The JOYTUTUS spare tire ski rack is the direct choice for drivers who want to carry skis or snowboards on an SUV’s rear-mounted spare tire. It fits specified tire sizes and carries up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. The other options below are hitch-mounted alternatives: they may suit vehicles without a compatible spare tire, but require a receiver hitch. The Thule Tram is a separate carrier that requires a compatible Thule hanging hitch bike rack.
| Product | Mounting style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Ski Rack | Spare tire | Wrangler- or Bronco-style SUVs with a matching tire |
| Tyger Auto TG-RK1B707B | Hitch | Drivers seeking a folding rack for 1.25- or 2-inch receivers |
| VEVOR Folding Hitch Rack | Hitch | 2-inch receiver owners who want stated load capacity |
| BougeRV Folding Hitch Rack | Hitch | 2-inch receiver owners prioritizing padded support and anti-rattle features |
| Thule Tram | Hitch bike rack accessory | Owners of a compatible Thule hanging hitch bike rack |
JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Ski Rack
Best for: SUV owners with a rear spare tire measuring 30.5 to 36.5 inches in diameter and 10 to 11.5 inches wide. It is the only listed product designed to mount directly to a spare tire, making it the closest match for shoppers searching for a spare tire ski rack.
The manufacturer lists capacity for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. Adjustable straps and a no-tool installation are intended to let users attach the rack without removing the spare. Lockable mounts and holders add a security feature, while freeze-resistant silicone pads are designed to remain flexible in sub-zero temperatures.
Limitation: Confirm both tire measurements before ordering. This rack’s stated fit range may exclude vehicles with smaller, larger, or differently sized spare tires.
Tyger Auto Folding Hitch Rack
Best for: Drivers with a 1.25- or 2-inch receiver who want a hitch-mounted alternative to a spare tire rack. Tyger lists capacity for six pairs of skis or four snowboards, along with vertical adjustment and tilt access.
The rack uses steel construction with a black powder E-coating described as rust resistant. Its security features include a hitch lock, a top-rack key lock, and three safety straps for securing gear. Choose this option if your vehicle has a compatible receiver and you prefer carrying equipment at the hitch rather than on the roof or spare tire.
Limitation: This is not a spare tire-mounted carrier. Check receiver size and vehicle fit before purchase; the listed fitment is for most vehicles with the specified receiver sizes.
VEVOR Folding Hitch Ski Rack
Best for: Drivers with a 2-inch hitch receiver who want a stated maximum load along with ski and snowboard capacity. VEVOR lists room for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards and a maximum load of 165 pounds.
The rack has a key lock, an anti-theft hitch pin, tool-free installation, and a 120-degree tilt design intended to provide trunk access without removing the rack. It can also carry skateboards and other outdoor gear, according to the product details. It may be a better fit than a spare tire rack when the vehicle has the required hitch but no compatible rear spare.
Limitation: It is designed only for a 2-inch receiver and must not be used for towing. The listing also says it is not suitable for vehicles over 18 feet long, including trailers, campers, and RVs.
BougeRV Lockable Folding Hitch Rack
Best for: Owners of vehicles with a 2-inch hitch receiver who value protective contact points and an anti-rattle mechanism. The base is steel, while other parts use aluminum alloy. Rubber strips hold boards at the upper rack, and thick padding at the lower rack supports bindings and helps prevent scratches.
BougeRV includes four webbing buckles for additional securing or separating boards. Its integrated hitch pin connects the rack to the receiver, and the listing describes an adjustable anti-rattle mechanism operated with a knob underneath. Choose this hitch option if those support and restraint details matter more than mounting directly to a spare tire.
Limitation: The product is specified for a 2-inch receiver, not a spare tire. The provided details do not state a carrying capacity, so check the product information for capacity before selecting it for a particular load.
Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier
Best for: Drivers who already have a compatible Thule hanging hitch bike rack and want to carry skis or snowboards upright. Ultra-soft rubber arms grip gear without scratching its surfaces, according to the product description.
This carrier is an accessory, not a standalone spare tire rack or a complete hitch rack. Its upright arrangement is intended to maximize carrying capacity, but the listed product details do not give a specific ski or snowboard count.
Limitation: It requires a Thule hanging hitch bike rack and is not compatible with Thule Helium or Thule Helium Aero models. Confirm the bike-rack model before choosing it.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Ski Rack
Does a spare tire ski rack fit your vehicle?
Start with the spare tire’s measured diameter and width. For the JOYTUTUS model, both measurements must fall within its stated ranges: 30.5 to 36.5 inches in diameter and 10 to 11.5 inches wide. Do not assume that a rack fits simply because a vehicle has a rear-mounted spare.
Should you choose a spare tire or hitch mount?
A spare tire mount is the direct choice when the tire fits and you want to use the rear spare as the mounting point. A hitch rack is an alternative for vehicles with a compatible receiver. Compare receiver size carefully: the Tyger model lists 1.25- and 2-inch receivers, while VEVOR and BougeRV specify 2-inch receivers.
How much gear do you need to carry?
Compare the listed capacity with the number of skis or boards in your group. JOYTUTUS, Tyger, and VEVOR each state capacity for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. The supplied BougeRV and Thule details do not specify a total capacity, so verify that information before buying.
Which security and access features matter?
Look for the security and loading features relevant to your trips. JOYTUTUS lists lockable mounts; Tyger includes key locks and safety straps; VEVOR lists a key lock and anti-theft hitch pin; and BougeRV includes webbing buckles and an anti-rattle mechanism. VEVOR’s tilt design and Tyger’s tilt access may be useful when rear access is important, but check the product instructions for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best direct spare tire ski rack in this list?
The JOYTUTUS is the direct spare tire-mounted option. Its stated fit range is 30.5 to 36.5 inches in diameter and 10 to 11.5 inches wide.
Can a hitch-mounted ski rack replace a spare tire rack?
It can serve as an alternative if the vehicle has the required hitch receiver. Hitch racks do not attach to the spare tire, and receiver-size requirements vary by model.
Which listed rack fits a 1.25-inch receiver?
The Tyger Auto TG-RK1B707B lists fitment for 1.25- or 2-inch receivers. The VEVOR and BougeRV products specify 2-inch receivers.
Can the Thule Tram be used by itself?
No. The listed product information says it requires a compatible Thule hanging hitch bike rack and excludes Thule Helium and Thule Helium Aero models.
Do these racks all state ski capacity?
No. JOYTUTUS, Tyger, and VEVOR state capacity for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. The supplied details for BougeRV and Thule do not list a specific capacity.