Spare Tire Mounts

It always seems like the flat tire wants to happen as far as possible from help, doesn’t it? Even if you get lucky and have a blowout before you get too far, nobody wants to be caught without a spare. Stock UTVs rarely include spare tire storage, leaving riders to improvise storage in beds (wasting cargo space) or strapping spares to roll cages (where they rattle loose and look terrible). Spare tire mounts solve this by providing secure, accessible mounting that keeps spares out of the way while ensuring they're ready when needed.

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Buyer's Guide for UTV Spare Tire Mounts: Helping You Shop!

Understanding UTV Spare Tire Mounting Location Options

First and foremost, side-by-side spare mounts that use your bed are among the most popular for UTV riders. They keep spares accessible and don't affect ground clearance or departure angles. The trade-off is bed space consumption. Even vertical or side-mounted carriers take valuable cargo area. They work well for riders who rarely use full bed capacity or who prioritize keeping spares protected and dry within the bed.

Receiver hitch mounts position spares behind the machine, mounting to 2-inch receiver hitches. They free up bed space entirely and make spare changes easy, with no reaching into beds or climbing around machines. The catch is that they extend rearward, increasing overall length and potentially dragging on steep terrain. They also add tongue weight (30-50 pounds) to hitches. They're ideal for machines with adequate receiver capacity and riders who need maximum bed space. Swing-away hitch mounts pivot to the side for bed access, addressing the bed interference issue that fixed mounts create.

Tailgate mounts integrate with tailgates on machines equipped with them, using the tailgate structure for support. They're clean-looking and don't consume bed space, though they add weight to tailgates, potentially stressing hinges. Roll cage mounts attach spares to cage tubes or roof areas, getting spares completely out of the way, but raising the center of gravity and making tire changes require getting tires down from height. They work for machines where bed and hitch mounting aren't practical.

A Crash Course on Tire Size Compatibility for UTV Spare Tire Mounts

If you know the size of your tire and are fully confident that you won’t be switching that up any time soon, then you can simply go with a fixed-size mount and call it a day. Per the name, though, be aware that a fixed-size UTV spare carrier will not accommodate any other type of tire.

On the other hand, an adjustable mount can handle tires of different sizes (within a reasonable range) using expandable arms and brackets.

You also want to keep your eye on the lug pattern, as this will affect whether or not you’re compatible with UTV spare holders that grab wheels by the center hubs.

Finally, weight capacity varies by mount design. Verify your mount handles your tire/wheel combination's weight (typically 30-80 pounds depending on size). Overloaded mounts fail, potentially dumping spares on trails or damaging mounting points.

Quick-Release vs. Permanent UTV Spare Tire Mounting

How easily mounts install and remove affects convenience for riders using machines for multiple purposes. Quick-release systems (typically using pins, latches, or receiver hitches) allow removing spare tire carriers in minutes when you don't need them—convenient for machines used recreationally where spares aren't always necessary or when maximum cargo space is needed occasionally. The trade-off is that quick-release mechanisms can rattle or work loose from vibration if not designed well.

Bolt-on permanent mounting provides maximum security and rigidity—mounts don't shift or make noise during riding. The limitation is that installation and removal take longer (15-45 minutes typically), making them impractical for frequent removal. They work well for dedicated trail machines or work machines where spares are always carried. Tool-free quick-release designs provide the best of both worlds: secure mounting during riding with fast removal when needed, though they typically cost more than basic designs.

3 Top Selling UTV Spare Tire Mount Brands

Hornet Outdoors manufactures versatile spare tire mounts, including receiver hitch and portable designs, accommodating various applications.
Tusk produces practical spare tire carriers designed for popular UTV models with quality construction and accessible pricing.
Razorback Offroad offers model-specific spare tire mounting solutions engineered for proper fitment and secure tire retention.

5 Top Selling UTV Spare Tire Mount Products

Multiple mounting options come with this Spare Tire Mount by Factory UTV, providing versatile installation flexibility.
RZR XP 1000 owners get a model-specific design with this Spare Tire Carrier by Tusk, engineered for XP 1000 applications.
Universal receiver hitch mounting for Yamaha Viking/Wolverine/YXZ comes with this Quick Adjust Receiver Hitch Spare Tire Mount by Hornet Outdoors, featuring an adjustable design.
Portable convenience for Polaris Ranger arrives with this Portable Spare Tire Mount by Hornet, allowing easy installation and removal as needed.
CFMoto ZForce fitment comes with this Spare Tire Mount by Razorback Offroad, designed specifically for ZForce 1000/800/500 models.

Spare Tire Mount Frequently Asked Questions

Will a spare tire mount throw off performance?

Minimally, if mounted properly, but yes. Any added weight affects handling. Spare tire/wheel combos weigh 30-80 pounds, depending on size. Bed-mounted spares affect handling least sincethe weight is low and centered.

Can I put other stuff in there when the mount isn’t in use?

This depends on the mount design. Some mounts include provisions for carrying other items—fuel cans, recovery boards, or equipment—when not carrying spares. Receiver hitch mounts often accommodate various receiver-mounted accessories if you remove the tire carrier. Dedicated spare mounts typically aren't useful for other purposes due to their specific designs for tire shapes.

What about theft?

You can find plenty of side-by-side spare mounts these days that come with locks, locking pins, etc., if this is your concern.