Most RVs can carry a spare tire in one of five ways: a bumper mount, a hitch mount, an under-frame carrier, a tongue mount, or a rear ladder mount. The best choice depends on your RV type, the weight of the tire, and the space you have available. This guide compares every common RV spare tire mount, explains which fits which rig, and covers how to protect the spare once it is mounted.
In this article
- Where can you mount a spare tire on an RV?
- RV spare tire mount types compared
- How to choose the right mount for your RV
- Protecting your spare once it is mounted
- Related reading
- FAQ
Where can you mount a spare tire on an RV?
Many travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes leave the factory without a dedicated spare tire location, so owners add one. The right spot balances easy access, weight support, and clearance. The five most common mounting locations each have clear strengths and trade-offs.
RV spare tire mount types compared
| Mount type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bumper mount | Trailers with a box bumper | Inexpensive, easy, swings down flat | Needs a strong bumper; not for heavy tires |
| Hitch mount | Rigs with a spare hitch receiver | No drilling, uses existing receiver | Ties up the hitch; adds rear overhang |
| Under-frame carrier | Motorhomes, larger trailers | Hides the tire, frees space, some add a winch | Harder to access; collects road grime |
| Tongue mount | Trailers with a long tongue or A-frame | Bolts on without drilling; keeps rear clear | Limited space; adds tongue weight |
| Ladder mount | Rigs with a rear ladder | Uses the existing ladder; keeps tire high | Heavy tires stress the ladder and fiberglass |
Bumper mount
If your RV has a sturdy, box-style rear bumper with room to spare, a bumper mount is often the simplest and most affordable option. Many use a pull pin that lets the tire swing down flat, which is especially handy on travel trailers and fifth wheels. Install is usually straightforward with basic hand tools. The main limit is bumper strength, because heavy tires need a reinforced bumper, so it suits lighter and mid-weight spares best.
Hitch mount
A hitch-mounted carrier slides into a rear hitch receiver, so there is no drilling and nothing permanent. It is a great fit for travel trailers or vans that are not already using the receiver, and many carriers swing or tilt aside so you can still reach a rear door or ramp. Look for one rated for your tire's weight. The downside is that it occupies the hitch and adds some length behind the rig.
Under-frame carrier
An under-frame carrier bolts to the underside of the chassis and tucks the spare out of sight. It is common on larger motorhomes and trailers, and some designs include a built-in winch that lowers the tire to the ground for access, which makes an otherwise awkward spot manageable. Hiding the spare underneath also frees up storage elsewhere. The trade-offs are tougher access and more exposure to road grime.
Tongue mount
Some travel trailers have a long stem on the tongue or A-frame to which an aftermarket bracket can be bolted without drilling. It keeps the rear of the trailer clear and is secure, but it is limited by the space on the tongue and adds weight to the front of the trailer, so factor it into your loaded tongue-weight limit.
Ladder mount
A ladder mount bolts the spare to your RV's rear ladder. It uses hardware you already have and keeps the tire up and out of the way, but heavy tires put real stress on the ladder mounts and can crack fiberglass over time. Check your ladder's rated capacity, and reserve this option for lighter spares.
How to choose the right mount for your RV
Work through three questions:
- What does your RV already have? A box bumper, a hitch receiver, a long tongue, or a rear ladder each point toward a specific mount.
- How heavy is the spare? Heavier tires rule out ladders and weak bumpers, favoring hitch or under-frame carriers.
- How often will you access it? If you want quick access, a swing-down bumper or hitch mount beats an under-frame carrier.
Match the mount to your rig rather than forcing a popular option that does not suit it. It also helps to know your spare's exact size and weight before you buy, since both drive which mounts are safe and which cover will fit. Our tire cover size guide walks through how to measure.
Protecting your spare once it is mounted
Wherever the spare ends up, an exposed tire takes a beating from sun and weather. UV exposure dries out rubber and fades sidewalls over months of sitting still, so a cover is a cheap way to protect an expensive backup. A fitted spare tire cover shields it from UV, rain, and road grime, which helps the spare last until you actually need it. If you are choosing a cover, our spare tire covers come in a range of sizes, and our tire cover size guide walks through how to measure for the right fit.
Related reading
- How to choose the best RV spare tire cover: size, fit and material
- How to measure for a spare tire cover
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to mount a spare tire on a travel trailer?
For most travel trailers with a strong box bumper, a swing-down bumper mount is the easiest and most affordable choice. If the bumper is not rated for the tire's weight, a tongue mount or hitch mount is a better option.
Can you add a spare tire mount to an RV that did not come with one?
Yes. Aftermarket bumper, hitch, tongue, under-frame, and ladder mounts all let you add a spare to an RV that left the factory without one. The right kit depends on your rig's bumper, frame, hitch, and ladder.
Is a ladder-mounted spare tire safe?
It can be for lighter tires, but heavy spares put stress on the ladder mounts and can crack fiberglass over time. If your spare is heavy, a bumper, hitch, or under-frame mount is safer.
Do I need a cover for my RV spare tire?
A cover is not required, but it is worth it. Constant sun exposure dries and fades an exposed spare, so a fitted cover protects the rubber and finish until you need the tire.
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