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You lose bed space and fight a 100-pound tire that slides into your toolbox on every turn when you haul a spare loose. A dedicated mount locks the tire flat against the bed wall or rides in your hitch, so the bed stays open and the spare stays put. The real question is which mounting style matches how you actually use your truck.
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.
Whether you wheel on 40-inch tires or run a Class 8 rig, the right truck spare tire carrier protects your spare and clears your bed for real work.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Truck Spare Tire Carrier
Start with where you want the tire to live, then match the carrier to your tire’s size and your truck’s mounting points. The three main styles are hitch-mounted, bed-mounted, and frame-clamp — each suits a different daily reality.
Match the mount to your truck
A hitch carrier is the easiest to install and removes completely when you need the receiver for a trailer. A bed mount keeps the tire inside the bed and out of the weather, but it takes up bed space. Frame-clamp racks suit semi trucks and heavy rigs where you want the spare tucked under the trailer or behind the cab.
Confirm your tire size and bolt pattern
Every carrier has a maximum tire diameter and width — some top out at 40 inches, others at 13.5 inches wide. Check your wheel’s lug pattern (like 5 x 5.5) against the carrier’s slotted holes, and verify your receiver size is 2 inches before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Mount Type | Max Tire Size | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 31006★ Best Overall | Hitch-Mounted Versatility | 2″ Receiver | Multiple Sizes | 16 lbs | Amazon |
| GJKLDCVB Semi RackBest Value | Class 8 Cab-Mount | Screw-on Frame | 11.7″ Wide | — | Amazon |
| RealTruck Rapid StrapBest Quick Strap | Fast Bed Strap-Down | Bed Strap | 40″ | — | Amazon |
| Hornet U-4047 | ATV/UTV Off-Road | 2″ Hitch Post | 19″ Length | — | Amazon |
| KUAFU 48″ Kit | Under-Trailer Storage | Under Trailer | 48″ Carrier | — | Amazon |
| Rough Country 99073 | Bed Mount 33″-40″ | U-Bolt Bed | 40″ x 14″ Wide | 45 lbs | Amazon |
| IRONBISON IB-UTC-002 | Vertical Bed Storage | U-Bolt Bed | 40″ x 13.5″ Wide | — | Amazon |
| STAR Fabrication 3510 | Semi Frame Clamp | Frame Clamp | 13.5″ Wide | 40 lbs | Amazon |
| Roadmaster 195125 | High-Capacity Hitch Hauling | 2″ Receiver | 8″ Bolt Circle | 64.9 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. CURT 31006 Hitch-Mounted Spare Tire Carrier
Our pick — over 4★ from 800+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The 16-pound steel hitch carrier that owners call the best quality they have seen
If you want the spare out of the bed entirely, this CURT slides into any standard 2-inch receiver and stands 24 inches tall, with slotted wheel-mount holes that accept multiple tire and wheel sizes. Buyers report it feels rock-solid with no wobble, and one buyer’s 35-inch spare with a 5 x 5.5 lug pattern secured with three bolts and no spacer needed — proof the slotted holes forgive common bolt patterns.
What wins people over is the build: high-strength alloy steel with a rust-resistant A-coat and a black powder coat that has survived road salt, dirt, and even a three-car pileup without damage to the truck or the coating. The hitch pin and clip are sold separately, and you’ll need your own lug nuts and mounting bolts — a few owners had to make a hardware run before install, so budget a trip to the store.
There’s a crowd favorite for a reason: 4.4 stars across 800+ owners, a rating that holds up because the durability and value stories repeat. Owners mention it handles thousands of miles of road use, and the fit works for RVs, vans, and trucks alike.
What Owners Rave About
- Sturdy steel with zero wobble at speed
- Powder coat survives real abuse and weather
- 24″ height clears most tailgates
Plan Around This
- No lug nuts, bolts, or hitch pin included
- Mixed fit reports on some receivers
Reach for this if: you want a proven, single-person install that frees your bed and holds a heavy spare securely for years.
