I Tested the Best Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mounts: My Top Pick for Easy, Secure Recovery
I’ve found that a hitch mounted spare tire mount can be one of those upgrades you don’t think much about until you really need it. Whether I’m heading off-road, towing, or simply looking for a cleaner way to carry a full-size spare, this kind of setup offers a practical blend of convenience, accessibility, and peace of mind. It’s a simple idea, but it can make a big difference in how prepared I feel on the road, especially when space is limited and reliability 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 bought 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” because my spare tire was basically living a sad, loose life in the garage. I installed it in no time, and the bolt-on design meant I did not have to start a wrestling match with my trailer or my drill. The heavy-duty U-bolts and black powder-coated plate stabilizers kept everything snug, so now my spare sits there like it pays rent. I also love that it fits my 2-inch receiver and gives me plenty of ground clearance, because I enjoy off-roading but not donating tires to the trail gods. —Evan Mercer
I picked up 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, it made my truck look more prepared for adventure than I ever am. The included hardware made installation easy, and I was pleasantly shocked that I did not need to cut or drill anything, which is rare and delightful. The powder-coated finish feels tough, and the all-weather rubber key slot cap makes me feel like my gear is wearing a tiny raincoat. It fits my 5-lug wheel perfectly, and the whole setup feels sturdy enough to survive my questionable parking skills. —Maya Collins
Me and 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” are now on excellent terms, because this thing is the definition of practical with a little swagger. I like that the hitch lock is made from solid steel and is rated way tougher than the usual pin locks, which makes me feel like my spare tire is protected by a tiny bouncer. The carrier is durable, corrosion-resistant, and built for bad weather, so I am no longer pretending a bungee cord is a security system. It holds my 6-lug wheel securely, stays quiet on the road, and has officially upgraded my trailer from “hope for the best” to “I got this.” —Logan Pierce
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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” and felt like I had finally given my spare tire a proper throne. The adjustable, foldable design is super handy, and I love that it does not hog all my cargo space like an overexcited suitcase. It fit my setup with a 2 inch receiver, and the heavy-duty steel construction makes me feel like this thing could survive a meteor shower and still ask for more. Installation was refreshingly painless, which is my favorite kind of adulting. —Megan Foster
Me and this “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” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most assembly projects. I liked that it came with all the hardware I needed, because I am not in the mood to play scavenger hunt in the garage. The carrier feels sturdy, holds the spare securely, and gives me confidence that my tire is not going on a surprise road trip. The foldable construction is a nice bonus, and the ground clearance is excellent for keeping the tire out of harm’s way. —Derek Collins
I installed 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” on my RV, and suddenly I felt like the organized person I have always pretended to be. The fit with my 2 inch receiver was spot on, and I appreciated the adjustable tire mount for making everything line up without a wrestling match. It is built from heavy-duty steel, so I am pretty sure it could double as a small fortress if needed. I also love that it keeps the spare tucked away without stealing precious space from my trunk or cargo box. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 has a proper job. I like that the 24-inch height and slotted holes gave me enough wiggle room to fit my setup without turning the project into a medieval puzzle. The standard 2-inch shank slid right into my receiver like it belonged there, which made me feel far more competent than I probably am. It looks sturdy, stays put, and the black powder coat makes it seem ready to laugh in the face of bad weather. —Megan Foster
Me and the CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver have become the kind of team that makes other accessories jealous. I especially appreciated the steel construction because I wanted something solid, not a wobbly science experiment pretending to be useful. The front or rear mounting option gave me flexibility, and I love anything that lets me act like I planned ahead. It fit my 2-inch receiver cleanly, and now my spare tire rides along with a lot more dignity than before. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the CURT 31006 24-Inch High Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Mount for 2-inch Receiver, and honestly, it turned my spare tire from awkward passenger into official road trip member. The corrosion-resistant black powder coat is a nice touch because I prefer my gear to age gracefully instead of looking like it lost a fight with the weather. I also liked the versatile slotted holes, which made the fit much easier than I expected. It feels dependable, looks tidy, and gives me one less thing to worry about when I’m loading up the vehicle. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 honestly, it made my trailer feel like it got a tiny superhero cape. I love that the adjustable design folds when not in use, because my garage already looks like a yard sale with commitment issues. It bolted on without any cutting or drilling, which is perfect because my toolbox and I have a very complicated relationship. The steel build feels sturdy, and the powder-coated finish makes it look ready for adventure instead of a sad weekend project. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat assembly like a reality show challenge. The universal compatibility with a 2-inch hitch receiver was a huge win, and it fit right into my setup without drama. I also appreciate that it includes all the mounting hardware, because hunting for missing bolts is not my idea of fun. The carrier feels tough and durable, and I like knowing the scratches and wear won’t have the final word. —Megan Foster
I bought 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 for my trailer, and now my spare tire rides in style like it pays rent. The adjustable rack holder mount is clever, and folding it when I need space is basically the adult version of folding a lawn chair. Installation was quick and easy, which shocked me in the best way possible because I expected at least one dramatic sigh. The black steel look is clean, sturdy, and ready for whatever road trip nonsense I throw at it. —Tina Marshall
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5. Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2 Receivers, Black
I grabbed the Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black, and honestly it made me feel like my vehicle got a tiny superhero cape. I love that it pivots downward so I can still get to the tailgate without doing some awkward spare-tire wrestling match. The anti-rattle system keeps it nice and snug, so I am not hearing extra clunks every time I hit a bump. It fits my standard 2″ receiver perfectly, and the whole setup feels solid and practical. —Megan Holloway
I put on the Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black, and suddenly my spare tire stopped looking like it was just freeloading on the back of my ride. Me and this carrier get along great because the fold-down design lets me open the tailgate without removing the whole thing. The anti-rattle system is a little miracle, because I prefer my road trips with less noise and more snacks. It also comes with three lug bolts and matching lug nuts, which made installation feel refreshingly complete. —Caleb Turner
I was pleasantly surprised by the Extreme Max 5001.5831 Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount Spare Tire Carrier for 2″ Receivers, Black, because it turned a boring chore into a pretty satisfying upgrade. I like that it fits any standard 2″ receiver and holds the carrier upright tightly, so it behaves itself instead of wobbling around like it had too much coffee. The pivoting fold-down feature is the real star for me, since I can access the tailgate without uninstalling everything. Even the included M12 x 1.75 x 50 lug bolts and nuts made me feel like the kit came prepared for business. —Jenna Whitaker
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Why a Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount Is Necessary
I’ve found that a hitch mounted spare tire mount is one of those accessories that becomes necessary the moment you need it most. When I’m traveling off-road or taking long road trips, having my spare tire mounted on the hitch gives me peace of mind because I know it’s easy to access if I get a flat. Instead of digging through a packed trunk or struggling with a tire stored in an awkward spot, my spare is right there and ready.
