We'll be heading down to Florida soon and have been thinking about purchasing a spare tire carrier for our rear bumper. The spare is currently located in our front storage area and it's somewhat heavy and takes up some valuable space that I'd rather use for storing my golf clubs/chairs/small grill, etc. I'd appreciate suggestions from those that have one or purchased one. I have a catalog with 2 different models - Ultra-Fab Universal Tire Carrier ($68) and Stromberg Carlson Tire Carrier, TR Series ($38). Both fit our 4" rear bumper. I've also thought about potential for theft and would get some sort of locking device. Other brands that you like or could suggest would be appreciated. There's plenty of support relative to weight of the tire so that's not a concern for me. But any positives or negatives from those that have one would be helpful too. Thanks!

I have seen rear tube type bumpers broken off by the vibration caused by these clamp on type carriers. Most of the tubes are not strong enough to withstand the bouncing.

marly wrote:I have seen rear tube type bumpers broken off by the vibration caused by these clamp on type carriers. Most of the tubes are not strong enough to withstand the bouncing.X2 look for under the 5er mount.

I bought one that goes into the hitch receptical. Locking pin on the stinger and a cable with padlock on the tire. So far so good!

Ours has been on the bumper for 11 years without issue. However the manufacturer installed it so I'm sure they knew what they were doing.I agree with rhagfo with getting a Hide-A-Spare.

I bought a frame that mounts under and on the bottom of the frame from Lippert.The spare cranks up and down via a cable.Darn, wish I would have read about the hide a spare first.

Spare Tire Carrier - Looking for comments/suggestions

campigloo
Explorer
Nov 16, 2015
Just finished the amount-N-Lock brackets today. I'm pretty impressed. They look like they will work well. It's made of about 3/16 steel, powder coated. I was pretty disappointed that I had to have a hole redrilled. It evidently was predrilled for a 4" attachment point. Mine is only about three inches. I had to get new bolts because the frame piece on my trailer is box style. All I all, I'm pretty happy with it.
campigloo
Explorer
Nov 08, 2015
Mike, I have a bumper mounted the same way you describe. The manufacturer mounted a spare tire rack on the bumper. On my last trip I noticed the near catastrophic failure. The welds were in excellent shape but the thin metal the bumper is made of got tired. It peeled like a banana! I found a thing called mount-n-lock. It's a preformed bracket that bolts to the frame horn and cradles the bumper on three sides. Looks pretty effective. I'm ordering a pair next week; only about $50.00
Miles_Away
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Put it in the bed of your truck!!! I carry two spare tires and wheels and that is where I carry the second one.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Parrothead Mike wrote:
Rockhill, I really like the tire/bike carrier a lot! That possibly solves 2 issues if I decide to go that way. Much appreciated! Glad I asked.

My rear bumper is solid. It's welded onto the frame with 2" x 4" steel and has a 2" receptor bar underneath if I wanted to use that for something.

Ahhh the receiver. That is where you put the cargo carrier!

50 bucks at Tractor Supply.
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Rockhill, I really like the tire/bike carrier a lot! That possibly solves 2 issues if I decide to go that way. Much appreciated! Glad I asked.

My rear bumper is solid. It's welded onto the frame with 2" x 4" steel and has a 2" receptor bar underneath if I wanted to use that for something.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Here's just the tire mount by itself. I have used this one also. Easy on easy off too.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-Control/Ultra-Fab-Products/UF15-954730.html
There are several types to choose from. Do NOT get the folding one.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
As long as your RV bumper is secured 'properly'........

This is the one I have used for the past 12 years and counting!

Duals as a bike carrier, but IMHO is best used as a lawn chair carrier, dog's ex-pens, etc.etc. You name it those two hooks carry anything you might need to bring along on a trip. I don't leave home without it!

If you come close to bottoming out when going into steep gas station driveways don't buy the undercarriage spare tire mount.

IMHO this one is also VERY easy to get at the spare tire when needed too.

This link shows better pictures how it mounts to bumper and how the tire mounts,etc.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Motorhome-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S80500.html
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
I found a junkyard jack from a pickup truck to mount the spare tire on my motorhome. The unmounted tire is 53 pounds, rim another 30 - 40 pounds. It is not light, and needs something substantial to hold it while it is bouncing down the roadway.

Many I have seen mounted under the A-frame part of the trailer, rather than the back that seems to drag while going out of a driveway, such as a gas station. Not under the actual a-frame, but rearward under and between the frame rails, where it is tucked up nice and safe from being crushed by the RV going out of a driveway.

Good luck,

Fred.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2015
I bought a frame that mounts under and on the bottom of the frame from Lippert.

The spare cranks up and down via a cable.

Darn, wish I would have read about the hide a spare first.
azjeffh
Explorer
Nov 05, 2015
Ours has been on the bumper for 11 years without issue. However the manufacturer installed it so I'm sure they knew what they were doing.

I agree with rhagfo with getting a Hide-A-Spare.