Look elsewhere if: you expect everything in the box — you will need to source the mounting hardware yourself.
2. Upgraded Semi Truck Spare Tire Rack with Self-Locking Screws
A screw-on rack for Class 8 rigs that skip drilling and add a theft lock
This carrier fits Class 8 highway semi-trailer trucks (the largest commercial rigs) and mounts to the large frame at the rear of the cab with screws — no drilling required. It handles tires up to 11.7 inches wide and fits a beam frame span of 25.5 to 26.5 inches. The self-locking screws are the headline feature, designed to stop the rack from loosening on rough roads.
A lockable steel chain protects the spare from theft, and a thickened ratchet strap adds a second layer of reinforcement against bumps. One truck owner with 35-inch tires says it cradles the spare perfectly in the bed, and the install is easy enough to recommend buying again.
The honest catch: a few buyers received an asymmetric frame that made tightening all bolts properly impossible, and the included padlock was described as small and toy-like. It’s a value-priced option, so inspect the frame alignment before you torque everything down.
Solid for the money: the no-drill screw-on mount and lockable chain make this an easy weekend install for a semi owner who wants theft protection without welding.
Check the frame: QC varies, so confirm the frame is square before final tightening — a rare but real complaint.
3. RealTruck Rapid Strap Truck Bed Tire Carrier
A three-strap bed system with rotating turret brackets that swallows a 40-inch spare
This N-Fab system straps the spare flat against the front of your bed using a pair of rotating “turret” brackets at the rear and a single fixed mount with a backing plate at the front. The heavy-duty ratchet strap in front plus two fixed-length rear straps pull the tire tight — customers note it holds a spare with no rattle or slop, and one owner fitted a 40-inch tire after seeing it demoed on a 37.
It works in any truck bed or SUV rear section with an available mounting surface, and the three straps join at a high-strength steel buckle with a gloss black finish. The stainless steel hardware and five-year finish warranty back the quality claims.
The trade-off: there’s no center anchor, so some buyers needed to drill into metal beds or rig a mount for fiberglass beds to keep the spare truly secure. Plan your mounting surface before you commit.
Why It Stands Out
- Handles up to 40″ tires in any pickup bed
- Rotating turret brackets add adjustability
- Gloss black steel buckle looks sharp
Before You Buy
- No center anchor included
- Metal beds need drilling for full security
Best for: truck owners with a factory bed liner who want a clean, strap-based setup that clears the bed fast.
Think twice if: you have a fiberglass bed or no mounting surface — you will be fabricating a center anchor.
4. Hornet Outdoors U-4047 High-Clearance Hitch Spare Tire Carrier
A 19-inch raised hitch post that keeps the spare clear of rocky trails
Made for UTVs, ATVs, trucks, and SUVs, this Hornet carrier mounts to any standard 2-inch receiver and pushes the spare outward and upward with its angled lower section. That high-clearance design is the whole point — it reduces dragging on rocky, uneven trails where a hitch sits low, and the 19-inch length clears obstacles.
A standard 5/8-inch hitch pin lets the vertical post come off in seconds, so you can open the tailgate or access rear cargo without unbolting the mount. The American steel carries a powder-coated flat-black finish, and the full kit includes the post, stabilizer, bolts, washers, and nuts — no tools or drilling needed, and it fits most 4, 5, and 6-lug wheels.
Owners call it a beast and note the anti-rattle bracket eliminates wobble when paired with a second bracket — useful, because a few found the receiver fit tight and one needed a bolt swapped for a longer one. It’s a complete, no-drill package that suits Chinese UTVs especially well.
Trail-Ready Perks
- High-clearance angled section clears obstacles
- Quick-release post opens tailgate in seconds
- Complete hardware kit, no drilling
Watch For
- Receiver fit can be tight on some vehicles
- A few got a loose joint needing an anti-rattle bracket
Pick this when: you’re off-roading a UTV or ATV and need the spare up and out of the way, with tailgate access preserved.
skip it if: you want a truck bed mount — this one lives entirely in the receiver.
