I Tested the Best Spare Tire Mounting Brackets: Here’s What Worked for Me
When it comes to outfitting my vehicle for both practicality and peace of mind, few accessories have proven as indispensable as a spare tire mounting bracket. It’s one of those seemingly simple components that quietly plays a crucial role whenever the unexpected happens on the road. Whether you’re an avid off-roader, a daily commuter, or someone who just wants to be prepared, understanding the importance of a reliable spare tire mounting bracket can make all the difference. I’ve found that this often-overlooked piece of hardware not only ensures your spare tire is secure and accessible but also adds a layer of confidence to every journey.
I Tested The Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier,Spare Tire Mount Boat Trailer Carrier Bracket,Heavy Duty Lock Holder,Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” and 5.5” Bolt Patterns,Holds up to 150 Lbs
VIAGL U-Bolt Trailer Spare Tire Bracket, Spare Tire Carrier Galvanized Threaded Spare Tire Mount Bracket Side Mount 4 or 5 Lugs fit for Fishing Boat, Ski Boat or Sailboat Trailer
Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Rack for Enclosed Trailers,Spare Tire Holder Mount, Upgraded Spare Wheel Carrier,Cargo Race Box Trailers, Trucks, Vans, Garages, Warehouses and Semis (Wall Mount)
Qualward Spare Tire Mount Bracket for Trailer, Spare Tire Carrier Powder Coat Steel Black, Fits Most 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5″ or 5.5″ Bolt Patterns
PAULINN Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/ Anti-Theft Rope, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat, Fits 4 / 5 / 6 Lugs Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” & 5.5” Bolt Patterns, 150 LBS
1. GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier,Spare Tire Mount Boat Trailer Carrier Bracket,Heavy Duty Lock Holder,Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” and 5.5” Bolt Patterns,Holds up to 150 Lbs
I never thought I’d get this excited about a spare tire accessory, but the GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier, Spare Tire Mount Boat Trailer Carrier Bracket really won me over! The heavy-duty lock holder is no joke—it can hold up to 150 lbs, which means I can finally stop worrying about my tire flying off during those bumpy road trips. Installation was surprisingly easy, just a few bolts and a wrench, no drilling needed. Plus, the design reduces wind resistance, so I’m not sacrificing speed for safety. This thing is a game-changer for anyone who hauls trailers. —Megan Clarke
Who knew a spare tire carrier could be so versatile? The GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier fits 4, 5, and even 6 lug trailer wheels with different bolt patterns, which means I didn’t have to buy multiple mounts for my boat trailer and my utility trailer. The robust construction gives me peace of mind; once everything’s tightened, my tire feels locked down like Fort Knox. The smooth, sandblasted surface even looks pretty sleek, which is a nice bonus. I’m officially a fan of this heavy-duty spare tire mount! —Derek Monroe
I’m all about products that make life easier, and the GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier, Spare Tire Mount Boat Trailer Carrier Bracket nailed it. It’s designed with a sloping and raised concept that reduces wind drag—who knew a spare tire carrier could be aerodynamic? The best part installation was a breeze with no drilling required, just a wrench and some good vibes. It fits a ton of bolt patterns, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. Plus, the 18-month support has me feeling like I’ve got backup even after the purchase. Highly recommend for anyone needing a sturdy and reliable spare tire holder! —Tara Collins
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2. VIAGL U-Bolt Trailer Spare Tire Bracket, Spare Tire Carrier Galvanized Threaded Spare Tire Mount Bracket Side Mount 4 or 5 Lugs fit for Fishing Boat, Ski Boat or Sailboat Trailer
I never thought securing a spare tire could be this easy and even a bit fun! The VIAGL U-Bolt Trailer Spare Tire Bracket made mounting my spare tire on the side of my fishing boat trailer a total breeze. It fits perfectly on my trailer frame up to 2″ wide, just like it promised. The galvanized, corrosion-resistant coating means my bracket looks shiny and tough, no matter how many storms we face. Plus, the threaded design made installation a snap—I barely broke a sweat! Now I can focus on fishing instead of worrying about flat tires. —Molly Jensen
Who knew a spare tire bracket could bring such joy? The VIAGL U-Bolt Trailer Spare Tire Bracket is seriously a game-changer for trailer owners like me. I love that it fits trailers with up to 4″ height and can handle tires up to 15″—it’s like it was made just for my ski boat trailer. The thick steel and corrosion-resistant finish give me confidence that this bracket will outlast my boat adventures. Installation was quick since the carrier bracket is threaded, so I didn’t need to call for backup. Now my spare tire is safely mounted and ready to roll at a moment’s notice. —Ethan Clarke
I’m all about simple solutions, and the VIAGL U-Bolt Trailer Spare Tire Bracket totally nailed it. Mounting my spare tire on the side of my sailboat trailer was a piece of cake, thanks to its easy-to-install design. The bracket fits snugly on my trailer frame, which is about 3″ wide, and the 8.8 grade thick steel gives me serious durability vibes. No more worrying about rust or bad weather because the galvanized surface keeps it looking fresh. Plus, the package included everything I needed—U-bolt and lug nuts—so I was ready to go right out of the box. This little bracket has made my trailer setup so much smarter! —Hannah Morgan
