Your Car Spare Tire Carrier Guide

Spare tire carrier, as the name suggests is used to provide protection and adequate support to the extra mounted tire, situated at the back of the vehicle. The carrier prevents the tire from falling off when you are driving and also provides extra storage space as the tire is mounted outside the car. This enables you to take off the tire easily and replace it with a bad one in no time. Some carriers are so easy to install that they might not even require any drilling or welding.

The most important feature that the carriers should possess is durability. Due to this reason alone, most carriers are made from steel for maximum support and strength. Today, tire carriers are made from heavy-duty steel plates so that the carriers don’t break under the combined weight of tire and mounting device. Most tire carriers and constructed from tubular steel and can hold more than 200 lbs easily.

Color & Finish

Most tire carriers come in black color to match with the color of the tire rubber. However, you can choose for any color of your choice or get it painted in any color. It is recommended to go for a textured or powder coated finish to keep the carriers safe from corrosion.

Size

The size of the tire carrier is very important. Always choose the carriers according to the size and the weight of the tire you want to mount. Thus, a carrier with high load capacity will cover all bases and should create any problem.

Sometimes we overload our vehicles with things that we never use. Tire carriers also have various attachments and features that you might not need. So, no need to pay extra for such unwanted features. Thus, make a lift of your requirements and choose the best value for money for your vehicle. Primary features of tire carriers are mentioned below:

1. Light Mounts - Light mounts are helpful when you frequently go on night drives and weekend adventures and have the provision for backup lights. These auxiliary lights are very helpful when you are driving in off-road conditions, tailgating, or camping in places which have no access to electricity.
2. Gas/Water Container Capacity - Some tire carriers provide extra room for carrying extra water and gas containers, when you are going on adventurous trips and weekend getaways. Thus. helps in making extra room in the cargo and passenger compartment, thus allowing you to carry more luggage.
3. Fully Lockable - Carriers also come with locking system that will keep the tire safe on long journeys, off-road rides and also protect it from theft.
4. Multiple Mounting Positions & Secure Latch System - This system avoids rattle and reduces vibrations on daily commute and off-road rides. Thus, the spare tire and carrier doesn’t shake and detach from the vehicle during difficult driving conditions.
5. Swing Out - The swing out mechanism enables easy access and removal of the spare tire, without having to open the car’s tailgate or trunk door. This is helpful when your cargo area if full and it's not convenient to open it again and again.

Are you thinking of repairing your Spare Tire Carrier on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Spare Tire Carrier. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work: -

• RV tire carrier
• Two u- bolts
• Wrench set
• Clamp
• Nuts

It is true that the brands which we use make a statement about who we are and who we are willing to be in the future. There are a number of car lovers which are emotionally attached with a specific brand for their car parts. So, if you are searching for a particular brand for your Spare Tire Carrier, then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below: -

Are you familiar with basic car Spare Tire Carrier related parts? If no, then what are you waiting for? Have a look at some important components of the car Spare Tire Carrier.

• Spare Tire Cover
• Spare Tire Carriers Accessories
• Body Mounted Spare Tire Carriers

There can be a number of factors due to which the failure in the Spare Tire Carrier might be caused like poor car maintenance, some accident due to which the Spare Tire Carrier might get damaged or there might be some flaws during the quality control check at the factory where the car was manufactured or sometimes it might happen because of not changing the Spare Tire Carrier on time. Whatever the cause might be, the replacement of the Spare Tire Carrier is not at all an easy process and if you want to achieve success, then it’s essential to have the correct tools. This is the reason why you should leave the replacement/repair procedure to the skilled mechanics who have the tools and expertise to successfully complete the task.

You can purchase a spare tire carrier for as low as $40. The price can go up to more than $500 for carriers with a high load capacity and other useful features, such as a swing-away design. Purchase one that will best fit your needs, as not all expensive spare tire carriers will fit the specs of your vehicle. Consult your owner's manual first before making a purchase.

Following are the steps to follow for installing a spare tire carrier to your vehicle:

Step 1

Position the tire carrier at the centre of the rear bumper and place the carrier plate flat against it with the metal arm raised upwards. Note that the holes on the top of the plate are placed above the bumper and the other two holes are on the lower portion.

Step 2

Next step in to fit the U-bolt around the bumper. For this, insert the bolt into the left side holes of the square plate. Insert two nuts to secure the top and bottom holes and tighten them on both sides of the U-bolt.

Step 3

Repeat the step for the other bolt and set it around the bumper to fit the holes on the right side. Place the nuts and tighten them properly.

Step 4

Tighten and torque the nuts in a diagonal manner to prevent the tire carrier from going off-centre.

Step 5

Mount the spare tire on to the carrier using a clamp. Wiggle the tire to make sure you have a secure fit.

Other Safety Tips

• Perform a test drive to check if the carrier is loose or is attached properly on the rear.
• Always check for the tire specifications before buying the carrier and mounting it. Choose the carrier that best fits the tire and your vehicle.