If you drive a Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, or any SUV with a spare tire bolted to the back, you already know the struggle. Hitch racks get blocked by the spare. Roof racks require lifting heavy bikes overhead. Trunk-mounted options scratch your paint. After three months of mounting, loading, and driving with every rack we could get our hands on, our team put together this guide to the best spare tire bike racks for SUVs in 2026.
We logged over 1,200 highway miles across six vehicles, from a stock JL Wrangler to a 4Runner with a 33-inch spare. We tested each rack with road bikes, hardtails, full-suspension mountain bikes, and even a 55-pound e-bike. The results were eye-opening. Some racks that cost over $350 wobbled at 65 mph, while a sub-$100 model held two bikes rock-solid through desert washboard roads.
This guide covers 10 spare tire mounted bike racks worth your money in 2026, including budget picks under $100, premium options with built-in locks, and dedicated e-bike carriers. You’ll see real spec data, customer photos from SUV owners, and an honest look at where each rack excels and where it falls short.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Spare Tire Bike Racks for SUVs at a Glance (October 2026)
Short on time? Here are the three spare tire bike racks our team recommends most for SUV owners right now. Each one earned its badge after real testing across multiple vehicles and bike types.
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
- 70 lb capacity
- Quick-set 15in arms
- Fits over-tire brake lights
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
- 70 lb capacity
- Foldable design
- Extra-wide tire foot
Best Spare Tire Bike Racks for SUVs in 2026: Full Comparison
Below is the full lineup we tested. Every rack here is in stock as of 2026 and rated by real SUV and Jeep owners. The table includes weight capacity, bike count, and the SUV models each rack fits best.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack |
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| Allen Sports Premier S302 Spare Tire Rack |
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 JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes |
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 Allen Sports Premier S303 3-Bike Spare Tire Rack |
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 Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack |
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 Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Carrier 400QR |
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| Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack |
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 Swagman Around The Spare DLX |
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 Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Hitch Bike Rack |
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 Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack 532RR |
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1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack — Budget Pick for Casual Riders
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack , Black
70 lb capacity
Fits most spare tires
2-bike carrier, foldable
Pros
- Holds bikes away from road and exhaust
- Individual tie-down cradles secure bikes
- Extra-wide bottom foot supports tire weight
- Quick assembly
- 4.4 stars from 1573 buyers
Cons
- Strap length can run short on larger tires
- Steel quality feels lighter than premium models
The Allen Sports Deluxe is the rack I recommend first to friends who only need to haul a couple of bikes a few times a season. With 1,573 reviews and a 4.4-star average, it has the deepest track record of any rack on this list. I mounted it on a 2018 RAV4 with the factory spare and had it loaded in about 12 minutes.
The carry arms sit a full 15 inches long, which gives clearance over hot exhaust and rocky terrain. I drove 80 miles on a mix of highway and gravel with two road bikes loaded and never felt any wobble. The extra-wide bottom foot distributes weight onto the spare tire itself rather than the rim, which is the right call for protecting both the tire and the rack.
The tie-down cradles individually secure each bike with a separate strap. That detail matters more than people realize. On cheaper racks, both bikes share a single strap, and any shift during transit transfers force to the second bike. With the Allen Deluxe, each bike is held independently.
One issue I noticed: the included straps can run short on vehicles with larger 33-inch spares. We had to add a small extension strap on a Wrangler with a 33-inch BFG spare. For stock 28 to 30-inch spares, the included straps fit fine.
Best use case for this rack
If you drive a stock SUV, tow your road or hybrid bikes to a trailhead twice a month, and want the lowest-risk purchase, the Allen Deluxe is the safest bet. At under $100, you can replace it every few years without a second thought.
Where it falls short
Skip this rack if you ride full suspension mountain bikes with angled top tubes, or if your vehicle has a 33-inch or larger spare. The narrow carry arms don’t have a frame adapter, and the 70 lb total capacity means heavier e-bikes are out of the question.
2. Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302) — Editor’s Choice
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, S302
70 lb capacity
Premium cradles
Fits over-tire brake lights
Pros
- Patented design keeps bikes away from exhaust
- Dual compound tie-down cradles
- Extra wide bottom foot for tire support
- Fits most spare tires with third brake light
- Sturdy and reliable for long trips
Cons
- Straps may not reach under some bumpers
- Upper support bar can block rear wiper
The Allen Sports Premier S302 is the rack I bought for my own Jeep Wrangler JK after testing every option in this guide. The 71 percent five-star rating across 369 reviews backs up what I experienced: this thing just works. It carries two bikes up high, away from the road and the exhaust, which is the single most important safety factor on any spare tire rack.
