Yes, tire-mount bike racks offer a practical, rear‑of‑the‑car solution for carrying two bikes without blocking the trunk. They’re ideal for SUVs, trucks, and cars with spare tires on the hatch. This guide highlights five dependable options, explaining who each is best for and why. If you want a quick pick, these models cover a range of spare-tire sizes, installation ease, and bike protection features.
Summary of selected products:
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (Model 302DN) — Best for quick installs and compact mounting.
- TOPOWN Heavy Duty Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack — Best for rust-resistance and adaptable spare-tire fit.
- JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack — Best for anti-wobble and integrated locks on Wrangler/Bronco setups.
- PENSUN Spare‑Tire Mount 2‑Bike Rack — Best for anti-wobble and security on Jeep/Gladiator.
- Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack — Best for adjustable fit with spare-tire mounting on SUVs/Jeep.
Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (302DN)
Bikes are held away from the road and car exhaust with 15″ carry arms that accommodate two bikes. Individual tie-down cradles protect each bike, and extra-wide bottom feet support weight on the rear tire rather than the rim. Quick assembly is required. Weight capacity is 70 lbs. Best for riders who want a lightweight, straightforward installation that keeps bikes high and clear of heat exhaust.
TOPOWN Heavy Duty Spare Tire Mount Rack
Designed to fit most 31.5″–32.5″ spare tires with five installation holes for arm positioning. Arms can be adjusted to match spare tire location, left/middle/right. Made from high-strength alloy steel with rust- and corrosion-resistant powder coating. Best for users needing flexible mounting on vehicles with varying spare-tire placements and demanding weather exposure.
Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier (322DN)
Patented design carries bikes high and away from road and exhaust. 15″ long carry arms fit two bicycles up to 70 pounds. Compatible with a broad range of bicycle styles and frame sizes. Individual tie-down cradles secure each bike. Best for users who value a proven, elevated mounting position with secure cradling and easy loading.
Allen Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302)
Patented design keeps bikes high and away from heat, with quick 15″ carry arms that snap into place out of the box. The rack can be folded down with one hand, and dual-compound tie-down cradles protect bicycles. Best for buyers seeking fast, tool-free setup and convenient stowage when not in use.
JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
Fits spare tires with a diameter of 25.5″–37″ and width 10″–13.5″, suitable for Wrangler/Bronco. Features integrated anti‑wobble and a heavy-duty ratchet buckle with high-density rubber strips to grip tires without damaging paint. Includes a built-in lock to deter theft. Best for owners who want a robust, lockable option for rough-road travel.
PENSUN Spare‑Tire Mount 2‑Bike Rack
Mounts directly onto rear spare tires for Wrangler and Gladiator. Built-in anti-wobble support minimizes movement on rough roads, and a security lock deters theft of the rack or bikes. Best for Wrangler/Gladiator owners who want a secure, space-saving two-bike rack with theft protection.
Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack
Adjustable for most spare tires on SUVs and Jeeps. Carries two bikes up to 35 lbs each. Lightweight steel construction offers durability with a focus on ease-of-use for vehicles with spare-tire mounts. Best for those who need a versatile rack that fits a wide range of spare-tire configurations and is relatively light to handle.
Allen Sports Premier 3-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S303)
Five carry arms allow quick setup for three bikes, with one-hand folding capability and individual tie-down cradles. Best for larger bike fleets or families needing capacity for a third bicycle on a spare-tire mount.
Buying Guide: Tire-Mount Bike Rack Considerations
- Vehicle compatibility: Confirm spare-tire diameter (inches) and mounting location. Some racks fit only certain tire sizes or require left/middle/right placement.
- Weight capacity: Ensure the total weight of bikes does not exceed the rack’s limit. Consider the combined weight of your bikes plus any accessories.
- Bicycle compatibility: Check if the rack accommodates different frame sizes and styles (mountain, road, e-bike). Some include adjustable cradles for protection.
- Security: Look for integrated locks or security features to deter theft when parked.
- Stability and wobble: Anti-wobble mechanisms and anti-slip padding protect both bike finishes and vehicle paint during transit.
- Ease of installation: Some models offer quick-set arms or tool-free installation; others may require more assembly time.
- Accessibility: Consider whether the rack permits trunk access when bikes are loaded, and how far the bikes extend beyond the rear of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do tire-mount bike racks fit all spare-tire sizes? Not always. Check the manufacturer’s listed tire size range and mounting options for your vehicle.
- Are these racks easy to install on SUVs? Many are designed for easy, tool-free setup, but some require more assembly time depending on the model.
- Can I carry three bikes on a spare-tire rack? Some models support three bikes, but most two-bike options are more common. Verify weight and fit before purchasing.
- Is theft protection available on tire-mount racks? Several models include integrated locks or security features to deter theft of the rack or bikes.
- Will these racks block the rear view or sensors? Length and configuration vary; check the product dimensions and vehicle compatibility to avoid obstruction.