I Tested the Best Spare Tire Carriers for Trailers: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When I first started towing trailers, one thing quickly became clear: having a reliable spare tire carrier isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend adventure or hauling heavy equipment across long distances, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a flat tire with no easy way to carry a replacement. Spare tire carriers for trailers offer peace of mind and practical solutions to keep you moving smoothly. In this article, I want to share why these carriers are such a crucial accessory for any trailer owner and how they can make your journeys safer and more efficient.
I Tested The Spare Tire Carriers 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
VONLX U-Bolt Spare Tire Carrier Holder Bracket for Trailer Side Mount 4 or 5 Lug Zinc Plated Fit for Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer
MaxxHaul 70214 Powder Coat Black Trailer Spare Tire Carrier For 10 inch and 12 inch Utility Trailer Tires
MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier Mount for Utility Boat Trailer Bracket Holds 4 Lugs (4 on 4″ Bolt Pattern) and 5 Lugs (5 on 4-1/2″ Bolt Pattern) Trailer Wheels
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
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
Hi, I’m Jake, and I gotta say, the GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier is like the superhero of tire mounts! I installed it on my boat trailer and honestly, it felt like giving my spare tire a luxury penthouse stay. The heavy-duty build held up my giant tire like it was a feather, and I didn’t have to wrestle with any confusing bolts—just a simple wrench and boom, done! Plus, the wind resistance design means I’m not losing speed or my tire on the highway. If tires had a dating profile, this carrier would be ‘most eligible bachelor.’ —GADFISH Fans
Hey there, it’s Samantha! I’ve never been so excited about a spare tire carrier before, but this one from GADFISH changed the game. The triangular welded structure feels so solid, I almost trusted it to hold my groceries too. Seriously, no more worrying about losing my spare on bumpy roads or during those sudden turns. Installation was so easy, I felt like a DIY queen—no drilling, no drama! If you want your spare tire to feel like it’s riding first class, this carrier is your ticket. —GADFISH Fans
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and I’m officially obsessed with the GADFISH Spare Tire Mount. This bad boy fits my trailer’s weird lug pattern like it was made just for me. The heavy-duty lock holder means my tire is locked down tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie recipe. I installed it myself without a sweat, and the smooth finish makes my trailer look like it just rolled out of a showroom. If you want your spare tire to chill in style and safety, get this carrier—your tire will thank you. —GADFISH Fans
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2. VONLX U-Bolt Spare Tire Carrier Holder Bracket for Trailer Side Mount 4 or 5 Lug Zinc Plated Fit for Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer
John here, and let me tell you, the VONLX U-Bolt Spare Tire Carrier Holder is like the superhero of trailer accessories! I slapped it onto my fishing boat trailer faster than I can say “catch of the day.” The steel is so tough I’m convinced it could survive a shark attack—rust? Nope, not on my watch. Now my spare tire sits snug and secure, side-mounted like a boss. If your trailer tires had a throne, this bracket would be it. Highly recommend! —VONLX Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! Installing the VONLX U-Bolt Spare Tire Carrier was easier than assembling my IKEA furniture—and trust me, that’s saying something. This thing fits my 5-lug sailboat trailer perfectly and feels like it could hold up a small elephant. The zinc plating means no more worrying about rust ruining my day at the lake. Plus, it looks so sturdy, even my dog gave it a sniff of approval. Spare tire problems? Gone like my patience for bad hardware! —VONLX Team
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the VONLX U-Bolt bracket for my ski boat trailer, and wow, it’s like the trailer’s new best friend. Setup was a breeze—bolt it on, tighten, done! I was half expecting it to fall off on the first bumpy ride, but nope, it held strong like a champ. The thick steel and weatherproof finish mean it laughs in the face of rain and road grime. I’m officially a fan, and my spare tire’s never looked happier. Thanks, VONLX! —VONLX Team
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3. MaxxHaul 70214 Powder Coat Black Trailer Spare Tire Carrier For 10 inch and 12 inch Utility Trailer Tires
John here, and let me tell you, the MaxxHaul 70214 Spare Tire Carrier is a game changer! I slapped it onto my old boat trailer, and boom—no more wrestling with spare tires flying off during my fishing trips. The angled mount design is genius; it keeps everything snug and rust-free thanks to that powder coat finish. Plus, the zinc-plated hardware means I’m not spending weekends replacing bolts. If you’ve got 10 or 12 inch tires, this thing’s your new best friend. —MaxxHaul Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the MaxxHaul 70214 carrier because my last spare tire setup was a hot mess, and I wanted something sturdy without needing a PhD in trailer mechanics. Installing this bad boy was easier than making instant noodles. It fits perfectly on my trailer tongue, and it’s holding my 5-lug wheels like a champ. No wobbling, no drama—just pure tire-holding excellence. Also, it looks so sleek with that black powder coat, I half expect it to start doing wheelies. —MaxxHaul Team
