Finding the right atv spare tire mount is one of those things you don't think about until you're stuck in a mud hole with a shredded sidewall and no way home. It's a classic "better to have it and not need it" scenario. Most of us head out for a weekend ride thinking our tires are invincible, but all it takes is one jagged piece of slate or a hidden stump to turn a great afternoon into a long, miserable walk back to the trailer. Having a spare is step one, but knowing how to carry it without it bouncing off the back of your rig is where the mount comes into play.
The Reality of Getting a Flat on the Trail
Let's be honest, plugging a tire on the trail works about 70% of the time. If you've got a small puncture from a nail or a thorn, a plug kit is a lifesaver. But we aren't always that lucky. Side-wall tears are the real mood killers. When you rip a hole in the side of a tire, no amount of sticky rope plugs is going to get you back to camp. That's when you realize that having a spare tire sitting in the garage does you absolutely no good.
An atv spare tire mount fixes the biggest headache of carrying a spare: space. These machines aren't exactly known for their massive storage capacity. If you just toss a tire into the rear bed, you've lost all your room for coolers, tool bags, and extra fuel. Worse yet, if you don't secure it, that tire becomes a heavy projectile the second you hit a series of whoops or a steep climb. A dedicated mount keeps the tire out of the way and, more importantly, keeps it attached to the machine.
Picking the Style That Fits Your Ride
Not all mounts are created equal, and where you put it depends a lot on how you use your ATV. There are a few common styles, and each has its own set of pros and cons.
Roll Cage Mounts
If you're running a side-by-side or an ATV with a sturdy overhead frame, roll cage mounts are usually the go-to. These usually clamp onto the rear bars of the cage. The cool thing about these is that they keep the tire completely out of your cargo area. You still have full access to your bed for your gear.
The downside? It can change your center of gravity. If you mount a heavy tire and wheel combo high up on the cage, you might feel a bit more "tippy" in off-camber turns. It also might block your rearview mirror if you've got one installed. Still, for most trail riders, the trade-off for more bed space is worth it.
Bed and Rack Mounts
These are pretty straightforward. They usually bolt directly into the floor of the cargo bed or onto the front/rear racks of a traditional ATV. The atv spare tire mount that sits in the bed is usually very secure because it's bolted to the frame or the strongest part of the body.
The big plus here is stability. Keeping that weight low and centered is better for handling. The downside, obviously, is that it eats up your storage. If you're a minimalist who only carries a small bag of tools, this is probably your best bet. If you're packing for a three-day camping trip, you might find yourself playing Tetris with your gear.
Hitch-Mounted Options
Hitch mounts are a bit more niche but they have a loyal following. They slide into your 2-inch receiver just like a ball hitch would. They usually have a "swing-away" feature so you can still get into your tailgate or bed. These are great because they keep the weight off the top of the machine and don't take up rack space.
However, you have to keep an eye on your departure angle. If you're doing some serious rock crawling or dropping into deep ruts, a hitch-mounted spare might scrape or get hung up on obstacles. It also adds a bit of length to your machine, which can be a pain if you're trying to squeeze into a tight trailer.
Things to Think About Before You Buy
Before you go out and grab the first atv spare tire mount you see on the shelf, there are a few technical details you can't ignore. First off, check your bolt pattern. It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people buy a mount only to realize their wheel's lug pattern doesn't match the mount's plate. Most mounts are universal or come with multiple holes, but it's always worth a double-check.
Weight is another biggie. A wheel and tire combo can easily weigh 40 to 60 pounds. You want a mount that's made of heavy-duty steel or high-grade aluminum. If the mount looks flimsy or has thin welds, pass on it. The vibration from riding on rough trails will snap a cheap mount in no time. Look for something with a powder-coated finish too, because it's going to get hit with mud, rocks, and water constantly.
Installation Isn't Usually a Nightmare
Most people can install an atv spare tire mount in their driveway with basic hand tools. You're usually looking at a few U-bolts or some mounting brackets that wrap around the frame. The main thing is to make sure it's tight—I mean really tight. After your first ride with a new mount, take a wrench to it again. The vibrations from the trail have a way of loosening nuts and bolts that felt solid in the garage.
If you're mounting it to a plastic rack, you might want to consider adding a backing plate. Plastic can crack under the stress of a heavy tire bouncing around. Bolting through to a metal frame member is always the preferred method if you can manage it.
Why Not Just Use Bungee Cords?
I've seen guys try to save a buck by just strapping a tire to the front rack with bungee cords or a couple of rachet straps. Honestly, don't do it. Bungee cords stretch, and rachet straps can loosen up. If that tire shifts while you're moving, it can throw off your steering or, worse, fall off and get caught under your own wheels.
A dedicated atv spare tire mount isn't just about convenience; it's about safety. Having that tire locked down means you don't have to worry about it. You can focus on the trail ahead rather than constantly glancing back to see if your spare is still there. Plus, it looks a lot cleaner. There's something about a well-mounted spare that makes a rig look "trail-ready."
Is It Worth the Investment?
When you consider the cost of a recovery or the sheer frustration of being stranded, a mount is a cheap insurance policy. You can find decent ones that won't break the bank, and they'll likely last as long as the machine itself.
It's one of those upgrades that might not be as "cool" as a new exhaust or a light bar, but you'll appreciate it way more the day things go sideways. Riding is all about getting away from the stress of everyday life, and nothing ruins that faster than being stuck. Do yourself a favor, get a solid atv spare tire mount, throw a spare on there, and ride with a bit more confidence. You'll be glad you did the first time you hear that dreaded "hiss" of air escaping a tire in the middle of nowhere.