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A blown tire in the backcountry turns a fun day into a recovery mission. A dedicated UTV spare tire mount gets that heavy 30-inch wheel off your bed floor and out of your way, so coolers, tools, and gear have their space back. The real question is picking between a roll-cage carrier that keeps your rearview clear, a hitch-mounted unit for universal fit, or a bed-side mount for tool-free access.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind GoCarLife. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
After digging into the owner feedback and the spec sheets on every serious contender, the crowd favorite here is the KEMIMOTO for RZR XP 1000, holding its own at 4.4 stars with 400+ owners behind it. The best utv spare tire mount is the one that fits your exact machine without blocking your view — and this one nails that brief.
Our Picks at a Glance



How To Choose The Best UTV Spare Tire Mount
Before you buy any spare tire holder, you need to settle one thing: where on your machine you want that wheel to live. That single decision drives everything else — how much cargo room you keep, whether you can still see out the back, and how easy the install will be.
Match the mount to your machine, not the other way around
The most common mistake is grabbing a universal hitch carrier for a machine that really wants a cage-specific rack. Many UTV manufacturers design the rear cage with pre-drilled mounting points, so a model-specific carrier like the KEMIMOTO or ECOTRIC units bolt straight on with zero drilling. A universal 2-inch hitch mount works on nearly anything with a receiver, but it hangs lower and can drag on rough terrain.
Mind the tire size limit
Every mount has a ceiling. Some hold up to a 30-inch tire, others stretch to 32 inches, and a few are labeled for stock to oversized setups. Measure your actual spare — including the wheel — before you order. Owners who ignored the listed limit often end up adding wheel spacers or tension bars to make things fit.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Mount Type | Max Tire Size | Item Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEMIMOTO RZP Carrier★ Best Overall | RZR XP 1000 owners | Roll Cage | 30 inch | 17.51 lb | Amazon |
| ECOTRIC Universal HitchCompact Pick | Universal 2-inch hitches | Hitch Mount | 24-inch height | — | Amazon |
| Nilight Hitch MountTrail Pick | Trailer & off-road spares | Hitch Mount | Fits 4, 5, 6 lugs | 16 lb | Amazon |
| ECOTRIC RZR XP Carrier | RZR XP 1000 line | Roll Cage | 30 inch | 19.51 lb | Amazon |
| Extreme Max Fold Down | Tailgate access | Hitch Mount | Fits standard 2″ receiver | 21.9 lb | Amazon |
| Hornet R-800 ST | Polaris Ranger & General | Bed Rail | Stock to oversized | 3 lb | Amazon |
| Hornet U-4047 | High-clearance universal | Hitch Mount | Fits 4, 5, 6 lugs | — | Amazon |
| KEMIMOTO X3 Carrier | Can-Am Maverick X3 | Roll Cage | 32 inch | — | Amazon |
| Tusk Talon Carrier | Honda Talon 1000 | Roll Cage | Stock sizes | 50 lb | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. KEMIMOTO UTV Spare Tire Carrier Mount (RZR XP 1000)
Our pick — over 4★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The cage-mounted carrier that lifts your spare high and keeps your rearview clear.
This KEMIMOTO mount is built for the 2014-2023 Polaris RZR XP 1000, XP4 1000, and the Turbo variants, so if you own one of those machines, this is a straight bolt-on with no cage modification. The whole thing weighs 17.51 pounds and uses anti-slip tube clamps that grip the roll cage, holding your spare up to 30 inches high and out of your sightline. That high position is the whole point — it keeps cargo space open below for a cooler or storage box.
Owners consistently report an easy bolt-on install with no cage loosening, and the black powder-coated steel resists rust and fading. Some note it runs slightly narrower than the cage itself, but it tightens down fine, and the RTIC 20 cooler still opens fully underneath. A few owners pushed past the 30-inch limit by adding a 2-inch wheel spacer to fit 32s, so the stated max is real but not a hard wall.