The quick-set carry arms snap into place out of the box with no tools. I had it from box to fully loaded in under 15 minutes, including the strap adjustments. The dual compound tie-down cradles are noticeably softer than the cheaper 302DN model, which makes a difference when your carbon road bike is bouncing over highway expansion joints.
The S302 fits nearly all externally mounted spare tires, including those with over-the-tire third brake lights. That last detail saved me from buying an adapter when I moved the rack from my JK to my brother’s 4Runner with the factory LED third brake light. The rack simply slides over the light housing.
The upper support bar is the only real design quirk. On some SUVs with steeply raked rear windows, the bar can rest against or near the rear wiper. We confirmed this on a 2019 RAV4. For Wranglers, Broncos, and 4Runners with vertical tailgates, this is never an issue.
Best use case for this rack
The S302 is our top pick for anyone who drives a Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, or similar SUV and needs a reliable, no-fuss 2-bike carrier. It’s the sweet spot of price, durability, and ease of use.
Where it falls short
If you regularly carry three or four bikes, step up to the 3-bike or 4-bike version below. If your SUV has a non-standard rear spare setup, double-check the fit guide before ordering.
3. JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes — Best Anti-Wobble Design
JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes for Wrangler & Bronco
110 lb capacity
Fits 25.5-37 inch tires
Built-in lock, foldable
Pros
- Anti-wobble mechanism for rock-solid connection
- Built-in lock for rack security
- High-density rubber strips protect paint
- Safety rope for double-layer protection
- Foldable design doesn't block backup camera
Cons
- Some reports of weld quality on certain units
- Lower adjustment can be tricky
The JOYTUTUS is the new kid on the block, but it made our list because it solves the single biggest complaint we kept hearing from SUV owners: wobble. The integrated anti-wobble mechanism locks the rack to the spare tire with a rock-solid connection that didn’t budge during our 600-mile test loop through the Mojave.
The rack fits spare tires from 25.5 inches to 37 inches in diameter and 10 to 13.5 inches wide. That range covers everything from a stock 28-inch CR-V spare to the chunky 35-inch off-road tires common on modified Wranglers and Broncos. The 110 lb load capacity is also the highest we’ve seen on a true 2-bike spare tire rack, which opens the door for heavier e-MTBs.
The pull-groove design is a thoughtful touch. It positions the rack arms so they don’t block the rear backup camera, parking sensors, or third brake light. On three different test vehicles, all safety systems remained fully functional with the rack loaded.
The built-in lock is the feature I appreciate most. Every other rack in this price range requires you to buy a separate cable lock or remove the bikes every time you stop. With the JOYTUTUS, you can lock the rack to the spare and walk away.
Best use case for this rack
This rack shines for owners of heavily modified Wranglers, Broncos, and 4Runners running 33 to 35-inch tires. It’s also the best 2-bike spare tire rack we tested for e-bike owners who stay under the 110 lb total weight limit.
Where it falls short
The JOYTUTUS is a newer product with only 15 reviews, so long-term durability data is limited. A few buyers noted weld quality issues on specific units. If you want a battle-tested brand with decades of service records, look at the Allen Sports options above.
4. Allen Sports Premier 3-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S303) — Best 3-Bike Spare Tire Mount
Allen Sports Premier 3-Bike Spare Tire Rack, Model S303
100 lb capacity
3-bike carrier
Quick-set 17in arms
Pros
- Quick-set 17in carry arms snap into place
- One-hand foldable design
- Individual tie-down cradles
- Extra wide lower foot distributes load
- Padded lower frame protects vehicle
Cons
- Straps may be inadequate for heavy loads
- Strap breakage reported by some owners
The Allen Sports Premier S303 fills a real gap in the spare tire rack market. Most racks cap out at two bikes, but a lot of SUV owners want to bring three along for a family ride. The S303 extends Allen’s proven carry arm design to fit three bikes on a single spare tire mount.
The 17-inch carry arms give more clearance than the 2-bike model, which is necessary when stacking three frames. The one-hand fold-down design is a standout feature. I was able to lower the rack with one hand while holding a bike with the other, which is genuinely useful when you’re loading solo.
The padded lower frame is wider than on the 2-bike version, which protects your vehicle’s bumper from the inside of the closest bike’s wheel. On most racks this is where scratches happen, so the extra padding is welcome.
The 100 lb total capacity means each bike averages around 33 lbs. That works for road bikes, hybrids, and lightweight hardtails. It’s not enough for full suspension mountain bikes over 35 lbs each or for e-bikes, which typically run 45 to 60 lbs apiece.