5. KUAFU 48 Inch Semi Truck Spare Tire Carrier Kit
An under-trailer rack that frees cab space and swaps spares in minutes
This 48-inch carrier mounts under the trailer, turning dead space into a secure home for a spare tire and saving room inside the cab for gear. The alloy steel frame wears a black powder coat that resists scratching and peeling even after long-term use, and the design lets you replace a flat quickly to avoid long downtime.
Installation is straightforward bolt-on work thanks to pre-drilled screw holes and included assembly accessories, and it’s a universal fit for semi trucks across several OEM part numbers. It’s a direct replacement for a long list of factory carriers, so if your rig lost its original, this is a clean swap.
The recurring gripe: the hanging brackets are not included, and there are no printed directions — a few buyers had to source brackets separately or figure out the layout themselves. Budget for a bracket set and a bit of patience.
Smart space play: the under-trailer mount uses space you’re already paying for and keeps the spare out of the cab entirely.
Plan the extra bits: you’ll need hanging brackets and a willingness to install without written instructions.
6. Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier
A 45-pound U-bolt bed mount that swallows tires from 33 to 40 inches
Rough Country’s bed mount fits tires from 33 to 40 inches with a max width of 14 inches, and it works across Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC, and Ram beds. The heavy-duty steel construction and powder-coated black finish resist corrosion, while the reinforced nylon ratchet strap with a quick-release lever keeps the tire locked down and easy to remove.
What owners praise most is the sturdy build — installation completed in under an hour with basic tools, holding a 35 x 12.5 tire securely, and the included strap fits the bed well. Minor drilling is required for the U-bolt brackets, and the carrier is heavy enough that two people make the job far easier.
The honest note: stability depends on your tire width. A few owners found a narrower tire rocks side to side and needed spacers or an extra tie-down, so match your tire width to the 14-inch max for the tightest fit.
Built Heavy
- 45 lbs of steel for real durability
- Quick-release lever for fast access
- Fits the full range of truck brands
Know This
- Minor drilling required for U-bolt mount
- Narrow tires can rock without spacers
Reach for it if: you run a 35-inch or larger tire on a full-size truck and want a true off-road-rated bed mount.
Look elsewhere if: your spare is narrow — you’ll be shimming it to stop the shake.
7. IRONBISON Universal Spare Tire Carrier
A vertical U-bolt mount that stands the spare upright and saves bed space
This IRONBISON mount bolts to the truck bed and holds the spare straight up, accepting a tire up to 40 inches in diameter and 13.5 inches wide. The vertical design is the differentiator — the bracket isn’t bulky, so it won’t swallow the bed, and it keeps an oversized rim-and-tire combo standing tall against the wall.
Carbon steel with a black powder coat resists rust and scratches, and installation is bolt-on with all hardware and instructions included. Owners call it well made, rugged, and powder coated to perfection, with one hauling a 150-plus-pound wheel-and-tire combo and another installing two units in an hour — a great buy at a fraction of competing brands.
The one real-world catch: on a 6-foot bed with a fifth-wheel hitch, the tire height can interfere with turning when hooked to a camper. Owners note an 8-foot bed avoids the problem, so measure your bed and hitch clearance before installing.
Space-saver verdict: the upright stance is the cleanest way to store a big spare in a short bed without losing cargo room.
Check your bed length: fifth-wheel users with 6-foot beds can hit turning interference — an 8-footer solves it.
8. STAR Fabrication 3510 Semi Truck Spare Tire Carrier
A 40-pound frame clamp that adjusts in three positions and needs no drilling
STAR Fabrication’s 3510 clamps directly to the frame — no drilling needed — and fits Freightliner, Volvo, Kenworth, Mack, Western Star, and Peterbilt rigs. The width adjusts in three positions to match your tire, handling tires up to 13.5 inches wide, and the load index rating of 80 speaks to serious carrying capacity. It’s a universal fit that works on tire-and-rim combos.