You get a sturdy spare mount, but be ready for a small DIY: the kit ships without instructions (most find the assembly intuitive), and the included lug studs run a bit short, so a few owners swapped in a 15mm bolt and strap steel for extra security. If you ride a 2024 RZR XP 1000 or a 2020+ PRO Series, this is not the mount for you — check fitment before ordering.
Why Owners Pick It
- Bolt-on install, no drilling or cutting required
- High mount keeps rearview mirror vision unobstructed
- Holds up to a 30-inch tire with room for cargo below
Watch For
- No instructions included, assembly is intuitive but not guided
- Included lug studs are short, some owners substitute longer hardware
Grab it if: you ride a 2014-2023 RZR XP 1000 and want a clean, high-mounted spare that frees your bed for a cooler. It is the best-balanced pick on this list for fit, finish, and everyday usability.
Look elsewhere if: you own a 2024 RZR or a PRO Series, or you plan to run tires bigger than 32 inches without a spacer.
2. ECOTRIC Spare Tire Mount Carrier 24-Inch Universal
The 24-inch universal hitch mount that fits whatever you drive, at an entry-level price.
If your rig has a standard 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receiver, this ECOTRIC carrier slides right in and fits virtually anything — SUVs, ATVs, UTVs, RVs, trucks, and cars. The 24-inch height and slotted holes give it a wide range of adjustment for different wheel sizes, and the alloy steel construction wears a durable black powder coat to shrug off the elements. It is the lightest-duty path into spare-tire carrying without locking you into one brand of machine.
Construction quality is what owners praise most here — ten separate buyers call it out as well-made, and the general vibe is that it works exactly as described. The recurring caution is durability-related; a couple of buyers report the mounting bracket snapping under load, so this is best viewed as a dependable budget carrier for standard spares, not a rock-crawling hauler. Also note: the hitch pin is not included, and if your lug pattern is 5 holes, the tire may sit slightly off-center.
The biggest fit caveat comes from Jeep owners with tailgate lifts — the carrier can interfere with the lift mechanism, and one owner found it unusable for that reason. If you run a tailgate-mounted lift, measure your clearance first. For everyone else with a standard hitch, this is the simplest, most affordable way to carry a spare without touching your cargo bed.
Universal reach: fits any standard 2-inch receiver, so it moves between vehicles with zero modification. Slotted holes and 24 inches of height cover a broad range of tire sizes.
Best for: the budget-conscious owner with a standard hitch who wants a simple, powder-coated carrier for a stock-sized spare.
3. Nilight Trailer Hitch Spare Tire Carrier
A bolt-on hitch carrier with a nearly 22-inch riser for serious ground clearance off-road.
The Nilight distinguishes itself with a vertical bar just short of 22 inches, which gives plenty of ground clearance on rough terrain where a low-slung hitch mount would drag. It bolts on with no cutting or drilling, includes all the hardware, and fits any vehicle with a 2-inch receiver — trailers, SUVs, vans, ATVs, UTVs, and RVs. The carbon steel body wears a powder-coated finish, and the hitch lock uses solid steel with black electrophoretic paint rated to carry up to 30, twice what a common pin lock handles.
The highlight here is real-world durability. Owners mention this mount holding a 33-inch tire for months, even surviving a run at King of Hammers, and the advice is to add a strap to prevent rocking. That said, the same reviews often note it is a great short-term solution until you add a rear bumper — not a permanent fixture. At 16 pounds, it is a touch lighter than the KEMIMOTO’s 17.51 pounds, but both are solidly built for daily off-road use.
The honest shortcomings: the arm length is a known issue. Several owners found it not long enough to clear the back end of a 2025 Kawasaki Teryx 800, and another noted the wheel bolts don’t match standard 1/2″-20 lug nuts, requiring custom stainless hardware. A minority report the plate cracking and bending under a heavy 29-inch tire after a few months, so treat it as a solid trail solution rather than an indestructible permanent mount.
Reach for it if: you need a universal hitch carrier with real ground clearance for off-road trails and want a quick bolt-on install.
