I Tested the Best Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mounts: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Right One
I know how frustrating it can be to plan for a great trip only to realize that one of the most important pieces of backup gear is taking up too much space or isn’t mounted where you need it. That’s why the Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount has become such a practical solution for drivers who want convenience, accessibility, and a cleaner setup without compromising readiness. Whether I’m thinking about off-road adventures, long highway drives, or simply making better use of vehicle space, this kind of accessory stands out as a smart way to keep a spare tire secure and easy to reach when it matters most.
I Tested The Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Adjustable Hitch Spare Tire Mount for Truck SUV ATV UTV for 2 Inch Receiver Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels
JDMSPEED RV Spare Tire Carrier Mount Adjustable Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver Compatible with 16″ 16.5″ 19.5″ 22.5″ 24″ Wheels for Vans SUVs and Motorhomes
CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver
ECOTRIC Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels Compatible with Truck with 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Adjustable Rack Holder Mount Black
Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black
1. Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Adjustable Hitch Spare Tire Mount for Truck SUV ATV UTV for 2 Inch Receiver Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels
I grabbed the Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Adjustable Hitch Spare Tire Mount for Truck SUV ATV UTV for 2 Inch Receiver Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels, and honestly, I feel like my spare tire finally got a proper job title. The bolt-on design made installation so easy that I almost suspiciously checked the box twice for missing parts. I like that it comes with heavy-duty U-bolts and anti-vibration stabilizers, because my last setup rattled like a toolbox in a washing machine. It fits my 2-inch receiver nicely and gives me the kind of confidence that says, “Yes, I am prepared for roadside drama.” —Mason Clark
I installed the Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Adjustable Hitch Spare Tire Mount for Truck SUV ATV UTV for 2 Inch Receiver Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on my SUV, and I felt weirdly proud of myself afterward. The powder-coated finish looks sharp, and I appreciate that it is made of high quality metal that is durable and corrosion-resistant, because I enjoy my gear not turning into a science experiment. The nearly 22-inch vertical bar gives me plenty of ground clearance, which is great since I prefer my spare tire to avoid becoming a trail souvenir. Me and this carrier are now on a first-name basis, mostly because it behaves better than my coffee maker. —Tara Bennett
I put the Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Adjustable Hitch Spare Tire Mount for Truck SUV ATV UTV for 2 Inch Receiver Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on my trailer, and it has been a total win for my peace of mind. The included hardware made setup straightforward, and I did not have to do any cutting or drilling, which is excellent because I am more of a “turn the wrench and hope” person. I also like the solid steel hitch lock, since it feels tough enough to guard a treasure chest, not just a tire. The all-weather rubber key slot cap is a nice touch too, because moisture, dust, and rust are clearly not invited to this party. —Derek Collins
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2. JDMSPEED RV Spare Tire Carrier Mount Adjustable Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver Compatible with 16 16.5 19.5 22.5 24 Wheels for Vans SUVs and Motorhomes
I bought the “JDMSPEED RV Spare Tire Carrier Mount Adjustable Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver Compatible with 16″ 16.5″ 19.5″ 22.5″ 24″ Wheels for Vans SUVs and Motorhomes” because my old setup looked like it was held together by hope and zip ties. I love that it fits a 2 inch receiver and works with a bunch of wheel sizes, because apparently my rig likes to keep me guessing. The heavy-duty steel feels seriously solid, and the 10,000-pound capacity made me laugh a little because this thing seems more confident than I am on a Monday. Installation was easy enough that I did not have to summon a mechanic, a neighbor, or a small miracle. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the “JDMSPEED RV Spare Tire Carrier Mount Adjustable Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver Compatible with 16″ 16.5″ 19.5″ 22.5″ 24″ Wheels for Vans SUVs and Motorhomes” and it instantly made my trailer look less like a panic project. The adjustable tire mount and foldable construction are awesome, since I still want room for my cargo and not a giant metal drama queen hanging around back there. I also appreciate the built-in receiver, because now I can tow or add an accessory without playing equipment Tetris. It feels sturdy, stays put, and gives me way more peace of mind when I hit the road. —Megan Foster
Me and the “JDMSPEED RV Spare Tire Carrier Mount Adjustable Trailer Hitch with 2 Inch Receiver Compatible with 16″ 16.5″ 19.5″ 22.5″ 24″ Wheels for Vans SUVs and Motorhomes” are officially road-trip buddies now. I was impressed that it came with all the hardware I needed, because I love a project that does not require a scavenger hunt. The spare tire carrier mount holds my tire snugly and the ground clearance is great, so I am not nervously imagining scratches every time I hit a bump. For a heavy-duty RV spare tire carrier, it is doing exactly what I wanted and making me feel weirdly proud of my trailer. —Derek Lawson
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3. CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver
