7 Best RV Spare Tire Mounts For Easy Roadside Repairs

A flat tire on a desolate stretch of highway can instantly transform an exciting road trip into a stressful test of survival. While most travelers focus on engine maintenance and interior comfort, securing a reliable way to carry a spare tire is often an afterthought until disaster strikes. Having the right RV spare tire mount ensures that a replacement is always accessible, safe, and ready to get the journey back on track without costly towing delays.

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Camco 48473 Bumper Mount: Best Budget Option

For travelers seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution to secure a spare tire, this mount offers a practical entry point. Designed to bolt directly onto standard 4-inch square RV bumpers, it eliminates the need for complex drilling or welding. The solid steel construction provides reliable support without adding unnecessary weight to the rear of the coach.

The installation process is incredibly simple, requiring only basic hand tools to clamp the zinc-plated U-bolts around the bumper. Because it positions the tire close to the coach body, it keeps the overall vehicle profile compact, minimizing rear overhang hazards. However, the budget price point means sacrificing advanced features like tilting or folding mechanisms, which can make retrieving the tire a bit of a heavy lifting chore.

This unit is highly recommended for budget-conscious travel trailer owners who already have a sturdy, factory-welded 4-inch steel bumper. If you rarely need to access your spare and want a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it mounting system that won’t break the bank, the Camco 48473 is your ideal match. Skip this option if your bumper is constructed from thin aluminum or shows signs of structural rust, as it relies entirely on the host bumper’s integrity.

Curt 31006 Hitch Mount: Best for Tow Receivers

When bumper space is limited or nonexistent, utilizing a standard tow receiver is the most logical step. This robust hitch mount slides directly into any 2-inch receiver, transforming an underutilized hitch into a secure holding station for a heavy spare tire. Its durable powder-coated steel finish resists rust and road debris, ensuring longevity through harsh weather.

The vertical design keeps the tire elevated, preserving crucial ground clearance when navigating steep driveways or unpaved campground roads. A major drawback of static hitch mounts is that they block access to rear cargo doors or engine bays on motorhomes. This unit requires physical removal of the pin and the tire assembly if rear access is needed, which demands physical strength.

This mount is perfect for motorhome owners or van lifers who have a spare 2-inch receiver and do not need daily access to their rear doors. If you prioritize maximum structural strength and want to keep your spare away from fragile rear bumpers, the Curt 31006 is the heavy-duty solution you need. Do not buy this if you pull a toad or a trailer, as it will occupy the receiver you need for towing.

Roadmaster 195225: Best Premium Fold-Down Mount

Navigating the physical demands of lowering a heavy utility wheel can be daunting, especially during roadside emergencies. This premium fold-down carrier addresses this challenge head-on by incorporating a pivoting hinge mechanism that allows the tire to lower gently to the ground. By using leverage rather than brute force, it dramatically reduces the risk of back strain during a tire swap.

Crafted with exceptional engineering, the unit features a dual-receiver design that allows you to flat-tow a vehicle or pull a light trailer while simultaneously carrying your spare tire. The heavy-gauge steel construction prevents wobbling, while the premium anti-rattle technology keeps the entire assembly quiet on bumpy roads. This level of utility and convenience comes at a premium price point, making it a serious financial investment.

This carrier is tailor-made for Class A and Class C motorhome owners who tow a dinghy vehicle and require constant access to rear compartments. If you want a top-tier, ergonomic solution that eliminates heavy lifting while preserving your towing capabilities, the Roadmaster 195225 is worth every penny. If you are on a tight budget or pull a light travel trailer with a bumper mount, this unit is likely over-engineered for your needs.

Stromberg Carlson TR-1: Best Heavy-Duty Steel

Off-road trails and corrugated washboard roads can quickly destroy flimsy mounting brackets through metal fatigue. This ultra-rugged carrier is built like a tank, using thick, high-tensile steel designed to withstand extreme vibrations. It clamps securely to 4-inch square bumpers, distributing the tire’s weight evenly across the metal faces to prevent twisting.

The rigid construction means there are zero moving parts to wear out, rust shut, or rattle over miles of travel. This simplicity translates to absolute reliability in remote boondocking locations where equipment failure is not an option. The tradeoff is a strictly utilitarian design that offers no assist mechanisms, requiring you to manually lift the tire during installation and removal.

This unit is built specifically for overlanders, boondockers, and travel trailer owners who subject their rigs to rough, unpaved terrain. If you want an indestructible bumper mount that will never rattle loose or bend under pressure, the Stromberg Carlson TR-1 is the definitive choice. It is not suited for ultra-light trailers with thin-walled bumpers that cannot handle the localized weight stress of a heavy wheel.

Lippert 156062 Under-Chassis: Best Space Saver

Traditional rear-mounted spares add length to your rig and can obstruct rearview cameras or aesthetic trim. This innovative under-chassis carrier solves this dilemma by reclaiming the unused void beneath your RV’s frame rails. It tucks the tire completely out of sight, protecting it from harmful UV rays and opportunistic thieves.

The system utilizes a mechanical winch system operated by a manual crank, allowing you to lower the tire to the ground with minimal effort. Because the tire sits low to the ground beneath the chassis, you must ensure your RV has adequate ground clearance to prevent high-centering on obstacles. Crawling under the rig to hook up the tire on a muddy roadside can also be a dirty, uncomfortable job.

This carrier is highly recommended for fifth-wheel and travel trailer owners who want to maintain a clean rear aesthetic or use their rear bumper for bike racks. If your priority is maximizing exterior storage space while keeping your spare protected from the elements, the Lippert 156062 is a game-changer. Do not choose this option if your rig sits exceptionally low to the ground, as it may compromise your departure angle.

