If you’re mounting bikes on a camper spare tire, these racks are designed to fit around or onto the spare and keep your bikes secure during long trips. This guide highlights options for trailers, fifth wheels, SUVs, and jeeps, with recommendations based on fit, capacity, and ease of installation. Best for weekend campers are racks that install quickly, protect bike finishes, and minimize road vibrations. The top picks here are aimed at varying spare-tire sizes, vehicle types, and cargo needs to help you choose confidently.
Overview table for quick comparison:
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Approx. Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagman Around The Spare DLX | Trailer and bumper-mounted setups | Easy around-spare installation | 1–2 bikes |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack 302DN | Wide range of bikes | High clearance from exhaust | 2 bikes |
| JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack | Wrangler/bronco style SUVs | Anti-wobble, integrated lock | 2 bikes |
| Hollywood Racks SR1 | Vehicles with spare tire mount | Simple, adjustable for most tires | 2 bikes |
| Swagman RV Approved 4 Bike Carrier | Travel trailers and RVs | High capacity, bumper-ready | 1–4 bikes |
Swagman Around The Spare DLX – RV Bike Rack
Best for trailers with rear bumper-mounted spare tires, this rack can carry 1 or 2 bikes and is designed to fit 4–4.5 inch square bumpers that circle around the spare. It distributes weight away from the rim and provides a straightforward installation process around most spare tires. Who it’s best for: campers with a single spare on the bumper and light-to-moderate bike loads. Caution: Installation around varied bumper designs may require alignment checks after long hauls.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
This rack secures two bikes with additional ground clearance and helps keep bikes away from exhaust. It uses extra-wide bottom supports and 15″ carry arms to fit a variety of frame sizes. Best for: vehicles where exhaust clearance and rim protection are priorities. Limitation: Quick assembly is required and weight capacity tops at 70 lbs combined.
Swagman RV Approved 2 Bike RV Bumper Mount Rack
Designed for 4 to 4.5-inch welded steel bumpers, this bumper-mount carrier can transport up to two bikes with a per-bike limit of 30 pounds. It’s a robust option for travel trailers and RVs, offering a solid, bolt-on mounting method. Best for: vehicles with reinforced bumper rails and higher two-bike loads. Limit: Not ideal for lightweight bikes or marginal bumper designs.
JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
Designed to fit 25.5″–37″ spare tires with a width of 10″–13.5″, it’s made for Wranglers, Broncos, and similar SUVs. It features an anti-wobble mechanism, high-density rubber grip strips, and an integrated lock system. Best for: larger spare tires on rugged SUVs where vibration must be minimized. Note: Maximum weight listed at 110 lbs for two bikes, which may require lighter bikes for stability.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier, Model 322DN
With a high-position design, this carrier keeps bikes away from road heat and exhaust. It accommodates a wide range of bike styles and sizes with 15″ long carry arms and individual tie-down cradles for protection. Best for: riders wanting to minimize exhaust exposure and maximize bike clearance. Limitation: Weight limits per bike and overall system width may affect garage clearance.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a spare-tire bike rack?
First, confirm compatibility with your spare tire size and bumper type. Look for models that fit the bumper’s width and whether the rack sits above or around the tire. Consider whether you need room for one or two bikes, and check weight limits per bike and total capacity.
What about vehicle type and mounting style?
Trailer bumpers often tolerate heavier racks, while SUVs and Jeeps require anti-wobble features to reduce shake. Some racks clamp around the tire, others bolt onto bumpers. Choose based on how secure you want the installation and how easy it should be to move or remove.
Bike protection and security
Look for padded contact points and adjustable cradles to protect frames and finishes. Integrated locks or anti-theft features add security for roadside stops. If you frequently travel on rough roads, anti-vibration and rubberized grips help preserve bike components.
Installation and maintenance considerations
Consider racks that offer straightforward installation with common tools. Check for corrosion-resistant finishes if you travel in varied climates. Periodically inspect bolts, straps, and alignment to ensure continued safety on the road.
Capacity and compatibility
Two-bike racks are common, but some models support up to four bikes. Ensure weight ratings align with your bikes’ total weight and wheelbase dimensions. If you have heavier or larger frames, verify that the arms and cradles can accommodate them.
Summary tips for buyers
- Best for bumper-mounted setups: Swagman Around The Spare DLX or Swagman RV Approved 2 Bike Rack.
- Best for exhaust-distance and universal fit: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike 302DN.
- Best for safety and anti-wobble on SUVs: JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do these racks require removing the spare tire?
A: Some designs mount around the spare or bumper and do not require tire removal, while others bolt onto the bumper and may operate with or without tire removal depending on the model.
Q: Can I carry two bikes on all these racks?
A: Most listed options support two bikes, with some models handling up to four. Check per-bike weight limits and total capacity to ensure safe transport.
Q: Are these racks safe for long highway trips?
A: When properly installed, racks with anti-wobble mechanisms and padded contact points minimize movement and protect bikes from vibration and impact.
Q: Will these racks fit Wranglers or Broncos?
A: Yes, several models (like JOYTUTUS and similar designs) are designed to fit 25.5″–37″ spare tires common on Wranglers and Broncos, with anti-wobble features and secure locking mechanisms.
Q: Do any of these require tire removal for installation?
A: Most can be installed without tire removal, but some configurations may require tires to be removed for optimal mounting on certain bumper designs.