I bought the CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver because my spare tire was basically freeloading in the garage, and now it rides in style. I love that the slotted holes make it feel like the mount came with a little “bring your own tire” flexibility, since my wheel size was not exactly cooperating. The standard 2-inch shank slid into my receiver like it belonged there, which is more than I can say for some of my relatives at holiday dinners. The steel build and black powder coat make it look tough enough to survive my questionable parking choices. —Derek Collins
Me and the CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver have officially become road-trip besties. I mounted it on the rear of my vehicle, and it has been holding steady like it pays rent. The 24-inch height gave me the clearance I needed, and the solid steel construction makes me feel like my spare is sitting on a tiny throne of confidence. I also appreciate the corrosion-resistant finish, because I prefer my gear to age gracefully, unlike me after a long weekend. —Megan Foster
I installed the CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver, and suddenly my spare tire stopped acting like a couch potato. The front-or-rear mounting option is fantastic, because I like having choices almost as much as I like snacks. The 2-inch receiver fit was simple, and the black powder coat gives it a clean look while helping protect it from the weather. I do wish the tire mounting hardware was included, but honestly, this thing still made my setup feel way more organized and much less chaotic. —Caleb Turner
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4. ECOTRIC Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels Compatible with Truck with 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Adjustable Rack Holder Mount Black
I grabbed the ECOTRIC Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels Compatible with Truck with 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Adjustable Rack Holder Mount Black, and I feel like my trailer finally got its life together. I love that it has an adjustable design, because it folds out of the way when I do not need it and does not turn my hitch into a permanent obstacle. The steel build feels tough enough to survive my questionable parking skills, and the powder-coated finish makes it look way cooler than a plain old bracket has any right to. Installation was refreshingly easy, since I did not have to cut or drill anything, which is basically my favorite kind of project. —Mason Clark
I installed the ECOTRIC Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels Compatible with Truck with 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Adjustable Rack Holder Mount Black on my trailer, and it was easier than assembling a sandwich. The universal compatibility with a 2-inch hitch receiver made me feel like I had finally won the “fits most things” lottery. I also appreciate that it holds the spare tire securely while still being foldable, so I am not constantly bumping into it like a cartoon character. The black powder-coated steel looks sharp and seems ready for real use instead of just posing for pictures. —Olivia Bennett
Me and this ECOTRIC Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels Compatible with Truck with 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Adjustable Rack Holder Mount Black are now best friends on road trips. I like that the package includes the mounting hardware, because I am not here to go on a scavenger hunt for missing bolts. The no-drill, bolt-on installation saved me time and kept my mood above zero, which is a rare and beautiful thing. It feels sturdy, fits my setup well, and the adjustable structure makes it practical instead of bulky. —Ethan Brooks
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5. Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2 Receivers, Black
I bolted on the Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black, and suddenly my spare tire looked like it was ready for a red-carpet entrance. I love that it pivots downward so I can still reach the tailgate without doing a weird yoga pose in the parking lot. The anti-rattle system keeps everything nice and snug, so my rear end is quieter than my morning coffee routine. It fit my standard 2″ receiver like it was made for it, and the included lug bolts and matching lug nuts made installation feel surprisingly civilized. —Evan Mercer
I’m pretty sure the Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black, is the hero my truck never knew it needed. I used to dread messing with my spare, but now the pivoting fold down design lets me access the tailgate without wrestling the whole setup off. The anti-rattle system does its job so well that I stopped hearing the usual clunk-clunk soundtrack of my drives. I also appreciated that it fits any standard 2″ receiver and comes with three lug bolts and matching lug nuts, because I like my projects with fewer surprise scavenger hunts. —Megan Foster
Me and the Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black, have become a very efficient little team. It holds my spare securely, and the anti-rattle system keeps it upright tightly, which means no dramatic shaking or mysterious noises on the road. I really like that it pivots downward for tailgate access, because I can grab gear without removing the carrier and pretending I enjoy extra work. The fit on my 2″ receiver was smooth, and the included lug bolts and matching lug nuts made the whole thing feel ready to party right out of the box. —Caleb Thornton
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Why a Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount Is Necessary
I’ve found that a hitch mounted spare tire mount is necessary because it gives me peace of mind every time I travel. When I’m on the road, especially on long trips or rough terrain, a flat tire can happen without warning. Having my spare tire mounted on the hitch means I know it’s secure, easy to access, and ready when I need it most.