Think twice if: you drive a Kawasaki Teryx 800, rely on standard lug nuts, or expect a heavy tire to ride indefinitely without reinforcement.
4. ECOTRIC Spare Tire Carrier Rack Mount (RZR XP)
The RZR-specific rack with professional-grade welds and a fit owners call glove-tight.
This ECOTRIC carrier is purpose-built for the 2014-2023 RZR XP 1000, XP4 1000, and the Turbo EPS line, and it shows in the fit — owners describe it as fitting like a glove on a 2020 Polaris RZR. The high-hardness steel frame wears a black powder coat, and the M12 x 1.5 threaded lug studs are included, so installation requires no drilling, cutting, or modifying. At 19.51 pounds, it is the heaviest of the RZR cage mounts here, which tracks with its reputation for sturdy, well-made construction.
Fit is the aspect owners praise most — twenty of them single it out — and quality comes in a close second at fifteen mentions. The weld quality gets described as professional-grade, and buyers consistently say it keeps the spare mounted high enough to use a cooler underneath while preserving rearview visibility. Installation is quick, though a few owners note it scratches the roll bars as you slide it up or down into position.
You will need to source M12 x 1.5 lug nuts yourself — the kit ships with the studs but no nuts, which one owner described as a 10-minute install followed by two hours of hardware hunting. If you are fine raiding your bolt bin, this is a superb value for RZR owners who want a sturdy, high-mounted spare without the premium price tag.
Build quality wins: professional-grade welds, a 19.51-pound steel frame, and a fit that owners call perfect on 2017-2020 RZR XP machines.
Heads up: lug nuts are not in the box — budget a quick hardware-store run before you start the install.
5. Extreme Max Pivoting Fold Down Hitch Mount
The hitch carrier that folds down so your tailgate still opens without removing the spare.
The Extreme Max solves the classic hitch-carrier problem: you mount a spare on the rear receiver and suddenly your tailgate is blocked. This 21.9-pound unit pivots downward to swing the tire out of the way, letting you open the tailgate without unbolting anything. It fits any standard 2-inch receiver, and an anti-rattle system holds the carrier upright to keep noise and vibration off the trail.
Compatibility is what owners praise most, with eleven calling it out — it clears a 2000 Chevy tailgate easily and holds strong on a 4300-mile road trip with off-road use. The build quality follows close behind at ten mentions, with owners citing sturdy steel and arc welds that should last. The kit includes three lug bolts and matching lug nuts at M12 x 1.75 x 50, so you are not hunting hardware from the start, though the hitch pin itself is not included.
Fit is genuinely mixed, which makes sense for a universal carrier. A 2025 Can-Am Defender HD10 Limited owner had to return it because it would not clear the gate, while a CRV-Hybrid owner used it for a full-size spare and freed up rear storage. If you have a truck or SUV with a tailgate and a standard hitch, measure that gap before you commit — this is the best fold-down design here, but it is not a one-size-fits-all guarantee.
Praise Points
- Fold-down pivot keeps tailgate fully accessible
- Holds strong on long highway and off-road trips
- Includes three M12 x 1.75 x 50 lug bolts and nuts
Check First
- Fit varies by vehicle — measure tailgate clearance before ordering
- Hitch pin for the receiver is not included
Choose it if: you drive a pickup or SUV with a tailgate and want to keep it fully usable with a spare mounted on the rear hitch.
skip it if: your tailgate sits tight against the hitch — measure first, since fit swings wildly by vehicle model.
6. Hornet Outdoors R-800 ST Portable Spare Tire Mount
A featherweight 3-pound bed mount that installs in seconds with no tools at all.
For a Polaris Ranger or General from 2006 to 2026, this Hornet Outdoors mount is the fastest install on this entire list — it uses two patented Hornet Twist Lock anchors that drop into the factory Lock & Ride bed holes and tighten by hand, no tools required. At just 3 pounds, it is lighter than every other carrier here, and it positions the tire vertically against the bed rail or cab to free up floor space for coolers and tools.