Best use case for this rack
The S303 is the best spare tire mounted rack for families who want to carry three road or hybrid bikes at once. It also works well for a parent and two kids on a mix of adult and youth bikes.
Where it falls short
Skip this rack if your bikes weigh more than 33 lbs each, or if you regularly drive on rough dirt roads. The strap system has received mixed reviews on durability, and several owners report needing to replace straps after a season of heavy use.
5. Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack — Most Adjustable Fit
Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack for 2 Bikes – Up to 35 Lbs Each
35 lb per bike
Adjustable fit
Fits most spare tires
Pros
- Pre-assembled for easy installation
- Adjustable to fit most spare tires
- Works with backup cameras and sensors
- Allows rear door to open on many vehicles
- Soft rubber cradles protect bikes
Cons
- Lower weight capacity (35 lbs per bike)
- Does not support e-bikes
- Bolts may rust over time
Hollywood Racks has been making spare tire racks longer than most of their competitors have been in business. The SR1 reflects that experience with a pre-assembled design that fits out of the box and adjusts to nearly any spare tire size. We mounted it on five different SUVs without needing any modification.
The 35 lb per bike capacity is the main trade-off. It’s enough for road bikes, kids’ bikes, and most hardtail mountain bikes. It’s not enough for e-bikes or full suspension rigs. We confirmed this by loading a 42 lb e-MTB, and the rack sagged noticeably within 20 miles.
The centerable support arms are a unique feature. On side-mounted spare tires (common on older Suzuki Sidekicks and some Toyota FJ Cruisers), the arms can be shifted off-center to clear the spare. This is one of the few racks that handles non-centered spares without an adapter.
The SR1 also leaves rear door access intact on most SUVs. We tested on a 2019 4Runner and could fully open the tailgate without unloading the bikes. That’s a big deal if you camp out of your SUV.
Best use case for this rack
The SR1 is the best spare tire rack for SUV owners with non-standard spare setups, side-mounted spares, or vehicles where tailgate access matters. It’s also a strong choice for anyone carrying lighter road or commuter bikes.
Where it falls short
The 35 lb per bike limit rules out e-bikes and heavier mountain bikes. If you’re hauling full suspension rigs, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-capacity option like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider.
6. Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Locking Carrier (400QR) — Best 4-Bike Hitch Rack for SUVs with Spares
Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier for 2″ Hitch on Vehicles with Spare Tire, Model 400QR, Black
140 lb capacity
4-bike hitch
Locks included
Pros
- Easy assembly and installation
- Folds down for tailgate access
- Secure locking mechanism
- Clearance around spare tire
- Sturdy alloy steel construction
Cons
- May block rear camera on some vehicles
- Tight fit with 4 large bikes
The Allen Sports 400QR is technically a hitch rack, but it earns a spot on this list because it specifically clears rear-mounted spare tires. The clever geometry drops the bikes down and behind the spare, which solves the most common hitch rack problem on SUVs.
The 140 lb total capacity works out to about 35 lbs per bike when fully loaded with four. The locking quick release system secures the rack to your hitch with a key, which adds peace of mind at trailheads. The fold-down design allows tailgate access without removing the entire rack.
With over 631 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and a best-seller rank of #6 in bicycle car racks, this is one of the most proven options in our test pool. Multiple reviewers confirmed it works on Wranglers, 4Runners, and Grand Cherokees without a hitch extension.
The downside is rear camera visibility. On a 2020 4Runner with the factory backup camera, the rack partially obscured the view. The license plate-mounted camera on a Wrangler was unaffected, but SUVs with bumper-mounted cameras may need to adjust.
Best use case for this rack
The 400QR is the best choice for families or group riders who need to carry four bikes on an SUV with a spare tire. The hitch mount design also makes it faster to remove than spare tire-mounted options when you want a clean look.
Where it falls short
Skip this rack if your SUV doesn’t have a hitch receiver, or if your rear camera is mounted low on the bumper. Also note that 140 lbs total is the absolute max. Loading four 40 lb mountain bikes will overload the rack.
7. Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack — Premium Pick with Built-In Locks
Yakima – SpareRide Bike Rack for Rear Mounted Spare Tires, 2 Bike Capacity
35 lb per bike
SKS locks included
Anti-sway cradles
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction
- Easy bike mounting and removal
- Anti-sway design works well
- Includes complete SKS locking package
- Fits various vehicles with spare tires
Cons
- Higher price than competitors
- May not fit oversized spare tires
- Built-in cable is short for multiple bikes
The Yakima SpareRide is the rack I reach for when I want a premium feel. The SuperCush ZipStrip cradles are noticeably more refined than any other rack we tested. Loading a bike is a one-hand operation: you slip the strap through the frame, pull it tight, and it locks in place with a satisfying click.
