I learned the hard way that a flat tire on a boat trailer at a remote launch ramp is no fun. After that miserable afternoon, I never again towed a trailer without a spare mounted and ready. The right trailer spare tire mount is the difference between a minor delay and a ruined weekend.
This guide covers the best trailer spare tire mounts and carriers available right now. Our team spent three months comparing 15 different models across utility, boat, and RV trailers. We focused on weight capacity, bolt pattern compatibility, corrosion resistance, and how easy each mount is to install. Whether you tow a cargo trailer across state lines or back your boat into the water once a month, the right carrier keeps you rolling when something goes wrong.
Most trailer owners overlook spare tire mounting until they need it. A quality carrier costs less than a single tow bill and adds real peace of mind. Below, I share the eight best trailer spare tire mounts and carriers that earned their place on our recommended list.
Top 3 Trailer Spare Tire Mounts at a Glance (2026)
MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier
- 4 & 5 lug fit
- Powder coated steel
- Boat trailer tongue mount
- 20k+ reviews
GADFISH Heavy Duty Spare Tire Carrier
- 150 lb capacity
- 4/5/6 lug fit
- No-drill install
- Triangular reinforcement
Attwood 11090-3 U-Bolt Tire Carrier
- U-bolt mount
- 4 & 5 lug fit
- 8-15 inch tires
- Zinc plated steel
Best Trailer Spare Tire Mounts and Carriers (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier |
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| GADFISH Heavy Duty Spare Tire Carrier |
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| Attwood 11090-3 U-Bolt Tire Carrier |
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 Extreme Max 3004.4553 Economy Carrier |
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 Camco EAZ-Lift 48474 Spare Tire Mount |
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 JEACENT Universal Trailer Spare Tire Mount |
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 Adamoss Wall Mount Spare Tire Carrier |
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 CE Smith 27310G Heavy Duty Side Mount |
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1. MaxxHaul 50214 Spare Tire Carrier – Editor’s Choice for Trailer Spare Tire Mounts
Pros
- Over 20k reviews
- Easy 10-15 minute install
- Sturdy steel build
- Powder coat resists rust
- Versatile boat trailer fit
Cons
- Bolts may be longer than needed
- Some vibration reports
- Matching lug nuts sold separately
I bolted this carrier to my boat trailer tongue last spring. The whole job took me about 12 minutes using basic hand tools. MaxxHaul designed the mount with an angled, raised profile that keeps the spare tire well clear of the launch ramp when backing down.
The powder coated finish has held up impressively through six months of salt water exposure. My trailer lives near the coast, and I expected rust by now. So far the steel looks almost new. The included zinc plated hardware feels solid, though I did need to grab a few washers from my own stock.
What surprised me most was the bolt pattern flexibility. My spare is a 5-lug wheel on a 4.5-inch pattern, but my buddy’s trailer has a 4-lug on 4-inch. Both tires mount perfectly on the same carrier. That versatility is rare in this price range.
The MaxxHaul 50214 fits trailer tongues up to 3 inches wide and 5 inches high. If your trailer runs larger dimensions, you will need a different model. For most standard boat and utility trailers, the dimensions work without modification.
I have towed over 2,000 miles with this carrier mounted, including rough logging roads. The tire stays put with zero wobble. A few users online mentioned vibration at highway speeds, but I never experienced any movement. The fit feels tight and secure.
Trailer compatibility check
This mount works with the most common 4 and 5 lug bolt patterns found on boat and utility trailers. It does NOT fit 5 on 4.75 inch or 5 on 5 inch patterns, so measure your wheels before ordering. If you have a larger truck bed spare or a specialty trailer wheel, look elsewhere.
The 3-inch tongue width limit catches some larger trailers. My neighbor’s heavy-duty equipment trailer has a 4-inch tongue, and the MaxxHaul would not clamp onto it. For wider applications, the CE Smith or Extreme Max options handle bigger frames.
Long-term durability
Six months in salt air and zero rust on the body. The hardware showed minor surface oxidation, but nothing structural. Compared to cheaper mounts I tried before, the MaxxHaul clearly uses thicker steel. Bumping into a fence post did not bend it, which says a lot.
The 20,000-plus reviews tell the real story. When this many buyers give a 4.7-star average, you know the product delivers. I trust it enough to recommend it as my top pick for most trailer owners.
2. GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier – Best Value Heavy Duty Trailer Mount
Pros
- 150 lb load rating
- Top selling in category
- Strong iron build
- Multi-pattern fit
- No-drill install
Cons
- Coating may rust in wet
- May need filler for angle iron frames
The GADFISH mount currently holds the #1 best seller rank in the spare tire carrier category. After testing it on a flatbed utility trailer, I understand why. The reinforced triangular design genuinely outperforms the standard rectangular brackets.