Functionality is what owners praise most, with ten singling it out, and installation comes second at seven mentions. A 2020 Polaris Ranger 570 Crew owner reports a perfect fit with the mount staying tight on bumpy rides, and the adjustable design accommodates stock to oversized aftermarket tire setups. The USA-built powder-coated alloy steel keeps it rattle-free and trail-ready.
The trade-offs: fit and stability are genuinely mixed. The mount is adjustable, but on a 2026 Ranger XP1000 the tire can rest on the bed, and one owner with 32-inch tires found it would not hold bigger wheels upright without adding a tension bar. Quality also splits opinion — some call it solid, others find it light-duty for the price. This is a brilliant pick for stock to mild upgrades on Rangers and Generals, but not the answer for oversized tires or heavy aftermarket wheels.
Minute mount: twist-lock anchors into factory bed holes, no tools, no drilling, and it frees your bed floor for gear.
Scale matters: expect to add a tension bar for 32-inch tires, and verify fit if you run a 2026 Ranger XP1000.
7. Hornet Outdoors ATV UTV Spare Tire Mount 19″
A quick-release, high-clearance hitch carrier built from heavy American steel.
This Hornet Outdoors carrier is engineered for off-road riders who run low — the angled lower section lifts the spare outward and upward, and the 19-inch length pushes it clear of obstacles on rocky, uneven trails. It fits any standard 2-inch receiver, so it works across ATVs, UTVs, trucks, SUVs, and even trailers with no brand restrictions. A standard 5/8-inch hitch pin lets the vertical post come off in seconds, giving you tailgate or bed access without unbolting the whole mount.
Functionality and quality tie for the top praise here, each with thirteen mentions, and build quality follows at ten. Owners call it a beast and extra heavy duty — a Honda Pioneer 1000-3 owner says it is built to last, and a 2018 Bennche T-Boss 550 fit perfectly with about an inch between the tire and tailgate. The kit is complete with the angled lower section, vertical post, hitch pin, stabilizer, bolts, washers, and nuts, so no drilling is required.
The recurring complaints are missing parts and mixed stability. Several customers note the kit missing the bolt that fastens the two pieces together, and the two bolts provided for mounting the tire work better if you swap them for longer, heavier ones matching your machine’s lug nuts. A bit of wobble back and forth is common without an anti-rattle add-on. If you want a universal, high-clearance carrier with a quick-release post, this is the one — just budget for a hardware run.
What Shines
- 19-inch length pushes tire up and out for real ground clearance
- Quick-release post with 5/8-inch pin for fast bed access
- Heavy American steel with corrosion-resistant powder coat
What to Expect
- Some kits arrive missing the joining bolt
- Swapping in heavier, longer bolts improves stability
Best for: off-roaders with a 2-inch receiver who want maximum ground clearance and the ability to drop the post in seconds for cargo access.
Plan for: a possible missing bolt and a quick trip to the hardware store for stronger mounting hardware.
8. KEMIMOTO X3 Spare Tire Carrier Holder (Can-Am)
A Can-Am X3 cage carrier that holds a 32-inch tire and still clears your cooler and roof rack.
Built specifically for the 2017-2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 and X3 Max across RS, DS, Turbo, and RR models, this KEMIMOTO carrier bolts directly onto the rear cage with new anti-slippery tube clamps. The heavy-duty alloy steel frame wears a black powder coat, and it comes with four chrome lug nuts at M12 x 1.5 to match the wheel studs. It holds up to a 32-inch tire, which covers most aggressive aftermarket setups.
Installation is the top praise here, with ten owners calling it easy, and value for money comes second at seven mentions. Reviewers point out it is sturdy and adjustable, with enough clearance to open an 8-gallon cooler underneath while still leaving room for chase lights. One owner even likes being able to loosen it slightly and lift it for extra ice chest clearance — a nice flexibility touch.
