When you need quick access to a spare tire without sacrificing bed space, a rugged bed-mounted tire carrier can be the solution. This guide highlights five dependable options designed for American trucks and SUVs, focusing on universal fit, durability, and ease of use. Each product below leverages solid steel construction, corrosion resistance, and thoughtful mounting designs to keep tires secure on or near the bed.
| Product | Brand | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid Hitch In-Bed Spare Tire Bracket | RIGID HITCH INCORPORATED | In-bed placement; lockable option |
| Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Carrier | Rough Country | Fits 33″–40″ tires; top-of-bed access |
| Rough Country Bed Mount for Toyota Tacoma | Rough Country | Up to 40″ tires; off-road ready |
| IRONBISON Universal Spare Tire Carrier | IRONBISON | Universal full-size bed fit; up to 40″ tires |
| Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier | Nilight | 2″ receiver; corrosion-resistant build |
Rigid Hitch In-Bed Spare Tire Bracket (RHTC-35L) – Made in U.S.A.
The Rigid Hitch in-Bed Spare Tire Bracket relocates the spare tire out from under the vehicle, placing it securely inside the bed area. Designed for universal compatibility, this bracket accommodates multiple truck brands and bed configurations. A lockable option adds an extra layer of security, though the lock itself is not included. This mounting solution emphasizes quick access and a cleaner undercarriage profile, making it well suited for frequent bed storage and off-road setups where debris protection matters.
Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier for Pickup Trucks
This universal bed mount from Rough Country fits a broad range of truck beds and tire sizes from 33″ to 40″ with a maximum width of 14″. It offers easy top-of-bed access for quick tire checks or replacements, a valuable trait for overland trips or heavy-duty use. Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a black powder-coated finish, it’s designed to withstand off-road environments and exposure to the elements while resisting corrosion and wear.
Rough Country Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier for Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023)
Specifically designed for Toyota Tacomas model years 2016–2023, this bed mount supports tires up to 40″ in diameter and includes adjustable settings to accommodate different offsets and bolt patterns, including common 5×5.0, 5×5.5, 6×5.5, and 6x135mm configurations. Built from high-strength steel with a rugged black powder coat, this carrier emphasizes reliability and off-road readiness, ensuring the spare remains accessible and secure during rugged trips.
IRONBISON Universal Spare Tire Carrier
IRONBISON’s universal spare tire carrier is designed for full-size pickup beds and supports up to 40″ tires with a 13.5″ width. The vertical mounting design helps keep the spare upright and compact, reducing bed space consumption while ensuring secure mounting. Made from durable steel with a black powder-coated finish, it’s built to resist corrosion and withstand road grime, scrapes, and weather exposure typical of itinerant travel and off-road use.
Fabtech Angled Spare Tire Mount Kit
The Fabtech Angled Spare Tire Mount Kit provides an angled mounting solution designed for specific vehicle configurations. While marketed as an angled mount, the kit’s fit type is vehicle-specific, ensuring a tailored fit for certain trucks or SUVs. The package offers dimensions that indicate it’s meant for a substantial installation, with a focus on keeping the spare tire secure and accessible from a convenient angle for loading and unloading on the trail or at the worksite.
JY PERFORMANCE Semi-Truck Spare Tire Rack
Designed for Class 8 semi-trucks, the JY PERFORMANCE spare tire rack is built from high-quality steel and coated with black powder for durability and corrosion resistance. It offers adjustable width to fit multiple spare tire versions, making it a versatile option for fleets or owners with varying tire configurations. The rack emphasizes durability and secure mounting in demanding highway and off-road conditions.
Titan Fuel Tanks Tire Mount
Titan Fuel Tanks offers a tire mount solution that complements their broader fuel tank systems. While not a traditional bed-mounted spare, this option demonstrates the variety of mounting approaches available for securing a spare in vehicle payload setups and auxiliary storage configurations. This mount emphasizes secure attachment and compatibility with Titan’s accessory ecosystem, suited for enthusiasts who prioritize integrated equipment systems.
Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier
The Nilight spare tire carrier is designed for 2-inch receivers and provides an adaptable solution for trailers, trucks, SUVs, and ATVs needing a reliable spare tire mount. It supports 4, 5, and 6 lug configurations with a corrosion-resistant build and powder-coated finish. The design emphasizes straightforward installation, secure tire retention, and compatibility with a wide range of towing and off-road setups.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing a spare tire mount for a truck bed, consider the following:
- Compatibility: Confirm tire diameter (inches) and width, bolt patterns, and bed type. Some mounts are universal, others are vehicle-specific.
- Mount Location: In-bed versus bed-side or tailgate mounting affects accessibility, weight distribution, and debris exposure.
- Security: Look for lockable components, anti-theft features, and robust fasteners to deter theft in remote locations.
- Durability: A powder-coated steel frame or treated alloy resists corrosion and road spray; off-road environments demand tougher construction.
- Ease of Installation: Bolt-on systems with minimal modification save time and reduce installation risks.
- Access Convenience: Top-of-bed or upright designs often provide faster tire checks and changes.
- Weight Capacity: Verify that the mount can handle the full spare tire weight and any extra equipment you might stack with it.
- Maintenance: Check for accessible mounting hardware and the ease of inspecting the mounting points for wear or damage.
- Brand Support: Consider warranty, replacement parts availability, and customer support history for long-term reliability.
- Aesthetics and Fit: A rugged, matte-black finish blends with most trucks, while some models offer a more integrated look with specific vehicle lines.
The options above balance universal fit with specialized applications. For common pickup beds and a need for broad compatibility, Rough Country’s universal and Tacoma-specific solutions provide versatile, durable choices. For bed-free undercarriage protection, the Rigid Hitch bracket offers in-bed placement to maximize clearance. The IRONBISON model emphasizes vertical mounting to preserve trunk or bed space. Finally, Nilight’s hitch carrier demonstrates a flexible approach suitable for trailers and mixed vehicle fleets, where a 2-inch receiver is already part of the towing setup.