The 150 lb weight capacity is the highest in the under-$30 range. I loaded a full-size 15-inch trailer tire on it and bounced the trailer down a gravel road. The carrier did not flex, did not crack, and did not loosen. That kind of strength at this price is hard to find.
The bolt pattern coverage is the most extensive I tested. It fits 4 lug x 4 inch, 5 lug x 4.5 inch, 5 lug x 4.75 inch, 5 lug x 5 inch, and 6 lug x 5.5 inch patterns. If you do not know your exact bolt pattern, this carrier is the safest bet.
Installation requires no drilling. The U-bolt clamps around the trailer tongue and tightens down with included hardware. My first install took about 15 minutes. The second one on a different trailer took less than 10.
Where the GADFISH shines
This is the mount I recommend for anyone unsure about their trailer specifications. The wide bolt pattern coverage eliminates guesswork. Most boat, cargo, and small utility trailers use one of the supported patterns.
One unique use case I discovered: the carrier is strong enough to use as a step. I climbed on it multiple times to reach items in my trailer bed. The triangular bracket absorbed my full body weight (190 lbs) without any sign of stress.
Potential drawbacks
Several buyers in coastal areas reported the powder coat wearing through after one season. If you trailer in salt water, plan to spray the mount with corrosion inhibitor annually. Inland and freshwater users will not see this issue.
Angle iron trailer frames sometimes need shims or washers to get a tight clamp. My buddy’s trailer had a 3-inch angle iron tongue that did not fit cleanly. Adding a couple of fender washers fixed the gap. Standard tube tongues fit without any modification.
3. Attwood 11090-3 U-Bolt Tire Carrier – Budget Pick for Simple Trailer Mounts
Pros
- Lowest price tested
- Simple functional design
- Lockable with padlock
- Marine-grade zinc
- Fits 8-15 inch tires
Cons
- May scratch rim finish
- No centering cone
- Frame size limits
The Attwood 11090-3 has been around for years, and there is a reason it still sells well. Sometimes simple is better. The U-bolt design uses two threaded brackets that clamp over your trailer tongue or frame, then secure the spare with the same hardware.
For boat trailer owners on a tight budget, this mount is hard to beat. The zinc plated finish has marine-grade corrosion resistance. My test unit spent a summer on a saltwater trailer and came through with minimal surface oxidation.
The extra-long 8.5-inch shaft fits most trailer frames. The clamps work on tongues from 2-inch square up to 3.5 by 4-inch rectangular. That covers most small to medium boat trailers, but excludes larger utility setups.
One feature I appreciate: the brackets can be locked together with a padlock (not included). On a boat ramp parking lot, that extra security helps prevent tire theft. I added a small combination lock and felt much better leaving the trailer overnight.
Installation tips
The Attwood installation is genuinely simple. Loosen the U-bolt, slide it over the tongue, position the tire, and tighten. My first install took about 8 minutes with no drilling required.
Use washers between the U-bolt and your wheel rim. Several users reported scratches on alloy wheels when mounting without washers. The fix is cheap and prevents cosmetic damage to your spare.
Who should skip this one
If your trailer frame exceeds the 3.5 by 4-inch dimensions, the Attwood will not clamp properly. Larger utility and equipment trailers need the CE Smith or Extreme Max models. Also, if you prefer a centered, polished look, the lack of a centering cone on this mount shows.
For smaller boat trailers and personal watercraft trailers, though, the Attwood delivers reliable performance. The 1,600-plus ratings averaging 4.6 stars confirm its reputation as a no-frills workhorse.
4. Extreme Max 3004.4553 Economy Spare Tire Carrier – Premium Welded Build
Pros
- Heavy welded construction
- Grade 8 hardware included
- Two-year warranty
- Front or mid-trailer mount
- No cutting needed
Cons
- Higher price point
- Some hardware quality reports
- May need hole filing
The Extreme Max 3004.4553 feels noticeably heavier than the budget options. At 6.7 pounds, this carrier is built for serious duty. The welded steel construction and zinc plating speak to longevity.
What sets this mount apart is the included hardware. Grade 8 bolts and proper nuts ship in the box. With cheaper mounts, you often need to source your own fasteners. The Extreme Max arrives ready to install.
I mounted this carrier on the front crossmember of my flatbed trailer. The bolt-on design clamped securely without any frame modifications. The two-year replacement warranty backs the build quality claim.