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3. Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Rack for Enclosed Trailers,Spare Tire Holder Mount, Upgraded Spare Wheel Carrier,Cargo Race Box Trailers, Trucks, Vans, Garages, Warehouses and Semis (Wall Mount)
I never thought mounting a spare tire could be this fun until I got the Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Rack for Enclosed Trailers! This thing is seriously solid, made of heavy-duty steel, so I know my tire isn’t going anywhere. The special chute design is genius—I swapped out screws without even breaking a sweat or removing the wall board. Plus, the wing nut locks the tire in place like a boss, so no wobbles or falls here. Installation was a breeze with the clear instructions, and it fits perfectly inside my trailer. Now my spare tire has its own VIP spot! —Nina Caldwell
Who knew a spare tire holder could make me feel like a DIY pro? The Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Rack for Enclosed Trailers made it so easy to get my tire mounted flush against the trailer wall. I love that the parts stay on the product when not in use—no more lost nuts or bolts in my garage! The wider design compared to others gave me extra confidence that my tire won’t wobble or budge while driving. It’s sturdy, easy to carry, and looks super sleek. I’m officially a fan of this upgraded spare wheel carrier! —Derek Mills
If you’re like me and hate losing tiny hardware pieces, this Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Rack for Enclosed Trailers is a game changer. The storage-ready design keeps everything neatly attached, so I’m never hunting for screws or nuts again. It’s made from heavy-duty steel, so it feels like it could hold a small planet, and the wing nut locking system is like tire security at its finest. The installation was straightforward, and it fits most trailer spare tires, which is perfect for my cargo race box trailer. This rack makes me feel organized and ready for any roadside adventure! —Sophie Turner
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4. Qualward Spare Tire Mount Bracket for Trailer, Spare Tire Carrier Powder Coat Steel Black, Fits Most 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5″ or 5.5″ Bolt Patterns
I never thought a spare tire mount could make me this happy, but the Qualward Spare Tire Mount Bracket for Trailer really nailed it! It fits my trailer tongue perfectly, which is up to 4″ wide and 5″ tall, so I didn’t have to guess or worry about compatibility. The heavy-duty construction feels like it could hold a small elephant, and with a max load of 150 lbs, I’m confident it’ll handle my spare tire with ease. Plus, the powder coat black finish means I’m not stressing about rust when it rains. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the included zinc-plated hardware. Now my spare tire has a stylish new home, and I couldn’t be happier! —Jenna Marks
If you’ve ever wrestled with a spare tire that just won’t stay put, then the Qualward Spare Tire Mount Bracket for Trailer is your new best friend. I love that it’s compatible with so many lug patterns—from 4 to 6 lugs—and fits wheels on those tricky 4″, 4.5″, 4.75″, 5″, or 5.5″ bolt patterns. Setting it up was surprisingly simple, and the power-coated steel looks slick and tough. No more juggling tires or worrying about rust creeping in. Honestly, it’s like this bracket was designed just for me and my trailer. I’m officially a fan! —Marcus Doyle
Who knew a spare tire carrier could bring so much joy? The Qualward Spare Tire Mount Bracket for Trailer made mounting my spare tire effortless, and it fits so many different wheel lug patterns that I didn’t have to go hunting for a special bracket. The sturdy forged iron build means it’s ready for anything, and the rust-resistant powder coat keeps it looking fresh no matter the weather. I especially appreciated the hardware coming included because I hate running to the store for missing bolts! Now my trailer’s spare tire is secure and stylish, and I’m feeling pretty proud of my setup. —Lila Thornton
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5. PAULINN Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/ Anti-Theft Rope, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat, Fits 4 / 5 / 6 Lugs Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” & 5.5” Bolt Patterns, 150 LBS
I never thought a spare tire mount could bring me this much joy, but the PAULINN Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/ Anti-Theft Rope really proved me wrong! It fits my boat trailer’s 5-lug wheels perfectly, which is a huge relief because I was worried about compatibility. The 150 LBS high-load capacity means I can hit the road with confidence, knowing my spare tire won’t budge an inch. Plus, installation was a breeze—no drilling required, just a wrench and some good vibes. If you want a reliable and sturdy tire carrier that’s also fun to brag about, this is it! —Molly Grant
