For outdoor enthusiasts who rely on vehicles with a spare tire, a sturdy spare tire bike mount is a must-have. This guide highlights top options that balance security, ease of use, and durability. Each selection is evaluated for fit on common spare tire setups, weight capacity, and install simplicity. Whether you drive an SUV, pickup, or a rugged RV, the right rack can turn road trips into smooth, bike-backed adventures without compromising the spare tire access or rear clearance.
| Product | Brand | Capacity | Key Feature | Fit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack | Hollywood Racks | 2 bikes (up to 35 lbs each) | Adjustable arms; heavy-duty steel | Designed for spare-tire mounting on SUVs/jeeps |
| TOPOWN Foldable Spare Tire Bike Rack | TOPOWN | 2 bikes | Foldable arms; multiple installation positions | Fits most 31.5″–32.5″ spare tires |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier (Model 322DN) | Allen | 2 bikes (up to 70 lbs total) | Long carry arms; independent cradle security | Compatible with a wide range of frames |
| Yakima SpareRide Vehicle Rear Spare Tire Mounted | Yakima | Holds 2 bicycles | Anti-sway with SKS locking; bottle opener | Universally fits stock spare tires |
| Swagman Around The Spare Deluxe RV | Swagman | 1–2 bikes | Rugged welded steel; fits around spare tires | RV approved; works on many bumpers |
Use the quick table above as a reference for comparing core specs at a glance. Each option below is explained in more detail, focusing on installation, compatibility, and everyday use. This approach helps you pick a mount that aligns with your vehicle’s spare tire size, how you plan to use it, and the level of security you expect on the road or trail.
Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
The Hollywood Racks SR1 is built for vehicles with spare tire mounts, designed to simplify rear transport while preserving access to the spare itself when needed. Constructed from heavy‑duty steel, this rack prioritizes bike security during highway travel and off-road conditions. It accommodates two bikes with arms capable of centering for side‑mounted tires, a common setup for many SUVs and Jeeps. Each bike can be supported up to 35 pounds, providing enough capacity for standard mountain or hybrid bikes while keeping weight distribution balanced on the rear of the vehicle.
Ease of use is central to the SR1 design. The rack is fully adjustable, allowing you to fine‑tune alignment to fit various spare tire configurations. While it is strong and durable, it does not support electric bikes, which helps keep the weight and mounting complexity manageable. This model emphasizes straightforward installation and reliable performance for most spare‑tired setups, making it a dependable choice for frequent road trips and weekend adventures.
TOPOWN Foldable Spare Tire Bike Rack
TOPOWN’s foldable design focuses on compact storage when not in use and flexible mounting options for different rear door configurations. It’s engineered to universally fit most 31.5″–32.5″ spare tires, and it ships with installation kits plus a clear illustrated manual. The carrier uses five installation holes for the support arms, allowing you to position the arms to accommodate various left, middle, or right spare placements on your vehicle. The arms themselves are adjustable to the rear door, ensuring the bikes clear the bodywork and cameras while maintaining a stable load.
What stands out is the adaptability: you can position the arms to suit the specific spare tire’s location and the bike’s profile. The foldable aspect helps when you’re not carrying bikes, reducing wind resistance and improving accessibility to the rear hatch. While the installation process is straightforward, users should confirm that their vehicle’s spare and bumper layout support the specific arm configuration you choose.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Carrier
Allen’s Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Carrier emphasizes high clearance and bike protection. The design positions bikes away from the road and exhaust, using 15-inch carry arms that easily accommodate two bikes. The carrier is compatible with a broad range of bicycle styles and frame sizes, and it uses patented individual tie-down cradles to secure and protect each bicycle separately. This model is known for its sturdy construction and straightforward installation, with a weight capacity that supports up to 70 pounds in total. It’s a practical option for those who routinely switch bikes or carry mixed bike types on weekend trips.
With Allen, the focus is on secure mounting without excessive swaying. The system provides stable cradles that keep bikes in place during transit, reducing rattling and contact between frames. Quick assembly helps you get on the road faster, while the overall footprint remains compatible with many spare‑tire setups. If you regularly switch bikes or carry heavier mountain bikes, this carrier offers a reliable balance of capacity and simplicity.
