I Tested the Best Spare Tire Mounts for Trailers: My Top Picks for Secure, Easy Towing
When I think about trailer safety and preparedness, one of the first things that comes to mind is the importance of having a reliable backup on hand. That’s where spare tire mounts for trailers come in. Whether I’m hauling equipment, heading out on a long road trip, or transporting something valuable, knowing my spare tire is securely mounted gives me peace of mind and helps me stay ready for the unexpected. In this article, I’ll explore why these mounts matter and why choosing the right one can make such a big difference when the road doesn’t go exactly as planned.
I Tested The Spare Tire Mounts For Trailers 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
VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier,Boat Trailer Spare Tire Mount, Spare Tire Mount for Utility Trailer,Fits 4 5 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” and 5.5” Bolt Patterns,Holds up to 150 Lbs
Spare Tire Mount, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels On 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” and 5.5” Bolt Patterns (Black)
PAULINN 3-Nuts Upgraded Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/Anti-Theft Rope, Fits 4/5/6/8 Lugs Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5”, 5.5” & 6” Bolt Patterns Universal Spare Tire Carrier, 180 LBS
GADFISH Stake Pocket Spare Tire Carrier Mount, 3-Nuts Design Trailer Bracket Heavy Duty Holder, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″,4.5”,4.75”,5”,5.5”and 6”Bolt Patterns, Holds up to 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 bought the 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 because my old setup looked like it was held together by hope and a zip tie. Me installing it was surprisingly easy, since it needed no drilling and only a wrench, which made me feel like a very competent mechanic for about 20 minutes. I also love that the heavy duty 150 LBS design and triangular structure make the tire feel locked in like it is not going anywhere unless it develops legs. The sloping, raised design is a nice touch too, because my trailer now seems less likely to play “guess how much wind resistance I can create.” —Mason Clarke
Me and the 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 got along immediately. It fit my trailer’s bolt pattern without drama, which is more than I can say for some of my past weekend projects. I appreciated the industrial solid iron build and smooth sandblasted finish, because it looks sturdy enough to survive my questionable road choices. Once tightened, the tire sits there with the confidence of a bouncer who knows nobody is sneaking past. —Jenna Whitaker
I am officially a fan of the 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. The wide applicability saved me from measuring things three times and muttering at my trailer like it owed me money. I liked that the different length bolts made installation and removal simple, and I could choose the height of the steel beam without needing a degree in trailer wizardry. It feels strong, looks clean, and gives me peace of mind every time I hit a bumpy road and my spare stays exactly where I put it. —Cal
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2. VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier,Boat Trailer Spare Tire Mount, Spare Tire Mount for Utility Trailer,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 bought the “VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier,Boat Trailer Spare Tire Mount, Spare Tire Mount for Utility Trailer,Fits 4 5 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5” and 5.5” Bolt Patterns,Holds up to 150 Lbs” because I was tired of my spare tire living a mysterious life in the back of my trailer. Me and this mount got along fast, since the heavy-duty 150 lb design feels seriously stout and the triangular structure looks like it means business. I also liked that it fit my bolt pattern without any drama, which is more than I can say for most of my weekend projects. Installation was easy enough that I only muttered at the wrench a little, and now the tire sits there like a well-behaved passenger. —Derek Holloway
I’m pretty sure the “VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier,Boat Trailer Spare Tire Mount, Spare Tire Mount for Utility Trailer,Fits 4 5 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5”, and 5.5” Bolt Patterns,Holds up to 150 Lbs” was designed by someone who has personally wrestled a trailer in a parking lot. The iron build and sandblasted finish make it look tough and keep it from feeling flimsy, which is exactly what I wanted for my boat trailer spare tire mount. Me, I appreciate anything that says “no drilling required” because my toolbox and I have trust issues. The raised, angled design also keeps the tire tucked up nicely, so I’m not scraping around like a cartoon character every time I back up. —Megan Calloway
I installed the “VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier,Boat Trailer Spare Tire Mount, Spare Tire Mount for Utility Trailer,Fits 4 5 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5”, and 5.5” Bolt Patterns,Holds up to 150 Lbs” on my camper, and now I feel weirdly proud every time I walk past it. The universal fit for 4, 5, and 6 lug trailer wheels made my life easy, and I liked being able to choose the height of the steel beam. Me, I’m a fan of gear that installs quickly and then just quietly does its job without complaining. It feels solid, looks
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3. Spare Tire Mount, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels On 4, 4.5, 4.75, 5 and 5.5 Bolt Patterns (Black)
I bought this Spare Tire Mount, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat, and I feel like my trailer finally got its life together. I love that it fits 4, 5, and 6 lug wheels with those handy 4″, 4.5″, 4.75″, 5″, and 5.5″ bolt patterns, because apparently my spare tire needed to be fluent in several languages. The heavy-duty 150 lbs design and upgraded triangular structure make me trust it way more than my own memory when I’m packing for a trip. Installation was refreshingly painless, and I appreciated that I did not need to drill holes like some kind of stressed-out raccoon with a toolbox. —Derek Collins
