Direct answer: A bed-mounted spare tire carrier is ideal for truck owners who want quick, accessible access to a full-size spare without sacrificing bed space or needing under-vehicle mounting. The top picks below are chosen for different truck types and tire sizes, focusing on durability, ease of use, and compatibility. This guide highlights the best options for practical, off-road, and daily-use needs, helping buyers select the right carrier for their vehicle profile and tire size.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier | Most pickups with 33″–40″ tires | Top-of-bed access and heavy-duty steel |
| Gelacie Adjustable Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier | Wide vehicle fit with extended compatibility | Wide tire range and powder-coated durability |
| Rough Country Bed Mount for Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Tacoma owners | Tailored fit for Tacomas, quick access |
| SPARKWHIZ In Bed Spare Tire Bracket | Various pickups needing in-bed access | Adjustable height, secure fit |
| IRONBISON Universal Spare Tire Carrier | Full-size pickups needing up to 40″ tires | Heavy-duty steel, vertical mounting |
Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier
Best for a wide range of full-size pickups, this carrier fits tires from 33″ to 40″ and up to 14″ wide. Its universal bed-fit design makes it a versatile option for Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC, and Ram trucks. The construction uses heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated black finish for corrosion resistance. It enables top-of-bed access for quick tire changes on the trail or at the job site. Caution: verify bolt patterns and bed dimensions before purchase to ensure full compatibility with your truck bed.
Gelacie Adjustable Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier
This carrier emphasizes broad compatibility with multiple makes and models, including various Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota, and Nissan trucks. It uses premium steel with a black powder-coated finish to resist rust and wear. It supports tire sizes from 33″ to 40″ with a maximum width of 14″. The extended mounting function provides extra clearance from the vehicle body, beneficial for larger tires. Best for buyers who want a single solution across multiple vehicles. Limitation: always confirm exact bed fitment for your model year family of trucks.
Rough Country Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier For Toyota Tacoma
Designed specifically for Toyota Tacomas (2016–2023), this solution keeps a full-size spare within easy reach on the bed. It supports tires up to 40″ in diameter with adaptable settings for different offsets and bolt patterns. Its heavy-duty steel construction and black powder coat offer durability in off-road environments. Best for Tacoma owners who want a shelf-like, accessible mount with rugged reliability. Limitation: model-year specifics and bolt-pattern compatibility should be checked for precise fitment.
SPARKWHIZ In Bed Spare Tire Bracket
Best for pickups needing quick, in-bed access to the spare tire, this unit offers adjustable height from 16 to 23 inches. It uses heavy-gauge steel with a durable powder-coated finish, providing a secure hold to minimize wobble. It moves the spare from under the truck into the bed for easier retrieval. Choose this if you want flexibility across different tire sizes and bed heights. Caution: ensure the height range matches your bed clearance and tire diameter.
IRONBISON Universal Spare Tire Carrier
Best for full-size pickups with a requirement to fit up to 40″ diameter tires and around 13.5″ width, this universal carrier uses a vertical mounting design. The steel construction is black powder-coated for corrosion resistance and protection against wear. It is a compact solution that keeps the spare aligned and accessible on the bed side. Limitation: check bed rail clearance and bolt pattern compatibility with your vehicle for an optimal fit.
BuiltRough Universal Spare Tire Carrier
Another universal option, BuiltRough supports up to 40″ diameter tires with a 13.5″ width. It shares a similar vertical mounting approach and black powder-coated finish for durability. Best for buyers who want a no-fruss, straightforward bed-mount solution. Caution: verify bed length and mounting points to avoid interference with bed rails and cargo.
GADFISH Spare Tire Carrier
GADFISH offers a versatile spare tire mount compatible with 4-, 5-, and 6-lug patterns, including 4″ to 5.5″ bolt patterns. It supports up to 150 lbs and is suitable for boat trailers as well, due to its universal fit. Best for buyers who need broad lug compatibility and strong load capacity. Limitation: ensure the mounting plate matches your exact wheel bolt configuration and bed structure.
Buying Guide
- Compatibility: Check bed width, bolt pattern, and tire size. Some carriers are universal; others are model-specific. Aim for a fit that accommodates your largest tire and widest bolt pattern.
- Mounting design: Vertical vs. horizontal/tilting mounts affect bed space and accessibility. Choose based on how you access the spare most often (from the bed or directly from the side).
- Durability: Look for heavy-gauge steel and a protective powder-coated finish to resist rust in harsh environments.
- Weight and load: Confirm the carrier can support the intended tire weight (up to 40″ tires are common) without adding excessive bed stress.
- Installation: Consider whether the carrier requires drilling and how it affects cargo space. Some models offer quicker install/removal.
FAQ
- Q: Will these fit my 33″ to 40″ tire? A: Most listed models support tires from 33″ to 40″ with varying widths; verify the exact maximum width for your wheel.
- Q: Are these easy to install? A: Many provide straightforward mounting to the truck bed with standard hardware, but confirm bed/bolt pattern compatibility.
- Q: Do they affect bed cargo space? A: Vertical carriers are designed to minimize space impact; some add a protruding mount on the bed side.
- Q: Can I use these on multiple trucks? A: Some are universal; others are model-specific. Check fitment lists for each vehicle type.
- Q: Do they require under-vehicle access? A: In-bed designs relocate the spare to the bed, reducing under-vehicle access effort during tire changes.
- Q: Do they rust easily? A: Choose models with a powder-coated steel finish for better rust and wear resistance.