Yakima SpareRide Spare Tire Bike Rack
Yakima’s SpareRide converts a rear spare into a versatile two-bike rack with a focus on ease of use and security. It’s designed to fit nearly any stock-size spare and most lug patterns, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles. The rack features SuperCush ZipStrip cradles for a seamless bike-loading experience, coupled with an anti-sway design to prevent contact between bikes during transport. A built-in locking knob secures the rack and spare tire to the vehicle, and the complete SKS locking package helps deter theft across pit stops and overnight stays. A bottle opener is a small but appreciated touch for weekend riders.
The SpareRide emphasizes stability and theft deterrence without requiring a full hitch or roof rack. It’s particularly well-suited for drivers who frequently add or remove bikes on trips and value a secure locking system. The combination of universal fit, anti-sway hardware, and integrated security makes it a strong choice for mixed‑use vehicles that rely on a spare‑tire mounting solution.
Swagman Around The Spare Deluxe RV
Swagman’s Around The Spare Deluxe is RV‑friendly, designed to carry 1 or 2 bikes while mounting around most spare tires. It’s built from continuously welded steel, offering robust durability for extended travel and varying weather conditions. The rack is compatible with 4-4.5 inch square bumpers, which covers a broad spectrum of trailer and RV configurations. Its universal approach and sturdy construction make it a practical choice for campers and long‑haul travelers who need a reliable spare‑tire mounting solution that can navigate rough roads and repeated install/removal cycles.
Installation is straightforward, with emphasis on securing the rack without interfering with the spare tire’s accessibility or the vehicle’s rear lighting. The rack’s compact footprint when not in use and its ability to accommodate two bikes adds flexibility for weekend getaways or longer road trips. If your vehicle frequently travels with a spare tire mounted, this option provides a dependable balance of strength and adaptability.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help determine which spare tire bike mount best fits your vehicle and lifestyle. The guide below covers capacity, compatibility, security, installation effort, and long-term durability. Assess each factor in relation to your typical trips, bike types, and towing or hitch constraints.
- Bike capacity and weight: Check the maximum weight per bike and total weight the rack can support. Some models limit individual bikes to 35 pounds, while others allow heavier bikes or higher combined weights (e.g., up to 70 pounds total). If you regularly carry ebikes or heavier mountain bikes, prioritize higher weight limits.
- Vehicle and spare-tire compatibility: Spare tire size, location (left, middle, or right), and bumper design impact fit. Universal-fit racks work broadly, but some require precise mounting positions. If your rear door has cameras or sensors, consider models with adjustable arms to avoid interference.
- Mounting position and adjustability: Look for racks that offer multiple arm positions or foldable designs to clear rear doors, access the hatch, or avoid trunk obstruction. Foldable arms can reduce profile when not in use and improve handling in tight spaces.
- Security and anti-theft: Evaluate whether the rack includes locking mechanisms for the rack to the vehicle and for locking bikes to the rack. SKS-style locks and integrated anti-sway features help deter theft and protect the bikes during transit.
- Durability and materials: Steel construction generally provides strength and long service life, though heavier weights may add to your load on the hitch or tailgate. Check for corrosion-resistant finishes if you frequently travel in wet or salty environments.
- Ease of installation and removal: Favor designs with clear instructions, ample mounting hardware, and logical assembly steps. Quick-release or quick-install features save time on road trips when you’re setting up or packing up.
- Bike frame compatibility: Some cradles accommodate wide frame sizes and various bike geometries, while others are optimized for specific frame shapes. If you own a mix of bikes (road, mountain, kids’ bikes), opt for versatile cradles with gentle yet secure ties.
- Accessibility of the spare tire: Ensure the mount does not overly obstruct the spare’s access or venting systems and that the installation leaves room for routine maintenance on the spare itself.
- Additional features and accessories: Look for items like bottle openers, integrated locks, or anti-sway designs that contribute to a more enjoyable and secure travel experience.
In practice, the best choice balances capacity, fit, and security with how often you’ll install or remove the rack. For frequent travelers who switch bikes and go on extended trips, a model with robust locking and universal compatibility simplifies use and reduces the need for extra adapters. For casual weekend riders, a simpler, lighter unit may be sufficient, especially if it folds away neatly when not in use. Always verify compatibility with your specific spare tire size and bumper style before purchasing.