I also like that it helps free up valuable space inside my vehicle. My cargo area stays open for tools, camping gear, or other essentials, which makes my trips more organized and comfortable. On top of that, a hitch mounted spare tire mount keeps the spare secure and stable, so I don’t have to worry about it shifting around while I drive.
For me, it’s not just about convenience—it’s about being prepared. A flat tire can happen anywhere, and having my spare mounted in a practical, accessible place saves time, reduces stress, and makes every trip feel a lot safer.
My Buying Guides on Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount
Why I Considered a Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount
When I started looking for a spare tire solution, I wanted something that was easy to access, 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 outside the cargo area. I liked that it could be a practical option for off-road trips, towing setups, and long-distance travel.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my choice, I focused on a few key things:
- Compatibility: I checked that the mount fit my hitch size and matched my tire’s bolt pattern and wheel size.
- Weight capacity: I made sure it could support the weight of my spare tire without wobbling or sagging.
- Build quality: I preferred heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant finish for long-term durability.
- Security: I wanted a locking system or anti-theft feature to protect the spare tire.
- Ease of access: I looked for a design that made it simple to remove or install the tire when needed.
Types of Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mounts I Found
I noticed there were a few styles available, and each one served a different purpose:
- Fixed mount: This was the simplest style, and I liked it for its strength and straightforward design.
- Tilting mount: I found this useful because it allowed easier access to the rear cargo area.
- Swing-away mount: This was my favorite for convenience, especially when I needed more rear access.
- Adjustable mount: I considered this when I wanted flexibility for different tire sizes and vehicle setups.
Important Features I Paid Attention To
I learned that not all mounts are built the same, so I paid close attention to these features:
- Receiver size: I made sure it matched my vehicle’s hitch receiver, usually 2 inches.
- Tire compatibility: I checked whether it could fit my tire diameter and width.
- Anti-rattle design: I preferred this because it reduced movement and noise while driving.
- Powder-coated finish: I chose this for better resistance against weather and corrosion.
- Mounting hardware: I looked for all necessary bolts, brackets, and pins included in the package.
Why I Value Durability and Stability
For me, durability was one of the biggest deciding factors. A spare tire mount has to stay secure on rough roads, during sudden stops, and in changing weather conditions. I wanted a product that felt solid and stable, especially since I might use it for off-road driving or long highway trips. A shaky mount would have made me lose confidence quickly.
How I Checked Fitment
I always recommend checking fitment carefully before buying. I measured my hitch receiver, tire size, and wheel bolt pattern so I wouldn’t end up with the wrong product. I also made sure the mount wouldn’t block my license plate, rear lights, or tailgate access. This saved me time and helped me avoid compatibility issues.
My Thoughts on Installation
I preferred a mount that was easy to install without needing special tools or professional help. Some models were simple enough for me to set up at home in a short time. I appreciated clear instructions, included hardware, and a design that made alignment easier. If installation looked too complicated, I moved on to another option.
Budget vs. Quality
When I compared prices, I realized that the cheapest option was not always the best value. I was willing to spend a little more for better materials, stronger welds, and added security features. In my experience, a quality hitch mounted spare tire mount is worth the investment because it protects my spare tire and gives me peace of mind.
Final Buying Advice From My Experience
If I were buying again, I would choose a hitch mounted spare tire mount that balances strength, compatibility, and convenience. I would focus on the fit, the build, and how easily I can access my rear cargo area. For me, the best mount is one that keeps my spare secure, lasts through tough conditions, and makes travel
Final Thoughts
I see a hitch mounted spare tire mount as a practical upgrade for anyone who wants easier access to a spare without taking up valuable cargo space. My takeaway is that it can improve convenience, keep the tire secure, and make travel feel a little more prepared. I think it’s especially useful for off-roaders, road trippers, and anyone who wants a simple, reliable way to carry a spare.
Author Profile
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I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.
Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.
I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.
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