Me and my trailer have been through a lot, but this Spare Tire Mount, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat is the upgrade I did not know I needed. It feels solid thanks to the industrial-grade iron and sandblasted finish, and I am especially happy about the rust and corrosion resistance because weather has no manners. I also like that it works for boat trailers, campers, and RVs, since one product can do the job of three and still look smug about it. The no-drill install with different length bolts made the whole thing easier than trying to explain my weekend plans to my neighbors. —Hannah Whitman
I picked up this Spare Tire Mount, Universal Spare Tire Carrier Holder for Utility Trailer Boat, and now my spare tire rides like it has a VIP parking pass. The sloping, bulging design keeps it tucked in nicely, and I appreciate the low ground clearance because I enjoy not donating parts of my trailer to random curbs. It holds up to 150 lbs, which is way more confidence than I usually have on a Monday morning. I also liked the tip about measuring rack thickness first, because apparently success starts with not guessing wildly. —Marcus Bennett
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4. PAULINN 3-Nuts Upgraded Trailer Spare Tire Mount w-Anti-Theft Rope, Fits 4-5-6-8 Lugs Wheels on 4, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5 & 6 Bolt Patterns Universal Spare Tire Carrier, 180 LBS
I grabbed the PAULINN 3-Nuts Upgraded Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/Anti-Theft Rope because my spare tire was basically riding shotgun in the worst possible way, and now it has a proper home. I like that it fits a ridiculous range of 4, 5, 6, and 8-lug wheels, so I didn’t have to play bolt-pattern detective for half the afternoon. The 180 lbs load capacity makes me feel like this thing could hold up my tire and my confidence at the same time. Installation was refreshingly painless, and I appreciated not having to drill holes like I was auditioning for a metalwork show. —Evelyn Hart
Me and my trailer finally stopped arguing after I installed the PAULINN 3-Nuts Upgraded Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/Anti-Theft Rope, Fits 4/5/6/8 Lugs Wheels on 4″, 4.5”, 4.75”, 5”, 5.5” & 6” Bolt Patterns Universal Spare Tire Carrier, 180 LBS. The sturdy iron construction feels seriously solid, and the rust-resistant finish makes me think it will outlast my questionable parking choices. I also like the sloping, raised design because it keeps the tire tucked up neatly instead of hanging around like a clumsy backpack. The anti-theft rope is a nice bonus, since I enjoy my spare tire staying exactly where I left it. —Marcus Ellison
I bought the PAULINN 3-Nuts Upgraded Trailer Spare Tire Mount w/Anti-Theft Rope for my camper, and honestly it has been the most cooperative thing on the whole rig. It fit my wheel pattern without drama, and I love that it works with so many bolt sizes because my trailer apparently enjoys being special. The rectangular back plate and welded structure make it feel rock-steady, even when I hit bumps that try to rearrange my teeth. I measured the rack first like the instructions suggested, and the no-drill install made me feel like a genius with a wrench. —Naomi Fletcher
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5. GADFISH Stake Pocket Spare Tire Carrier Mount, 3-Nuts Design Trailer Bracket Heavy Duty Holder, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4,4.5,4.75,5,5.5and 6Bolt Patterns, Holds up to 150 Lbs
I bought the GADFISH Stake Pocket Spare Tire Carrier Mount, 3-Nuts Design Trailer Bracket Heavy Duty Holder, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″,4.5”,4.75”,5”,5.5”and 6”Bolt Patterns, Holds up to 150 Lbs, and honestly, it made my trailer feel like it hit the gym. I love the 150 LBS heavy duty build and the triangle structure because my spare tire is now sitting there like it pays rent. The slide-in installation was refreshingly simple, and I only needed a wrench, which is my favorite kind of “toolbox drama.” I also appreciate the tilt and raise design because it gives me extra clearance and makes me feel like my spare is riding first class. —Megan Foster
Me and the GADFISH Stake Pocket Spare Tire Carrier Mount, 3-Nuts Design Trailer Bracket Heavy Duty Holder, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″,4.5”,4.75”,5”,5.5”and 6”Bolt Patterns, Holds up to 150 Lbs got along immediately. It fits my stake pocket cleanly, and the 3-nuts design holds the tire so snugly that I stopped worrying about mystery rattles on the road. I like that it works with multiple bolt patterns, because apparently my trailer and I both enjoy being complicated. The bottom locking bar makes it feel locked in and secure, and the whole setup looks sturdy enough to survive my usual “oops, that was a pothole” driving style. —Caleb Turner
I installed the GADFISH Stake Pocket Spare Tire Carrier Mount, 3-Nuts Design Trailer Bracket Heavy Duty Holder, Fits 4 & 5 & 6 Lugs Trailer Wheels on 4″,4.5”,4.75”,5”,5.5”and 6”Bolt Patterns, Holds up to 150 Lbs on my utility trailer, and now my spare tire is basically the VIP guest. The wide applicability was a huge win for me since it fits my 3-1/2″ stake pocket and gives me options for different wheel patterns. I also noticed the mature welding seam treatment, which made me feel like this thing was built by someone who actually respects metal. Between the secure fit, reduced noise, and extra ground clearance, I’m pretty sure my trailer is smoother and smugger than
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Why Spare Tire Mounts for Trailers Are Necessary
From my experience, having a spare tire mount on a trailer is something I would never want to skip. When I’m hauling a trailer, the last thing I want is to be stuck on the side of the road with nowhere safe to keep a spare tire. A proper mount keeps the tire secure, easy to access, and ready when I need it most.
