Spare Tire Carrier

What Is a Spare Tire Carrier?

A spare tire carrier is a mounting system that securely holds a full-size or compact spare tire on a vehicle or trailer, keeping it accessible when you need it most. Whether you're deep on a rocky trail or hauling a boat to the ramp, a flat tire is never a welcome surprise — and the last thing you want is to discover your spare is unsecured, damaged, or impossible to reach. A quality spare tire carrier solves all of that.

Spare tire carriers vary considerably by application. For trucks, Jeeps, and off-road SUVs, rear-mounted swing-arm carriers are the most common design, bolting to a rear bumper and swinging outward like a door to provide full access to the tailgate. For boat trailers and utility trailers, side-mount or tongue-mount carriers hold the spare vertically against the trailer frame, keeping it up and out of the way without interfering with the load.

Why Upgrade Your Spare Tire Carrier?

Factory spare tire provisions — whether a hoist under the bed or a basic hold-down — are often inadequate for vehicles that regularly run larger aftermarket tires. Oversized tires can exceed the weight rating of stock setups, and the stock mounts rarely accommodate wheels taller than the OEM diameter. An aftermarket carrier not only handles the extra weight of upgraded rubber but often integrates with rear bumpers to present a cleaner, more purposeful look. For trailer owners, corrosion is the primary enemy: a quality galvanized or zinc-plated carrier can last the life of the trailer even in saltwater environments.

Key Considerations When Shopping

• Tire size compatibility: Always verify the maximum tire diameter the carrier supports before purchasing. Many off-road carriers accommodate tires up to 37–40 inches.
• Mounting system: Swing-arm carriers typically require a compatible rear bumper. Trailer carriers usually mount via U-bolts — no drilling required.
• Material and finish: Steel with a powder-coat finish is standard for off-road use; galvanized steel is preferred for marine and trailer applications where moisture exposure is constant.
• Lug pattern: Trailer-style carriers need to match or accommodate your wheel's lug count (4-lug, 5-lug, or 6-lug patterns).
• Additional features: Some carriers include pre-drilled brackets for mounting a hi-lift jack or a gas can alongside the spare — a major convenience for overlanding builds.

Top Brands in Spare Tire Carriers

Body Armor 4x4 is a go-to name for serious off-road builds. Body Armor 4x4 spare tire carriers are engineered specifically for Jeeps and trucks, featuring a dual wheel bearing pivot assembly and a latch system that opens single-handedly in sync with the tailgate. The swing-arm design is constructed from heavy-gauge steel with a two-stage textured black powder-coat finish, and select JL Wrangler models are designed to retain the factory camera and third brake light.

C.E. Smith is a trusted manufacturer of boat trailer accessories, and their spare tire carriers are a staple of the marine world. C.E. Smith carriers mount vertically to the trailer tongue or frame rails using adjustable U-bolts — no drilling required — and their galvanized steel construction resists corrosion even in demanding saltwater environments. Models are available in both standard and heavy-duty configurations to fit a wide range of 4- and 5-lug wheels.