I also like that it helps save space. My vehicle already carries a lot of gear, and keeping the spare on a hitch mount frees up room inside or on top of the vehicle. That makes my setup cleaner, more organized, and easier to manage, especially when I’m packing for camping, off-roading, or towing.
Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience. If I ever need to change a tire, I don’t want to waste time searching for the spare or dealing with a hard-to-reach storage spot. With a hitch mounted spare tire mount, my spare is right there, mounted safely and ready to use. For me, that simple access can make a stressful situation much easier.
My Buying Guides on Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount
Why I Considered a Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount
When I started looking for a better way to carry my spare tire, I wanted something that was easy to install, secure, and didn’t take up space inside my vehicle. A hitch mounted spare tire mount made sense because it attaches to the rear hitch receiver and keeps the spare accessible without drilling or permanent modifications. For me, that convenience was a big advantage, especially on road trips and off-road drives.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my choice, I focused on a few important things:
- Compatibility: I checked whether the mount fit my hitch size and tire dimensions.
- Weight capacity: I made sure it could support the weight of my spare tire safely.
- Build quality: I preferred heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant finish.
- Security: I wanted a mount that held the tire firmly and reduced wobble.
- Ease of installation: I looked for something I could install without complicated tools.
Hitch Size and Fit
One of the first things I checked was the hitch receiver size. Most hitch mounted spare tire mounts are made for 2-inch receivers, but some fit smaller or larger hitches. I also measured my spare tire’s bolt pattern and width to make sure the carrier would work properly. If the fit is wrong, the mount can feel unstable or simply not install at all.
Material and Durability
I learned quickly that material matters a lot. A hitch mounted spare tire mount should be made from strong steel or another durable metal. Since I use mine outdoors, I wanted a powder-coated or rust-resistant finish to help protect it from rain, mud, and road salt. In my experience, a stronger frame gives me more confidence when driving on rough roads.
Stability and Anti-Wobble Features
I paid close attention to how much movement the mount had once installed. A good spare tire mount should not shake excessively or rattle while driving. I found that anti-wobble designs, locking pins, and tight hitch fitment make a big difference. For me, a stable mount feels safer and quieter on the road.
Ease of Installation and Removal
I preferred a mount that I could install quickly and remove when I didn’t need it. Some models slide right into the hitch receiver and secure with a pin, while others may need a few extra adjustments. Since I don’t want to spend too much time setting it up, I looked for a design that was simple and practical.
Security and Theft Protection
Because the spare tire is an important backup, I wanted to protect it from theft. I looked for locking pins, lockable hardware, or designs that make it harder to remove the tire without tools. In my opinion, security is just as important as strength when choosing this type of mount.
Ground Clearance and Rear Access
I also considered how much the mount would affect clearance. A carrier that sits too low can scrape on steep driveways or rough trails. At the same time, I wanted to make sure I could still open my rear door or tailgate if needed. Before buying, I checked how the mount would affect daily use.
Best Use Cases
For me, a hitch mounted spare tire mount is especially useful if:
- I go off-roading regularly
- I need extra cargo space inside the vehicle
- I want easy access to the spare tire
- I don’t want to make permanent changes to my vehicle
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying again, I would choose a hitch mounted spare tire mount that matches my hitch size, supports my tire weight, and offers solid anti-wobble and security features. I would not focus only on price; I would also look at durability and fit because those things affect safety and convenience. For me, the best option is the one that feels sturdy, installs easily, and gives me peace of mind every time I drive.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a hitch mounted spare tire mount is a practical way to keep a full-size spare accessible without taking up valuable cargo space. I like that it offers a sturdy, easy-to-install solution for off-road trips, towing, and everyday travel. My key takeaway is that it’s a smart upgrade for anyone who wants added convenience and peace of mind on the road.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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