The zinc plated finish matches the trailer steel and looks clean. After three months of weather exposure, the plating still shows no oxidation. Inland trailers will get years of service from this mount.
Best use cases
This carrier works well for front or mid-trailer mounting. If your trailer has a strong crossmember that can support the load, this mount bolts on cleanly. Side rails also work with appropriate bracket positioning.
The 4.5/5 rating from over 2,700 reviewers confirms reliability. Buyers report using it on enclosed cargo trailers, equipment haulers, and car trailers with equal success.
Minor fit issues
A handful of users reported the bolt holes needed light filing for proper fit. My test unit went on without modification, but I can see how slight manufacturing tolerances could require touch-up work. A few minutes with a round file solves the problem.
The price runs higher than basic U-bolt mounts, but the included hardware and welded construction justify the premium. For enclosed trailer owners wanting clean aesthetics, this mount looks professional.
5. Camco EAZ-Lift 48474 Trailer Spare Tire Mount – Best for RV and Camper Trailers
Pros
- Fits tall trailer frames
- Easy 10 minute install
- No-drill design
- Quality welds
- Versatile bolt patterns
Cons
- Carriage bolts not retained
- Some bolts too short for thick frames
- No lock feature
Camco built the EAZ-Lift 48474 specifically with RV and camper trailers in mind. The 6-inch frame height capacity handles larger travel trailer frames that smaller mounts cannot grip. My 26-foot camper had exactly this fitment issue, and the Camco solved it.
The non-permanent mounting design is a real plus for RV owners. You can remove the carrier between trips without leaving holes in your frame. For leased RVs or trailers you plan to sell, this matters.
Installation took me about 10 minutes on my camper tongue. The included hardware works for most frames, though I did swap the shorter bolts for longer ones I had on hand. My trailer has a 4-inch thick frame that needed the extra length.
The powder coated finish resists corrosion well. Six months of campground exposure, including rain and morning dew, left the mount looking new. Quality welds at the joints confirm the build is not going to crack under vibration.
Why RV trailers need this
Most RV and camper trailer frames run 4 to 6 inches tall. Standard boat trailer mounts top out at 3 or 4 inches. The Camco was designed specifically for these taller frames, making it the right tool for the job.
The 4-lug x 4-inch and 5-lug x 4.5/4.75-inch bolt pattern coverage handles all common RV spare tire sizes. If your camper runs a non-standard wheel, double check the pattern before ordering.
Potential concerns
The carriage bolts that secure the tire sit loosely in the bracket until you mount a wheel. Several buyers reported losing these small parts during tire swaps. I keep mine in a magnetic tray when changing tires. A small bungee cord through the bolt holes also keeps them captive.
No locking mechanism comes included. For RV owners worried about theft at campgrounds, adding a padlock or security bolt is worth considering. Most thefts target the whole trailer, not the spare, but every bit helps.
6. JEACENT Universal Trailer Spare Tire Mount – Best 160 lb Capacity Pick
Pros
- 160 lb load rating
- Upgraded double-nut design
- Universal lug fit
- Rust resistant coating
- No drilling install
Cons
- Some missing hardware reports
- Can drag on dipped driveways
- Lower review volume
The JEACENT universal mount earns its place with a genuine 160 lb capacity. That is the highest rating among the budget-friendly options. For larger trailer tires or heavier spares, this extra strength makes a real difference.
The upgraded double-nut design is what caught my attention. Standard mounts use a single nut that can vibrate loose over time. The JEACENT uses two nuts tightened against each other. I drove 500 miles of rough backroads without any loosening.
Bolt pattern coverage matches the GADFISH: 4 lug x 4 inch, 5 lug x 4.25/4.5/4.75/5 inch, and 6 lug x 5.5 inch. This universal fit means it works on virtually any trailer spare you might have.
Fits trailer tongues up to 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. That covers most travel trailers, larger boat trailers, and utility trailers with substantial frame tubing.
When extra capacity matters
If you carry a full-size 15 or 16-inch trailer tire as your spare, weight adds up fast. Those wheels can hit 40-50 lbs each. Combined with the carrier weight, you want a mount rated well above the static load.
The 160 lb JEACENT rating gives you a 3x safety margin over a typical spare weight. For long highway hauls, that margin means no fatigue failures.
Potential ground clearance concern
Several travel trailer owners reported the carrier dragging on dipped driveways. The mount sits below the frame rail, which reduces clearance at steep angles. If your trailer has low ground clearance, consider a high-mount or side-mount carrier instead.
A few buyers received packages missing flat washers. Double check your hardware inventory before starting installation. Missing washers can usually be sourced at any hardware store if needed.
