Spare Tire Carriers

Why Every RV and Trailer Owner Needs a Spare Tire Carrier

A flat tire on a remote highway is one of the most stressful situations any RV owner or trailer operator can face. Unlike passenger vehicles, most motorhomes and trailers do not come equipped with a spare tire from the factory — and finding a correctly sized replacement on the road can take hours or even prove impossible in rural areas. A spare tire carrier solves this problem by giving you a dedicated, secure mounting solution for a full-size spare so you're always prepared, no matter how far off the beaten path you travel.

How Spare Tire Carriers Work

Spare tire carriers are purpose-built mounting systems that attach to your RV's or trailer's existing hitch receiver, frame tongue, or rear bumper structure. Rather than sacrificing interior cargo space, these carriers keep the spare tire mounted externally and within easy reach. Hitch-receiver-style carriers are among the most popular designs for motorhomes — they slide into a standard 2-inch or 2.5-inch receiver and typically feature a lever or pivot mechanism that allows you to raise and lower the tire without any heavy lifting. Key features to look for include:

• Receiver compatibility: Match the carrier to your vehicle's receiver size (2" for most Class B/C and vans; 2.5" for larger Class A motorhomes).
• Wheel fitment: Check that the lug bolt circle pattern and wheel diameter are supported — dually wheels common on motorhomes require specific carriers.
• Load capacity: Ensure the carrier's tongue weight rating can handle the weight of your tire and wheel assembly.
• Pivoting access: Carriers that swing or lower to the side allow continued access to rear engine compartments, ladders, and storage bays.
• Finish and durability: Powder-coated steel resists corrosion from road grime and the elements, especially important for coastal or wet-weather travel.
• Anti-rattle design: A built-in anti-rattle device or hitch pin bolt prevents annoying movement and vibration on long trips.

Top Brands in Spare Tire Carriers

Roadmaster is the dominant name in RV and motorhome spare tire carriers, and for good reason. Roadmaster's patented hitch-mount designs feature a lever handle system that pivots the carrier down to the ground for easy wheel loading, then levers the assembly back up and auto-latches into place — a genuine one-person operation. Their carriers also include a built-in 2-inch pass-through receiver so you can simultaneously connect a tow bar, hitch rack, or other accessory without sacrificing functionality. As a family-owned, American-made manufacturer with over 50 years in the industry, Roadmaster backs its products with an engineering pedigree rooted in real-world RV travel.

C.E. Smith brings decades of trailering and marine hardware experience to the spare tire carrier segment, offering a range of trailer-specific mounting solutions suited to boat trailers and utility trailers. Their carriers are a practical choice for trailering enthusiasts who need reliable, no-frills hardware designed to handle the rigors of frequent towing, including exposure to water, salt, and road debris.

Choosing the Right Spare Tire Carrier

Before purchasing, confirm your vehicle's receiver hitch size and whether your spare tire uses a standard automotive bolt pattern or a dually-style wheel. RV owners with larger Class A motorhomes should look specifically for carriers rated for dually wheels and larger receiver openings. Trailer operators should consider tongue-mount or frame-mount designs for the best fit on their specific setup. A properly matched spare tire carrier is a small investment that can save you hours of waiting — and a lot of money — if the unexpected happens miles from the nearest tire shop.