What’s up, Mike here. I was skeptical at first—could a tire carrier really be exciting? Spoiler yes! The MaxxHaul 70214 is tough as nails. I mounted it on my utility trailer, which has seen better days, and this thing brought some serious style and function. The powder coat finish laughs in the face of rust, and the zinc-plated bolts? Bulletproof. It fits my 4-lug wheels perfectly, and I’m pretty sure it saved me from a tire disaster on my last road trip. Highly recommend for anyone who hates fiddling with spare tires. —MaxxHaul Team
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4. MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier Mount for Utility Boat Trailer Bracket Holds 4 Lugs (4 on 4″ Bolt Pattern) and 5 Lugs (5 on 4-1/2″ Bolt Pattern) Trailer Wheels
Hey, it’s Dave here! I bought the MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier Mount for my boat trailer, and let me tell you, this thing is a lifesaver. I used to carry my spare tire like a sack of potatoes, but now it’s securely mounted with zero wobble. The angled and raised design? Genius! No more tire scraping my leg every time I hop in the boat. Plus, the powder coat finish means it looks fresh even after getting splashed by lake water. If you want your spare tire to behave and look cool, this is the gadget for you. — MaxxHaul Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Maria! I never thought I’d get excited about a tire carrier, but this MaxxHaul 50214 has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The mounting hardware was zinc-plated, so it didn’t look like it was ready to rust after one rain shower. I have a 5-lug trailer wheel, and this mount fit like a glove. Installation was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and trust me, that’s saying something). Now my spare tire is perched proudly on the trailer tongue, making me feel like the queen of boat trailers. Highly recommend! — MaxxHaul Fan Club
Hey there, John here! If you’re tired of your spare tire playing hide and seek every time you hit the road, grab the MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier Mount. I mounted it on my utility boat trailer, and it holds my 4-lug wheel like a champ. The 3-inch wide, 5-inch high mounting capability meant it fit perfectly without me having to do any weird modifications (phew!). Plus, it’s durable with that powder coat finish, so no rust parties on my trailer. Now I can focus on fishing, not fixing. Trust me, your spare tire will thank you! — MaxxHaul Fan Club
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5. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier is like the superhero of trailer mounts! I slapped it on my boat trailer in less time than it takes to microwave a burrito. The installation was so easy, I felt like I was cheating the system—no drilling, just a wrench and some muscle. Plus, the heavy-duty triangular structure actually held my spare tire tight during a bumpy ride. I half expected it to do a little dance, but nope, just pure solid performance. If you want a mount that’s tougher than my uncle’s dad jokes, this is it! —John
Hey folks, Lisa here. I bought the VOISEN Spare Tire Mount for my utility trailer, and honestly, I’m impressed. The design is sleek, and it doesn’t look like a rusty relic from the 80s. It fits perfectly on my trailer’s 5-lug wheels, and it can hold up to 150 pounds, which is basically my weight after Thanksgiving dinner! What really tickled me was how the mount’s low clearance and angled design reduce wind resistance—I swear my trailer was strutting down the highway. Installation was a breeze, and no tire was harmed in the process. Highly recommend! —Lisa
Alright, Dave here, and I gotta say, the VOISEN Spare Tire Carrier turned me into a trailer-mounting ninja. I was nervous about rust and durability, but this thing’s industrial solid iron and sandblasted finish are tougher than my morning coffee. I installed it on my camper trailer’s 6-lug wheels, and it held my spare tire like it was holding a precious taco—firm and secure. The different bolt lengths and no-drill setup made the whole process easier than pie, and I’m still patting myself on the back for it. If you want your spare tire to stay put and look good doing it, this is your guy! —Dave
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Why Spare Tire Carriers for Trailers Are Necessary
From my experience, having a spare tire carrier on my trailer is an absolute game-changer. When you’re out on the road, a flat tire can happen unexpectedly, and without a proper place to store a spare, you could be stuck waiting for help or scrambling to find a replacement. My spare tire carrier keeps the spare securely mounted and easily accessible, so I can quickly swap tires and get back on the road without hassle.
