{"id":187722,"date":"2026-04-08T22:20:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T05:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?p=187722"},"modified":"2026-06-24T20:38:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T03:38:53","slug":"how-to-install-a-spare-tire-carrier-tips-for-truck-and-suv-owners-quickref","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-install-a-spare-tire-carrier-tips-for-truck-and-suv-owners-quickref\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install a Spare Tire Carrier: Tips for Truck and SUV Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 7<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

Installing a spare tire carrier<\/a> is one of the more useful upgrades a truck or SUV owner can make. It frees up interior cargo space, lets you carry a full-size spare that may not fit the factory location, and keeps the tire within easy reach when you actually need it. The job is straightforward once the right carrier is matched to the vehicle and the common pitfalls are understood upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"a
A-Premium under-bed spare tire hoist<\/a> for a pickup truck | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install a Spare Tire Carrier: The Core Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process varies by carrier style, but the same general sequence applies to most hitch-mount and bolt-on rear applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Identify the mounting location. For a hitch-mount carrier, slide the receiver tube into the 2-inch Class III hitch opening. For a bumper-bolt or door-mount carrier, locate the factory bolt holes or mark new drill points using the bracket as a template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. If drilling is required, start with pilot holes to keep the bit from wandering. Apply rust-inhibiting primer to all bare metal before hardware goes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Install the mounting brackets or receiver tube, leaving fasteners snug but not fully torqued yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Attach the swing arm or carrier frame to the brackets. Line up all holes before tightening any single bolt completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Once alignment looks good, torque all fasteners to the manufacturer’s spec. In the absence of a published spec, 40 to 60 ft-lbs is a reasonable range for M8 to M10 grade-8 hardware on most carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Mount the spare wheel to the tire plate. Start lug nuts by hand, then tighten in a star pattern. Spare tire lug nuts on a carrier plate do not require the same torque as road wheels. Most setups call for 40 to 60 ft-lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Test the swing arm or latch mechanism with the tire fully mounted before driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Re-torque all bolts after the first 50 to 100 miles. Vibration settles hardware, especially on rough pavement or gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. One thing many people forget: relocate the license plate and light during installation. Running an unlit plate is a ticketable offense in most states, and catching it after the fact means pulling hardware back out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Parts Are Included in a Hitch-Mounted Spare Tire Carrier Kit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"hitch
Hitch-mounted swing-away spare tire carrier installed on an SUV | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To install a hitch-mounted swing-away spare tire carrier like the one shown in the image, a comprehensive kit typically includes several heavy-duty components designed to handle the weight of an oversized off-road tire and the stresses of vibrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the primary parts you would find in such a kit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Main Chassis Components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n