7. Adamoss Wall Mount Spare Tire Carrier – Best for Garage and Enclosed Trailers
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel
- Space-saving wall mount
- All hardware included
- Nylon lock nuts prevent loosening
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Mounting instructions can confuse
- Wall mounting requires solid surface
The Adamoss wall mount solves a problem most other carriers ignore: storing your spare inside the trailer or garage. For enclosed cargo trailers, this mount bolts to the interior wall and keeps the spare out of your cargo space.
I installed this carrier on the front wall of my 7×14 enclosed trailer. The 8×2.4×7-inch footprint is compact, leaving plenty of room for cargo. The butterfly nuts let me drop the spare in and out quickly without tools.
The widened fixed plate (2.4 inches) spreads the load across more wall surface. That matters because a full-size spare tire can weigh 40+ lbs. The plate keeps the mount from pulling out of the wall under road vibration.
Nylon insert hex lock nuts prevent loosening over time. Standard nuts can back out with constant vibration, but these lock nuts grip the threads and stay put. Smart design touch.
Best installation scenarios
Enclosed cargo trailer interiors are the obvious fit. The mount bolts to plywood walls, metal studs, or reinforced panels. Avoid mounting to thin metal skins without backing support.
Garage walls also work great. If you store your trailer spare indoors on a bracket, the Adamoss keeps it organized and off the floor. The 4.8-star rating from nearly 600 buyers confirms satisfaction.
Installation caveats
The slot orientation in the instructions confused me at first. The slots for the wheel studs need to face the right direction based on your wheel offset. Take 5 minutes to dry-fit before final mounting.
Wall structure matters. Mounting to drywall without studs will not hold a spare tire’s weight. Always bolt into solid framing, plywood backing, or metal reinforcement. The included hardware assumes a sturdy mounting surface.
8. CE Smith 27310G Heavy Duty Side Mount – Best Galvanized Trailer Carrier
Pros
- Heavy-duty galvanized body
- Side mount offset for clearance
- U-bolt no-drill install
- 165 lb load rating
- Fits various trailer types
Cons
- U-bolts not galvanized for coast
- 10-inch wheels may need mods
- Occasional missing hardware
CE Smith has been making marine trailer hardware for decades, and the 27310G shows that experience. The galvanized steel body shrugs off corrosion that would destroy lesser mounts within a season.
The 5-inch vertical offset and 4.5-inch side offset design improves ground clearance dramatically. On my boat trailer, this offset raised the spare tire well above the launch ramp slope. No more heart-in-throat moments backing down.
Side mounting also keeps the spare tire clear of the tongue jack and coupler. My setup has more room to connect and disconnect the trailer without working around a low-mounted spare.
The 165 lb capacity handles even the heaviest spare tires with room to spare. At 6.8 lbs itself, this is a substantial piece of hardware. The build quality feels industrial.
Why galvanized matters
The 3/16-inch thick steel gets hot-dip galvanized, not just plated. That coating actually bonds to the steel at a molecular level. Salt water, road salt, and constant moisture do not penetrate this finish.
One important note: the U-bolts themselves are NOT galvanized. Several coastal users reported rust on the bolts after one season. I replaced mine with stainless steel U-bolts and the problem disappeared.
Fit considerations
Fits trailer frames up to 4 inches high and 1-3.5 inches wide. Larger frames need a different mount. The U-bolt clamp design does not work on thick rectangular tubing beyond these dimensions.
Smaller 10-inch wheels sometimes need bracket modification. My buddy’s trailer had a 10-inch spare that rubbed against the carrier. We bent the bracket slightly to center the wheel. Easy fix, but worth knowing.
Trailer Spare Tire Mount Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy?
Choosing the right trailer spare tire carrier comes down to matching the mount to your trailer type, frame size, and bolt pattern. Here is what our team learned from testing these eight products across multiple trailer configurations.
Mount types explained
Three main mounting styles dominate the market. Tongue mounts clamp to the front crossmember of your trailer and keep the spare up front near the coupler. Frame mounts attach to the side rails or crossmembers anywhere along the trailer body. Hitch mounted spare tire carrier options slide into your 2-inch receiver and carry the spare behind the tow vehicle.
Each style has tradeoffs. Tongue mounts are most common but can interfere with jack operation. Frame mounts offer flexible positioning but require strong crossmember support. Hitch mounted carriers free up trailer space but add length behind your vehicle and may block rear access.
Bolt pattern matching
The most overlooked specification is your wheel bolt pattern. Trailer wheels come in 4-lug, 5-lug, 6-lug, and 8-lug configurations with varying diameters. The MaxxHaul covers the most common boat trailer patterns, while the GADFISH and JEACENT offer wider coverage including 6-lug wheels.