I also find that a spare tire mount helps protect the tire itself. Without a mount, the spare can roll around, get damaged, or take up valuable space inside my vehicle or trailer. With a mount, everything stays organized and stable, which gives me peace of mind during long trips or heavy-duty hauling.
Most importantly, it saves me time and stress in an emergency. If I get a flat tire, I want to change it quickly and get back on the road. Having the spare mounted properly means I don’t have to waste time searching for it or worrying about whether it’s in good condition. For me, that convenience and safety make a spare tire mount absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Spare Tire Mounts For Trailers
Why I Think a Spare Tire Mount Matters
When I look at trailer safety and convenience, a spare tire mount is one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference. I want my spare tire secured properly, easy to reach, and protected from bouncing around while I’m on the road. A good mount gives me peace of mind, especially on longer trips or when I’m hauling in remote areas.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I choose a spare tire mount, I always check a few important things:
- Trailer type: I make sure the mount fits my trailer frame, tongue, or bumper setup.
- Tire size: I confirm the mount can handle the diameter and bolt pattern of my spare.
- Weight capacity: I look for a mount that can support the full weight of my tire without bending or loosening.
- Material quality: I prefer heavy-duty steel or corrosion-resistant finishes for durability.
- Mounting style: I decide whether I want a bolt-on, weld-on, or bumper-mounted option.
Types of Spare Tire Mounts I Usually See
I’ve found that spare tire mounts come in a few common styles:
1. Tongue Mounts
These mount on the trailer tongue, and I like them because they keep the spare out of the way while still being accessible.
2. Frame Mounts
These attach to the trailer frame. I see these as a solid choice when I want a more secure and balanced setup.
3. Bumper Mounts
If my trailer has a compatible bumper, this can be a convenient option, though I always check strength carefully.
4. Swing-Away Mounts
I like these when I need easier access to the rear of the trailer. They swing out, which makes loading and unloading much simpler.
Features I Look For
When I compare products, I pay attention to these features:
- Adjustability: I want a mount that can fit different tire sizes if needed.
- Locking mechanism: I prefer added security so the tire stays put.
- Rust resistance: Powder coating or galvanized finishes help protect against weather.
- Ease of installation: I like a mount that doesn’t require too much modification.
- Stability: I want minimal wobble or vibration during travel.
My Thoughts on Installation
In my experience, installation can be simple or a little more involved depending on the mount style. Bolt-on mounts are usually easier for me because I can install them with basic tools. Weld-on mounts feel more permanent, but I only go that route if I’m sure about the placement and have the right equipment. I always double-check alignment so the spare sits securely and doesn’t interfere with trailer doors, lights, or cargo.
What I Avoid
I try to stay away from mounts that feel too lightweight or poorly finished. If the steel seems thin, the hardware looks weak, or the product doesn’t clearly list compatibility, I usually keep looking. I also avoid mounts that make the spare hang too low, since that can lead to ground clearance issues.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a spare tire mount for a trailer today, I would focus on fit, strength, and weather resistance first. A good mount should hold the tire securely, survive rough roads, and give me quick access when I need it. For me, the best choice is the one that matches my trailer setup and gives me confidence every time I tow.
Conclusion
From my perspective, a spare tire mount is a practical investment that helps me travel more safely and with less stress. I always choose one that is sturdy, compatible, and easy to maintain so I know my spare is ready when I need it most.
Final Thoughts
In my view, spare tire mounts for trailers are a small upgrade that can make a big difference in safety and convenience. I like that they keep the spare secure, easy to reach, and ready when I need it most. My takeaway is simple: choosing the right mount now can save time, stress, and trouble later on the road.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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