultimately, the Extreme Max is the go-to for DIYers who want a no-nonsense, durable mount that just works. It is ideal for mid-sized trailers where tongue space is available but frame space is limited. If simplicity and ease of installation drive the decision-making process, this mount is the clear winner.

CURT Hitch Mount: The Most Versatile Option

The CURT Hitch Mount is a brilliant solution for anyone who already has a 2-inch receiver hitch on the back of their trailer. It essentially turns an existing accessory port into a spare tire rack, allowing the tire to be removed or swapped out in seconds. It is a modular approach that keeps the spare centered and secure.

This mount is perfectly suited for travelers who frequently change their gear configurations or want the flexibility to remove the spare when the trailer is parked at a campsite. It is particularly useful for those who dislike the idea of permanently drilling into their frame or side panels. Because it sits on the rear, however, it does add to the overall trailer length, which is a factor to consider if parking in tight storage spots.

If versatility is the priority, the CURT system is hard to beat. It offers the freedom to reclaim your hitch for a cargo rack or bike carrier when the spare isn’t needed. It is a highly practical choice for the adaptable traveler who values modular, multi-purpose equipment.

Wilco Offroad Hitchgate: Best Heavy-Duty Pick

When the path gets rough, standard mounts often fail under the vibration and stress of off-road travel. The Wilco Offroad Hitchgate is built for serious exploration, featuring a heavy-duty swing-away design that can handle oversized tires and rugged terrain. It locks securely into place, ensuring the weight is distributed effectively away from the trailer chassis.

This is the premium choice for overlanders and those who frequently venture into remote, off-grid locations. The hitch-mounted design removes the weight from the trailer body, preventing fatigue cracks that can occur with bolt-on side mounts. It is an expensive piece of hardware, but it is engineered to last a lifetime under punishing conditions.

For those who rely on their gear to survive the backcountry, the Hitchgate is an essential upgrade. It provides peace of mind that a standard, light-duty mount simply cannot offer. If the travel style involves serious terrain and heavy, off-road tires, this is the only reliable choice.

Buyers Products Bolt-On: Best Budget Mount

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the best. The Buyers Products Bolt-On mount is a straightforward, heavy-gauge steel bracket that bolts directly to the trailer tongue or frame rail. It is a “set it and forget it” solution that doesn’t rely on complex hinges or sliding mechanisms.

This mount is ideal for the budget-conscious traveler or the owner of a simple utility trailer. It is compact, unobtrusive, and gets the job done without any unnecessary bells and whistles. Because it requires drilling into the frame, it is a permanent installation, meaning the tire position is fixed once the holes are punched.

For a reliable, low-cost way to get the spare out of the truck bed and onto the trailer, this is the top recommendation. It is rugged enough for daily use and straightforward enough for anyone with a drill and a wrench to install. It is a functional, honest solution for those who prefer utility over flair.

Fulton Side Mount: Best for Small Trailers

The Fulton Side Mount is specifically designed for small utility and boat trailers where frame rails are narrow and space is at an absolute premium. It attaches to the side of the trailer frame, effectively tucking the tire close to the trailer body. It keeps the weight distributed low and keeps the tongue free for other equipment.

This mount is particularly effective for those who tow smaller, lighter trailers where weight distribution is easy to manage. It is incredibly easy to access, as the tire is positioned at waist height on the side of the trailer. It is not, however, recommended for trailers with large, heavy wheels, as the lateral force on the mount can be significant during turns.

For the minimalist who needs a compact, reliable way to carry a spare without taking up valuable vertical space, the Fulton Side Mount is excellent. It is a specialized tool that performs its specific job perfectly. It is the ideal choice for those who need to maximize every inch of a small-frame build.

Choosing: Tongue vs. Bumper vs. Under-Frame

Selecting the right mounting location is a balancing act between accessibility, weight distribution, and aerodynamics. Tongue mounts are the most accessible but take up space that could be used for toolboxes or generator mounts. Bumper mounts are convenient but place heavy leverage on the rear of the trailer, which can affect stability.

Under-frame mounts provide the best aerodynamic profile and free up space, but they are often difficult to reach during an emergency. Always evaluate the trailer’s specific geometry before committing to a location. If the trailer has a low ground clearance, avoid under-frame options to prevent the tire from striking obstacles on the road.

Consider how often the spare is accessed. If the travel style involves frequent off-roading or rough roads, prioritize accessibility and frame strength over aesthetics. If the trailer stays on paved highways, look for options that minimize drag and maximize interior storage.

Mind Your Tongue Weight & Trailer Balance

Adding a spare tire is not just about mounting; it is about weight management. Placing a heavy tire on the rear bumper can dangerously reduce the tongue weight, potentially leading to trailer sway at highway speeds. Conversely, mounting a heavy tire too far forward on the tongue can exceed the tow vehicle’s capacity.

Aim for a target tongue weight of 10% to 15% of the total trailer weight. Use a scale to confirm the weight after mounting the spare. If the tire shifts the balance significantly, redistribute other gear inside the trailer to compensate.

Never ignore the impact of a 50-to-80-pound tire on the overall handling of the rig. A balanced trailer is a safe trailer, and small adjustments to the spare’s position can make a measurable difference in towing stability. Always prioritize safety over the convenience of a specific mounting location.

Installation Tips & Tools You’ll Actually Need

Proper installation requires more than just a wrench; it requires attention to detail. Always use lock washers or thread-locking fluid on bolts that are subject to constant road vibration. If drilling into the trailer frame, use high-quality steel bits and consider painting the exposed metal to prevent rust.

Keep a dedicated tool kit near the spare tire access point. At minimum, ensure you have a lug wrench that fits the spare and a jack capable of lifting the trailer when fully loaded. A small cordless impact driver can make the difference between a ten-minute tire change and an hour-long ordeal in the heat.

Regularly check the torque on all mounting hardware during pre-trip inspections. Road vibration can loosen even the most secure bolts over time. Keeping the mount tight is just as important as keeping the tire properly inflated.

Securing Your Spare: Anti-Theft Strategies

A spare tire mounted on the exterior is an easy target for theft, especially in public campgrounds or at trailhead parking lots. Use a high-quality, hardened steel cable lock or a purpose-built trailer spare tire lock to secure the rim to the mount. These locks are inexpensive and provide a significant deterrent against opportunistic thieves.

For added security, consider using lug nuts that require a specialized key, similar to those used on automotive wheels. This prevents someone from simply spinning the nuts off and walking away with the tire. Even if the mount is solid, the connection point between the tire and the mount remains the most vulnerable spot.

Visible security measures often discourage thieves from even attempting the theft. Combine a heavy-duty cable with a lock that is difficult to cut with standard bolt cutters. A small investment in security now saves the expense and hassle of replacing a stolen tire while on the road.

Choosing the right spare tire mount is a critical step in building a reliable, stress-free mobile setup. By balancing accessibility, weight distribution, and security, you can ensure your spare is ready when you need it while keeping your travel space efficient. Focus on the setup that best aligns with your specific towing habits and storage needs, and the road will become a much simpler place to navigate.