Spare Tire Bracket

What Is a Spare Tire Bracket?

A spare tire bracket is a structural mounting component that secures your spare wheel and tire to your vehicle — whether that's on the tailgate, rear bumper, body, or cargo area. While factory spare tire carriers work well for stock-size tires, drivers who upgrade to larger off-road tires quickly discover that the OEM setup can't accommodate them. That's where spare tire brackets and relocation kits come in.

These brackets attach to your existing factory tire carrier mounting points and reposition the spare — typically moving it outward and upward — to create the clearance needed for oversized tires. Spare tire brackets range from simple spacer-style extensions to full relocation kits that shift the carrier several inches in multiple directions, enabling fitment of tires up to 40 inches or more in diameter.

Why a Spare Tire Bracket Matters

For off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, and anyone who wheels on rough terrain, carrying a full-size matching spare isn't optional — it's essential. A blown tire miles from the nearest town or deep on a trail demands a real spare, not a compact temporary donut. When you step up to larger, more capable tires, your factory mounting system often can't keep up, leaving you without a practical way to carry that critical backup.

Beyond simple tire clearance, quality spare tire brackets can also serve double duty as an accessory mounting platform. Many brackets include integrated mounting positions for trail tools, jerry can holders, jack mounts, antenna/flag mounts, and more — meaning the spare tire area becomes a practical, organized gear-carrying station on the back of your rig.

It's also worth considering compliance: when a larger diameter spare is added, it can block the license plate or interfere with the factory third brake light. Purpose-built spare tire relocation brackets typically account for this, preserving provisions for the factory backup camera, third brake light, and license plate to keep your build street-legal.

Key Considerations When Shopping Spare Tire Brackets

• Tire Size Compatibility: Always verify the maximum tire diameter a bracket supports before purchasing. Some are designed for tires up to 37 inches, others accommodate tires as large as 40 inches.
• Vehicle-Specific Fitment: Most quality brackets are engineered for a specific make, model, and year range. A bracket designed for a Jeep Wrangler JL, for example, will account for the factory swing-arm carrier geometry of that vehicle.
• Material and Finish: Look for heavy-gauge steel construction (typically 3/16-inch or thicker) with a durable powder coat finish for long-term corrosion resistance on and off the trail.
• Installation Method: No-drill, bolt-on designs are the most user-friendly and preserve your vehicle's factory structure. Confirm whether all necessary hardware is included.
• Accessory Mounting: If you plan to carry trail gear on the exterior, look for brackets with integrated mounting positions for cans, jacks, and other accessories.
• Warranty: A solid manufacturer warranty on both materials and finish is a reliable indicator of build quality and brand confidence.

Top Brands in Spare Tire Brackets

When it comes to purpose-built spare tire relocation, Go Rhino stands out as a leader in the segment. Their Rockline Series spare tire relocation brackets are engineered specifically for popular off-road platforms like the Jeep Wrangler JL, using CNC laser-cut 3/16-inch steel with a signature textured black powder coat finish and grade 8 hardware — all with a no-drill, bolt-on installation. Go Rhino backs their products with a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty, reflecting the confidence they have in their craftsmanship.