We know a thing or two about spare tires (literal spare tires, not the kind you get after Thanksgiving dinner). This includes where best to mount them.
Whether you:
- Want to shift some unsprung weight around your truck
- Bought new, larger tires or wheels and now your spare doesn’t fit where it used to
- Want better clearance and departure angles by not storing your spare under your vehicle
…this guide is for you.
Below, we’ll break down the most common spare tire mounting options — including truck bed mounts, hitch-mounted spares, roof rack mounts, and hood-mounted spares — plus the pros, cons, and what to consider before installing one.
Quick Answer: What’s the Best Place to Mount a Spare Tire?
The “best” spare tire mount depends on your vehicle and how you use it:
- Truck bed spare tire mounts are best for off-road pickups and larger tire sizes.
- Hitch-mounted spare tire carriers are best for SUVs and overland builds.
- Roof rack spare tire mounts are best when hitch options aren’t available.
- Hood-mounted spares are mostly for vintage looks and niche builds (and have major downsides).
Truck Bed Spare Tire Mount
The truck bed spare tire mount is quickly becoming a mainstream upgrade thanks to the popularity of Baja 1000 race trucks. It's increasingly common to see dual spare tire mounts in truck beds.
Most popular on dedicated off-road pickups (hello, Ford Raptor), mounting your spare tire in the bed of your truck can be a smart move for a few reasons.
Benefits of a Truck Bed Spare Tire Mount
A bed-mounted spare can offer:
- Improved clearance and departure angles
- Better protection from trail damage
- Easier access
- Greater space for oversized spare tires
Because there’s more room (with an “infinite ceiling” if you will) in a pickup bed, it's an excellent solution for aggressive 4x4 builds running larger tires, suspension lifts, or aftermarket bumpers.
Hitch-Mounted Spare Tire (Rear-Mounted Spare)
Hitch-mounted spare tires on SUVs offer similar benefits to a bed-mounted spare on a pickup:
- Easier access
- The ability to run a larger spare
- Improved clearance and departure angles off-road
It’s a big reason why vehicles like Jeeps and the Ford Bronco come with externally mounted rear spares from the factory.
Aftermarket Hitch Spare Tire Carriers
Thanks to the explosion of vehicle-specific off-road accessories, you can now mount a spare on the rear of many SUVs and crossovers (CUVs) — even if the factory spare is stored underneath.
Many aftermarket off-road bumpers include swing-out tire carriers, which can also hold:
- Jerry cans
- Hi-Lift jacks
- Extra gear for overlanding builds
We see this setup a lot on the Toyota 4Runner, a popular off-road vehicle which normally stores its spare under the cargo area. Rear mounting allows more utility and storage for challenging terrain.
Now you know it’s not just for show.
What to Watch Out For
If you’re adding a hitch-mounted spare tire carrier (or two), keep in mind:
- Swing-out bumpers can add a lot of weight
- The spare is exposed to weather and UV
- Tire rotations become more important to prevent uneven wear
Roof Rack Spare Tire Mount
If you’re thinking about mounting your spare to the roof rack, one of two things is probably true:
- You drive an off-road capable CUV or wagon (like a Subaru).
- You don’t have the option of an aftermarket hitch-mounted spare.
Why Mount a Spare Tire on a Roof Rack?
A roof-mounted spare is a great option if:
- You upgraded to larger all-terrain or mud-terrain tires
- Your spare no longer fits in the factory storage location
- You want the peace of mind of carrying a full-size spare on the trail
A lot of roof rack brands now offer vehicle and rack-specific spare tire mounts to make this setup safer and more secure.
Downsides of a Roof Rack Spare Tire Mount
Before you commit, keep these in mind:
- Your vehicle becomes more top-heavy, which can increase body roll
- You lose aerodynamics (and may lose some MPG)
- Your spare is exposed to the elements full-time
- Lifting a heavy spare down from the roof can be challenging
Hood-Mounted Spare Tire
Hood-mounted spare tires were popular on original Land Rover Defenders crossing the African savannah. This spare tire mount type isn't common anymore because, among other reasons, they significantly reduce visibility, especially on hills.
Why Hood-Mounted Spares Fell Out of Favor
Hood-mounted spares come with several drawbacks:
- Reduced forward visibility
- Added risk in accidents or hard impacts
- Exposure to weather and UV
- Exposure to engine heat
- Not compatible with modern off-road tire sizes
As tires have gotten larger, this setup has basically gone the way of the dinosaur.
(That said… we still think hood-mounted tires look very cool on vintage Land Rovers.)
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Spare Tire Mount
No matter where you’re thinking about sticking your spare tire, the most important things to consider are:
- Fitment (will your new tire size actually work?)
- Weight (especially on swing-outs and roof racks)
- Accessibility (can you safely reach it when you need it?)
- Exposure (weather, UV, heat, trail damage)
- Rotation schedule (don’t let your spare dry-rot in peace)
Need Help Choosing a Spare Tire Mount?
Swing by one of our locations and we can help you size up your options, confirm fitment, and rotate your spare into your tire maintenance plan.
Find a store near you or give us a call today.