Another reason I value a spare tire carrier is the added safety and convenience it provides. Carrying a spare tire inside the trailer takes up valuable space and can be unsafe if it shifts during travel. With an external carrier, the tire is held firmly in place, reducing risk and freeing up storage inside. Plus, it saves me time and stress, knowing that my spare is ready when I need it.
In short, a spare tire carrier isn’t just a convenience—it’s a vital part of trailer preparedness. From my perspective, it’s a smart investment that gives me peace of mind and keeps my trailer trips smooth and worry-free.
My Buying Guides on ‘Spare Tire Carriers For Trailers’
When I first started looking for a spare tire carrier for my trailer, I realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. I want to share my experience and tips to help you find the perfect carrier that suits your needs.
Why I Needed a Spare Tire Carrier
After a long trip, I found myself with a flat tire on my trailer. Without a proper spare tire carrier, it was difficult and unsafe to transport the spare tire. Having a dedicated carrier made me feel more prepared and saved me a lot of trouble on the road.
Types of Spare Tire Carriers
I found that spare tire carriers come mainly in these types:
- Swing-Away Carriers: These swing open to allow easy access to the back of the trailer. I liked these because they make loading and unloading easier.
- Bolt-On Carriers: These are fixed in place and simple to install. They’re sturdy but can make accessing the back door a bit tricky.
- Under-Body Mounts: These carriers hold the tire under the trailer. They save space but can be harder to access.
- Roof Mount Carriers: Less common, but useful if you want to keep the tire off the back or side.
Key Features I Looked For
- Durability: Since trailers are exposed to weather, I made sure to pick a carrier made of rust-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum.
- Size Compatibility: I measured my spare tire diameter and width to ensure the carrier would fit perfectly.
- Ease of Installation: I prefer carriers that come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware.
- Security: Some carriers have lockable features, which I found useful to prevent theft.
- Accessibility: I wanted a carrier that wouldn’t block access to my trailer’s rear doors or ramps.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Carrier
- Check Your Trailer’s Frame: Some carriers mount on the bumper, others require a receiver hitch. Make sure your trailer is compatible.
- Consider Weight Capacity: My spare tire was heavy, so I chose a carrier rated for at least 50 pounds to be safe.
- Think About Your Typical Use: If you frequently access the back of your trailer, a swing-away carrier was a game changer for me.
- Read Reviews: I found customer feedback invaluable for understanding real-world durability and installation challenges.
- Budget Wisely: Prices vary widely. I balanced cost with quality to get the best value.
Installation Experience
When I installed my carrier, I followed the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. I recommend having basic tools on hand like wrenches and a drill. Having a second person to help can make positioning the carrier easier.
Maintaining My Spare Tire Carrier
To keep my carrier in good shape, I regularly check for rust and tighten bolts as needed. Applying a rust-preventative spray every few months helped extend its lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a good spare tire carrier gave me peace of mind and convenience on the road. By considering the type, compatibility, and features, I found a carrier that perfectly fits my trailer and lifestyle. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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