Ultra-Fab 15-954730: Best Tilting Bumper Mount

Accessing rear storage hatches or cleaning the back wall of a travel trailer often requires removing the spare tire entirely. This tilting bumper mount solves this annoyance by featuring a quick-release pin system that allows the tire arm to tilt downward. This simple motion clears the path for rear access without forcing you to unbolt the heavy wheel assembly.

It is constructed from heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated finish designed to resist corrosion from road salt and rain. The tilting joint must be kept clean and lubricated to prevent binding, representing a minor but necessary maintenance chore. While it offers excellent convenience, the extra moving parts introduce a slight potential for play and rattle if not clamped down tightly.

This mount is ideal for owners of small travel trailers or pop-up campers who need frequent access to rear storage compartments. If you want the simplicity of a bumper mount combined with the convenience of an obstacle-free rear path, the Ultra-Fab 15-954730 is the smartest compromise available. It is not ideal for exceptionally heavy commercial-grade tires, which can exceed the weight limits of the tilting pivot hinge.

BAL 28218 Hide-A-Spare: Best Concealed Carrier

Keeping a spare tire exposed to the elements leads to dry rot, rendering the tire useless when you actually need it. This concealed under-belly carrier mounts directly between the frame rails of your trailer, storing the tire flat against the undercarriage. This position shields the rubber from sun damage, rain, and road grime, extending its operational lifespan.

The telescopic pull-out design allows you to slide the tire out from under the rig like a drawer, making retrieval much easier than traditional drop-down winches. You do not have to lift the heavy tire from a vertical position; instead, you simply pull and slide. The primary challenge is the installation process, which requires measuring frame spacing and drilling into the steel chassis.

This system is perfect for long-term travelers and full-time RVers who want to protect their investment from weather degradation. If you want a clean, aerodynamic setup that keeps your spare tire safe, clean, and easy to slide out, the BAL 28218 is the ultimate choice. Pass on this model if your trailer has an enclosed underbelly with ducting or plumbing lines that block access to the open frame rails.

How to Choose the Right Mount for Your RV Frame

Choosing the perfect tire mount requires a careful assessment of your RV’s structural layout and structural limits. Standard travel trailer bumpers are often made of thin, spot-welded steel that can easily tear under the constant leverage of a bouncing 60-pound tire. Before committing to a bumper-mount system, you must inspect your bumper’s weld points and overall wall thickness to ensure structural integrity.

For motorized RVs and heavy fifth-wheels, frame-mounted or receiver-mounted options are almost always the safer path. These systems anchor directly to the main chassis rails, which are designed to handle significant dynamic loads. To help narrow down the choice, consider these core factors:

• Bumper Capacity: Check if your bumper is rated for continuous weight; many lightweight trailers limit bumper cargo to 100 pounds.
• Ground Clearance: Under-chassis mounts require at least 12 to 15 inches of clearance to prevent scraping on steep transitions.
• Access Requirements: Determine how often you need to access rear engine bays, storage compartments, or toy-hauler ramps.
• Physical Strength: Opt for folding or sliding carriers if lifting a heavy, dirty wheel from a high bumper mount is physically challenging.

Do not fall into the trap of assuming all steel mounts are created equal. A mount designed for a lightweight utility trailer will quickly fail when subjected to the high-amplitude vibrations at the rear of a long travel trailer. Always match the weight of your specific wheel-and-tire assembly to the manufacturer’s rated capacity, leaving a 20% safety margin for dynamic road forces.

Crucial Safety Tips for Mounting Heavy Tires

A spare tire assembly can easily weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, making it a flying hazard if it detaches at highway speeds. The continuous vibration of road travel acts like a jackhammer, slowly loosening mounting nuts and bolts over time. To prevent catastrophic failure, you must use self-locking nylon nuts or thread-locking fluid on all critical mounting hardware.

Weight distribution also plays a critical role in how your RV handles on the highway. Hanging a heavy tire far behind the rear axle can contribute to trailer sway by unloading weight from the hitch coupler. Keep the tire mounted as close to the rear wall or under the frame as possible to minimize this lever effect.

Lastly, regular inspections should be integrated into your pre-trip departure routine. Check for hairline cracks around the mount welds and verify that the mounting bracket bolts remain torqued to spec. Never travel without a secondary safety cable or chain securing the tire to the frame, providing a backup line of defense if the primary mount fails.

Essential Tools for Fast Roadside Tire Swaps

Having a secure spare tire is only half the battle; you also need the means to swap it out quickly on a narrow, dangerous highway shoulder. Standard scissor jacks included with tow vehicles rarely have the lifting height or weight capacity to safely raise a loaded RV. A heavy-duty hydraulic bottle jack rated for at least 6 to 12 tons is an essential addition to your roadside kit.

Loosening rusted, over-torqued lug nuts with a short hand wrench can be nearly impossible during a stressful roadside event. A high-torque cordless impact wrench or a long telescoping breaker bar makes quick work of stubborn lugs, saving your energy and time. You should also carry a dedicated tire pressure gauge and a portable 12V air compressor to ensure the spare is fully inflated before mounting it.

Safety on the roadside is paramount, as passing traffic presents a constant hazard. Always pack a set of heavy-duty wheel chocks to prevent the RV from rolling while raised, along with high-visibility reflective triangles or road flares. A sturdy pair of work gloves and a bright headlamp will keep your hands protected and your eyes focused on the task, even in pitch-black conditions.

Investing in the right RV spare tire mount is a foundational step toward self-sufficiency and peace of mind on the open road. By matching your vehicle’s structural limits with a high-quality carrier, you protect your investment, your physical safety, and your travel timeline from unexpected roadside emergencies.