Since 1972, STAR has built a reputation for quality, and this carrier is blasted and powder coated gloss black for a finish that lasts for years. The design seals the tubing to keep out moisture, preventing internal rust and ice-induced cracking in cold weather — a detail that matters for trucks parked outside all winter.
Owners are uniformly positive, calling it a must-have addition that has saved them on the road multiple times, with solid build quality and easy assembly. It’s the premium choice for a semi owner who wants North American manufacturing and a clamp-on install that leaves the frame unmodified.
Why It’s Premium
- No-drill clamp fits all major semi brands
- Sealed tubing prevents internal rust
- Gloss black powder coat lasts for years
Consider
- 13.5″ max width — wider tires need the 3510-X
- Premium pricing over offshore options
Choose this if: you want a clamp-on semi carrier with a proven North American build and no frame drilling.
pass on it if: your tire is wider than 13.5 inches — you need the extended version.
9. Roadmaster 195125 Spare Tire Carrier with 2″ Drop
A 64.9-pound hitch carrier with an integrated receiver that keeps hauling options open
Roadmaster built this for trucks, vans, and SUVs with a 2-inch receiver, and it carries wheels with a lug nut bolt circle up to 8 inches. The built-in 2-inch receiver on the carrier means you can still tow a bike rack or cargo carrier while the spare rides behind — a clever two-in-one that few competitors offer. The lever handle raises and lowers the spare assembly easily.
Owner reports show it handles a 104-pound spare with the leverage rod and even supports an electric bike rack with two bikes, all while the finish stays flawless.
The trade-offs: it sticks out far from the rear hatch, which blocks the license plate on some vehicles and needs a relocation kit, and a few owners found the wing nut loosens over time, contributing to wobble. It’s the heaviest and most expensive pick here, but it doubles as a hitch extender.
Two-In-One Design
- Integrated 2″ receiver keeps hauling options
- Lever handle lowers the spare easily
- Handles heavy combos up to 104 lbs
Plan For
- Sticks out far — license plate may need relocation
- Wing nut can loosen over time
Best for: RV and van owners who want to carry a spare and still use the hitch for a bike rack at the same time.
Not for: drivers who want a flush, low-profile carrier — this one extends well past the bumper.
Understanding the Specs
Bolt Pattern and Lug Circle
Your wheel’s lug pattern is the spacing between the lug nuts, written like 5 x 5.5 — five lugs on a 5.5-inch circle. Carriers with slotted holes (like the CURT) accept multiple patterns, while others list a max bolt circle (like the Roadmaster’s 8 inches). Always measure before you order so the wheel seats flat against the mount.
Mounting Style
Hitch carriers slide into a 2-inch receiver and remove completely when you need the hitch free. Bed mounts bolt to the bed wall or floor with U-bolts or straps, keeping the tire inside the bed. Frame clamps grip the truck frame without drilling, ideal for semis. Your choice depends on if you need the bed, the hitch, or the frame — and how often you want to remove the carrier.
FAQ
Will a hitch-mounted spare carrier fit my truck’s receiver?
How do I know my tire will fit a bed-mounted carrier?
What is a lug bolt circle and why does it matter?
Do I need to drill into my truck bed for a spare tire carrier?
Can I use a spare tire carrier with a fifth-wheel hitch?
How much weight can these carriers hold?
Will a spare tire carrier fit a semi truck without drilling?
What hardware do I need to buy separately?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most owners, the truck spare tire carrier winner is the CURT 31006 because the 24-inch steel hitch mount is the most proven combination of strength, value, and easy single-person install across hundreds of buyers. If you want a no-drill clamp for a semi, grab the STAR Fabrication 3510. And for off-road UTV work, the Hornet U-4047 is the one to reach for.
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.