The durability picture is the honest weak spot, with eighteen owners flagging issues — mostly bolts stripping during tightening and scratches showing up from the start. A few units arrive with visible chips and worn brackets that suggest they were not new. If you can look past cosmetics and use care with the hardware, this remains a solid, good-looking carrier for X3 owners, but check your unit carefully on arrival.
X3 tailored: holds up to a 32-inch tire, leaves room for a 23-gallon cargo box, and keeps your rearview mirror and factory roof rack fully usable.
Inspect on arrival: watch for scratches and use gentle torque — stripped bolts are the most-reported durability complaint.
9. Tusk Spare Tire Carrier (Honda Talon 1000X-4/R-4)
The Talon-specific carrier that fits so precisely, owners call it absolutely perfect.
This Tusk carrier is built for the 2020-2026 Honda Talon 1000X-4 and R-4, and it is the heaviest unit on this list at 50 pounds — a clear signal of the rugged alloy steel construction underneath the durable black powder coat. It mounts with U-bolts to the roll cage, and the tire secures with four lug nuts, with all mounting hardware included right in the box. The design gives the Talon an aggressive, competitive look while keeping the spare up and out of the way.
Quality is what owners praise most, with eight calling it top-tier, and easy installation comes second at five mentions. A 2021 Talon 1000X4 owner says it fits perfectly, and a 2024 Talon owner could not be happier with the build. The most telling review: it is the fourth carrier this owner has bought for a fleet of Honda Talons — repeat buying is about as strong as an endorsement gets.
The standout story here is fit reliability. One owner originally bought a different carrier that was supposed to fit and did not, then swapped to this Tusk at a friend’s recommendation and it was absolutely perfect on a Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve. The adjustable height for wheel offset means it handles different tire widths without fuss. The only real limitation is that it is Talon-specific — if you do not ride a 2020-2026 Honda Talon 1000X-4 or R-4, this is not your carrier.
Own it if: you ride a 2020-2026 Honda Talon 1000X-4 or R-4 and want a premium, perfectly fitting carrier with all hardware included and four-lug security.
Not for: anyone outside the Talon 1000X-4/R-4 family — this is a dedicated machine-specific mount, not a universal option.
Understanding the Specs
Mount Type: Cage vs Hitch vs Bed
The roll-cage carriers bolt directly to your machine’s rear cage, keeping the spare high and your bed fully open — but they are model-specific, so you must match your exact UTV. Hitch carriers slide into any standard 2-inch receiver, giving universal fit, but they hang lower and can limit ground clearance or tailgate access. Bed mounts like the Hornet R-800 ST use factory bed holes and free up floor space, but they take up some bed wall.
Tire Size Limit
Every mount specifies a maximum tire size, usually 30 inches or 32 inches, measured including the wheel. Exceeding that limit risks rubbing against the cage or the mount bending under load. Some owners push past it with wheel spacers, but doing so voids the intended fit and adds stress. Measure your actual spare before you buy — it is the single spec that determines whether a mount works for you.
FAQ
Will a universal hitch spare tire mount fit my UTV?
Can a UTV spare tire mount block my rearview mirror?
What is the difference between a 30-inch and 32-inch tire capacity mount?
Do I need to drill or cut to install a cage-mounted carrier?
Will a spare tire mount fit my Polaris Ranger 570?
Is a hitch mount or cage mount better for off-road trails?
Why do some UTV spare tire mounts not include lug nuts or bolts?
How much clearance do I need between the spare tire and my tailgate?
Are UTV spare tire mounts rust-resistant?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the utv spare tire mount winner is the KEMIMOTO RZP carrier because it pairs a clean bolt-on install with a high-mounted spare that keeps your rearview clear and your bed free for a cooler. If you want the universal simplicity of a standard 2-inch hitch carrier with real ground clearance, grab the Hornet U-4047. And for a precision machine-specific fit, the Tusk Talon carrier is the one to reach for if you ride a Honda Talon.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, GoCarLife earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.






