If you've ever struggled to fit all your trail gear inside your rig, a spare tire accessory mount might be the simplest solution you haven't tried yet. It's one of those parts that seems pretty basic at first glance, but once you start using it, you realize how much it actually cleans up your interior. Let's be real—no one likes hearing a heavy shovel or a muddy jack rattling around in the backseat while they're trying to enjoy a weekend getaway.
The beauty of these mounts is that they take advantage of space that's usually just sitting there doing nothing. Your spare tire is already hanging off the back, taking up a lot of real estate. Why not let it do some of the heavy lifting? Whether you're driving a Jeep, a Bronco, or an old-school van with a rear carrier, these mounts give you a solid anchor point for the stuff that usually gets in the way.
Why You Actually Need More External Storage
I've spent plenty of time packing for camping trips only to realize that by the time I get the cooler, the tent, and the sleeping bags in, there's zero room for the "just in case" tools. You know, the stuff you hope you don't need but definitely want within reach if you get stuck in a wash. Putting a spare tire accessory mount on your vehicle solves that problem without requiring you to install a massive, expensive roof rack that might not even fit in your garage.
Moving gear to the outside of the vehicle isn't just about saving space; it's about organization. It's a lot easier to grab a recovery board or a fire extinguisher from the back of the tire than it is to dig through three layers of luggage in the trunk. Plus, it keeps the mess outside. If you've ever had a fuel can leak a tiny bit or a muddy shovel ruin your upholstery, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
The Most Useful Gear to Mount
So, what are people actually putting on these things? It really depends on what you do with your vehicle, but there are a few "greatest hits" that most people go for.
Fuel and Water Cans
This is probably the most common use. If you're heading out into the desert or deep into the woods, having an extra couple of gallons of gas is a huge peace of mind. A lot of mounts are specifically designed to hold RotopaX or similar containers. It's way safer than keeping gas inside the cabin, and it's much easier to access than reaching up onto a high roof.
Recovery Jacks and Shovels
High-lift jacks are notoriously awkward to store. They're heavy, they're greasy, and they're shaped like a giant metal "L" that doesn't fit anywhere. Attaching one to a spare tire accessory mount keeps it secure and out of the way until you're literally stuck in the mud. Same goes for shovels. If you need a shovel, you usually need it now, not after you've unloaded the camping chairs.
Trash and Dirty Gear
There are these great bags often called "trasharoos" that hang over the spare tire. While the bag itself doesn't always need a mount, having a solid metal frame back there can help keep everything stable so the bag isn't swaying back and forth while you're crawling over rocks. It's the perfect place for smelly trash, wet towels, or muddy recovery straps.
Weight Limits and Common Sense
Before you go bolting every piece of gear you own to your spare tire, we need to talk about weight. This is the part where people sometimes get themselves into trouble. Your tailgate or your tire carrier was designed to hold a certain amount of weight. When you add a 35-inch tire, a steel mount, two gallons of gas, a jack, and a shovel, you're asking those hinges to do a lot of work.
It's always a good idea to check your vehicle's specs. If you've still got a factory tailgate, you might want to be a bit more conservative with how much you're piling on. If you've upgraded to a heavy-duty bumper with a swing-out carrier, then you've got a lot more freedom. Just keep an eye on things. If you start hearing new squeaks or rattles coming from the back, it might be time to lighten the load or tighten some bolts.
Installation Isn't as Hard as You Think
Most people get a little nervous about "modifying" their vehicle, but a spare tire accessory mount is usually a bolt-on affair. You typically don't have to drill into your body panels or do anything permanent. Most of the time, the mount just slides over the lug nuts of your spare tire carrier, and then you bolt the tire back on top of it.
It's a "one-person job" most of the time, though having a buddy hold the tire while you line things up makes it much faster. Once the base plate is on, you just attach the specific brackets for whatever gear you're carrying. It's modular, which is great because you can change your setup depending on the trip. Maybe this weekend you need fuel cans, but next weekend you just want a bike rack.
Comparing Tire Mounts to Roof Racks
I get asked a lot if it's better to just get a roof rack. Honestly, it depends on your height and your garage. Roof racks are great for big, light stuff like kayaks or tents, but they suck for heavy things. Lifting a 40-pound jack or a full 5-gallon water jug over your head to the roof of a lifted SUV is a great way to pull a muscle—or drop it on your windshield.
The spare tire accessory mount keeps your center of gravity lower, which is better for handling. It also keeps your overhead clearance the same. If you've ever had a "close call" with a low-hanging tree branch or a parking garage ceiling, you'll appreciate keeping your gear tucked behind the vehicle rather than on top of it. Plus, stuff on the back doesn't create nearly as much wind noise or drag, which saves you a little bit on your gas bill.
Keeping Your Gear Secure
One thing to consider is security. Because your gear is hanging out there for everyone to see, it's a bit of a target for people with sticky fingers. Most good mounts have spots where you can run a cable lock or use locking pins for your containers.
It's also worth mentioning the "trail security" aspect. You don't want your expensive recovery gear falling off because a wing nut shook loose over ten miles of washboard roads. I always recommend using a bit of blue Loctite on the bolts that you don't plan on removing often. Check your gear every time you stop for gas; a quick wiggle test can save you from losing a hundred-dollar jack somewhere on a mountain pass.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Vehicle
Not all mounts are created equal. Some are universal and try to fit everything, while others are laser-cut for specific bolt patterns. If you have a weird lug pattern or a custom offset on your wheels, you'll want to double-check the compatibility.
I've found that the best setups are the ones that allow for some adjustability. You want to be able to pull the gear in tight against the tire so it doesn't vibrate. If there's a big gap between the mount and the tire, the leverage of the weight can put a lot of stress on the mounting points. A nice, snug fit is what you're aiming for.
Final Thoughts on the Setup
At the end of the day, adding a spare tire accessory mount is just about making your life easier. It's one of those mods that you buy once and keep for years because it just works. It makes your rig look a little more "ready for anything," sure, but the real benefit is the organized feeling you get when you're out in the middle of nowhere.
Everything has its place, the interior of your car stays clean, and you aren't leaving essential tools at home just because you ran out of room. Whether you're a hardcore overlander or just someone who likes to be prepared for a flat tire or a dead battery, getting that gear out of the cabin and onto the tire is a total game-changer. Just remember to tighten your bolts, watch your weight, and enjoy having a bit of extra breathing room inside the cab.