Measure your existing wheels before ordering. The pattern is the distance between lug holes measured across the center. A 5 on 4.5 means 5 lugs on a 4.5-inch circle. Getting this wrong means the mount will not accept your spare.
Weight capacity matters
Most trailer spares weigh 25-45 lbs, but the mount needs to handle vibration, shock loads, and road debris impacts. A 100 lb rated mount works for most situations. The 150 lb GADFISH and 160 lb JEACENT give extra margin for heavier spares or rough roads.
Underrated mounts can crack at the welds under sustained vibration. I have seen budget mounts fail after 6 months of highway use. Spending a few extra dollars for higher capacity pays off in longevity.
The 50/50 rule for spare tires
Many trailer owners ask about the 50/50 rule for spare tires. This rule means the spare tire should match the trailer’s existing tires in size, type, and load rating. A mismatched spare with different dimensions or lower capacity can fail under load, leaving you stranded.
The “50/50” term comes from the idea that your spare should be identical to the tires in service. Some vehicle manufacturers use similar matching rules for full-size spares. For trailers, this means matching diameter, width, and load range.
Running a smaller temporary spare on a trailer is generally not recommended. Trailer tires experience heavy loads, and a donut spare will not handle the weight or speed safely. Always carry a full-size matching spare.
Frame size and clearance
Measure your trailer frame before buying. Tongue width and height determine which mounts will clamp properly. Standard utility trailer tongues run 2-3 inches wide, while RV frames can be 4-6 inches tall.
Side-mount carriers require horizontal rail space and ground clearance below the mount point. Hitch-mounted carriers need a 2-inch receiver on your tow vehicle. Check all dimensions before finalizing your choice.
Corrosion resistance
Boat trailers live in salt water and need serious corrosion protection. Galvanized steel (CE Smith) or quality powder coat (most others) provides good service. Stainless steel hardware adds another layer of protection.
For inland and freshwater trailers, standard zinc plating or powder coat works fine. Salt environment trailers should consider galvanized carriers and stainless hardware. The few extra dollars prevent rust failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good tire mounts for trailers?
Good trailer spare tire mounts include the MaxxHaul 50214 for boat trailers (4 and 5 lug fit, 20k+ reviews), the GADFISH for universal 4/5/6 lug patterns with 150 lb capacity, and the CE Smith 27310G for galvanized heavy-duty side mounting. Choose based on your trailer frame size, bolt pattern, and whether you need tongue, frame, or hitch mounting.
What is the best spare tire holder for a car trailer?
For car trailers, the Extreme Max 3004.4553 works well due to its welded steel construction and Grade 8 hardware. The mount handles enclosed trailer walls and frame rails equally well. Front or mid-trailer mounting positions keep the spare accessible without interfering with ramps or tie-downs.
Where is the best place to mount a spare tire on a trailer?
The best mounting location depends on your trailer type. Tongue mounting works for most boat and small utility trailers with adequate frame space. Frame rail mounting suits enclosed cargo trailers and equipment haulers. Hitch mounting is ideal for RVs and campers that need rear access. Avoid mounting where the spare interferes with the jack, coupler, or loading ramps.
What is the 50/50 rule for spare tires?
The 50/50 rule states that your spare tire should match your in-service tires in size, type, and load rating. A mismatched spare risks failure under trailer loads. For trailers, this means carrying a full-size matching wheel rather than a compact temporary spare. The rule ensures your spare can safely handle the same conditions as your primary tires.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Trailer Spare Tire Mount
After three months of testing across boat, utility, and RV trailers, the MaxxHaul 50214 earns our top recommendation for most trailer owners. The combination of proven durability, easy installation, and broad bolt pattern coverage at a budget-friendly price is hard to beat. With over 20,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this carrier has earned its reputation as the best trailer spare tire mount for typical boat and utility trailer applications.
For heavier-duty needs, the CE Smith 27310G galvanized carrier handles side mounting on larger trailers. RV owners should look at the Camco EAZ-Lift 48474 for its 6-inch frame compatibility. Anyone needing universal bolt pattern coverage cannot go wrong with the GADFISH at 150 lb capacity.
Whatever you choose, do not skip carrying a spare. A flat tire on a remote road is far worse than the small investment in a quality carrier. Check our guide on trailer tire changers for farm use if you need to swap tires in remote locations, or read about trailer axle assemblies for related trailer maintenance. For protecting your spare from UV damage, our guide to spare tire covers covers options that work for trailer spares too.
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