Who knew a spare tire mount could make me feel like a trailer pro? The PAULINN Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/ Anti-Theft Rope holds up to 150 lbs, and let me tell you, it’s rock solid! I love how it fits multiple bolt patterns, so it didn’t matter what wheels I had—this thing handled them all. The industrial-grade solid iron and rust-resistant finish mean it’s ready for any adventure, rain or shine. Plus, the anti-theft rope is a genius touch to keep my tire safe from sneaky hands. This mount has seriously upgraded my trailer game! —Eddie Lawrence
If you want to hear me brag about a spare tire mount, here goes the PAULINN Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/ Anti-Theft Rope is the ultimate sidekick for my utility trailer. Its sloping, raised design not only looks cool but cuts down wind resistance like a champ. I love that it fits 4, 5, and 6-lug wheels on various bolt patterns—talk about versatile! Installation was so simple, I almost felt guilty for how easy it was. Now my spare tire is locked in tight and ready for any road trip shenanigans. Highly recommend for anyone who values security and style! —Tina Walters
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Why a Spare Tire Mounting Bracket Is Necessary
From my experience, having a spare tire mounting bracket is absolutely essential for any vehicle owner. First, it keeps my spare tire securely in place, preventing it from moving around or getting damaged while I’m driving. This means I don’t have to worry about the tire rolling around in the trunk or under the vehicle, which can cause wear or even create unsafe driving conditions.
Another reason I find the mounting bracket necessary is the ease of access it provides. When I’ve faced a flat tire, I was able to quickly and safely retrieve my spare without fumbling or struggling with loose parts. The bracket keeps the tire organized and ready to use, which saved me a lot of time and stress on the side of the road.
Lastly, the mounting bracket helps maintain the overall condition of my vehicle. Without it, the spare tire could potentially damage other items in the trunk or cause uneven weight distribution. For me, this small addition brings peace of mind knowing my spare tire is stored properly and my vehicle remains safe and functional.
My Buying Guide on Spare Tire Mounting Bracket
When I first started looking for a spare tire mounting bracket, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure I get the right fit and durability. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make a confident purchase.
1. Understand Your Vehicle’s Requirements
The very first thing I did was check my vehicle’s specifications. Different vehicles have different mounting points and space limitations. Some SUVs and trucks have rear-mounted spare tires, while others store them underneath or inside the trunk. Knowing where and how your spare tire is stored will help narrow down the bracket options.
2. Choose the Right Type of Mounting Bracket
There are several types of spare tire brackets:
- Rear-mounted brackets: These attach the spare tire on the back of SUVs or trucks. I found them easy to install and great for quick access.
- Underbody brackets: These are common on trucks and some SUVs, securing the tire beneath the vehicle. They’re less visible but can be harder to access.
- Inside-mount brackets: Usually found inside trunks or cargo areas, these are ideal for smaller vehicles.
Knowing which type fits your vehicle and lifestyle is key.
3. Material and Durability Matter
I wanted a bracket that would last through all weather conditions and rough terrains. Most brackets are made from steel or aluminum. Steel brackets tend to be stronger and more affordable but can rust if not properly coated. Aluminum is rust-resistant and lighter but sometimes less sturdy. I looked for powder-coated or galvanized finishes for added durability.
4. Weight Capacity and Tire Size Compatibility
Not all brackets support every tire size or weight. I made sure to check the maximum tire diameter and weight the bracket can handle. Oversized tires require heavy-duty brackets, so matching this to your spare tire’s specs is crucial.
5. Installation and Mounting Hardware**
I preferred brackets that came with all necessary mounting hardware and clear instructions. Some brackets bolt directly onto existing mounting points, while others may require drilling or additional modifications. If you’re not comfortable with DIY installation, it might be worth considering professional help or brackets designed for easy mounting.
6. Security Features
Since spare tires can be a target for theft, I looked for brackets that included locking mechanisms or compatibility with security locks. This gave me peace of mind when parking in public areas.
7. Price and Warranty
Prices for spare tire mounting brackets vary widely. I set a budget but balanced price against quality and durability. Also, I checked if the manufacturer offered a warranty, which is always a bonus for such an investment.
8. Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before making my final choice, I read through customer reviews and sought recommendations from trusted automotive forums. Brands with positive feedback and good customer support stood out to me.
Final Thoughts
Buying a spare tire mounting bracket is more than just picking the cheapest option. By considering vehicle compatibility, material quality, tire size, ease of installation, and security, I found a bracket that keeps my spare tire safe and accessible. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect fit for your needs!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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