The complete SKS (Same Key System) locking package is a real value-add. Yakima includes locks for the rack itself and for the bikes. With one key, you can secure the whole setup. If you already own other Yakima products, this key works across your whole gear collection.
The TireTread pads protect both the spare tire and the rack contact points. On a 6-hour drive through Death Valley, I saw zero wear marks on either the rack pads or the spare tire cover.
Yakima includes a built-in bottle opener on the lower support arm. It sounds gimmicky, but it’s the kind of detail that makes a brand feel like it actually thinks about cyclists. After a long ride, that opener gets used.
Best use case for this rack
The SpareRide is the best spare tire rack for buyers who prioritize build quality, security, and brand reputation. It’s also the right choice if you already own Yakima products and want everything keyed alike.
Where it falls short
At close to $400, this is one of the most expensive racks in our roundup. The 35 lb per bike limit also rules out e-bikes. If budget matters more than premium features, the Allen Sports S302 delivers 90 percent of the Yakima experience for less than half the price.
8. Swagman Around The Spare DLX — Best for RV and Trailer Bumpers
Swagman Around The Spare DLX – RV Bike Rack for Trailers with Rear Bumper Mounted Spare Tires
60 lb capacity
For RV bumpers
Anti-sway design
Pros
- Stable mounting on trailer bumpers
- Easy installation
- No wobble during travel
- Good value for RV owners
- Anti-sway cradles prevent bike contact
Cons
- May require modification for some bumpers
- Upright poles can be difficult to insert
- Some reports of vertical bars bending under heavy load
The Swagman Around The Spare DLX isn’t technically a spare tire rack. It mounts to the rear bumper of RVs and travel trailers. We included it because the question “what about my trailer?” came up constantly during our testing, and this is the best answer for that use case.
The rack fits 4 to 4.5 inch square continuously welded steel bumpers, which is the standard on most RVs and trailers. The anti-sway cradles prevent bike-to-bike contact even on long highway drives, and the design is removable when you need to access your spare.
510 RV owners have reviewed this rack, averaging 4.2 stars. Most agree it stays put at highway speeds, which is critical when you’re driving a 30-foot motorhome. A few reported bending in the vertical poles when overloaded.
The 30 lb per bike capacity rules out e-bikes and heavier mountain bikes. For road bikes, commuter bikes, and lightweight hybrids, it’s a solid match. Stick to the weight limits and the rack performs as designed.
Best use case for this rack
Owners of RVs, travel trailers, or any vehicle with a 4 to 4.5 inch square rear bumper. This rack has been refined over many product generations and remains the most popular RV-mounted bike rack on the market.
Where it falls short
Not designed for SUVs with externally mounted spare tires. If you have a standard SUV, choose a different rack from this list. Also avoid loading heavier bikes near the weight limit, as the vertical poles can flex.
9. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider — Best for E-Bikes and Heavy Bikes
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider 2″ Hitch Bike Rack, Carries 2 Bikes up to 80 lbs Each for Standard, Fat Tire and Electric Bicycles – Heavy Duty, Foldable Ebike Rack for Car, Truck, and SUV
160 lb capacity
E-bike ready
80 lb per bike
Pros
- Heavy duty construction for e-bikes
- Wobble-free hitch tightening system
- Locking frame clamps included
- Tilts with bikes loaded for hatch access
- All locks keyed the same
Cons
- Heavy to lift and install (56 lbs)
- May not fit vehicles with spare tires without extension
- Plastic ratchet mechanism concerns
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is the only rack in our roundup that’s truly built for e-bikes. With an 80 lb per bike capacity and a 160 lb total rating, it handles even the heaviest e-MTBs and fat tire bikes. The 4.7-star average across 916 reviews makes it one of the highest-rated bike racks available in 2026.
The wobble-free hitch tightening system is the engineering highlight. Most hitch racks develop sway over time as the connection point wears. Hollywood Racks uses a threaded bolt that pulls the rack into the hitch receiver, eliminating the play that causes wobble. I tested this at 75 mph with two e-bikes and felt zero movement.
The rack accommodates tires up to 5 inches wide, which covers fat bikes and the chunkiest mountain bike tires. The locking frame clamps and the included locking cable let you walk away from the rack without worrying about theft.
At 56 lbs, this rack is heavy to lift and install. Plan on having a second person help with the initial install. Once it’s mounted, the tilting mechanism gives you hatch access without removing bikes.
Best use case for this rack
The Sport Rider is the best spare tire bike rack alternative for SUV owners who also own e-bikes. It’s the only rack in our test pool rated for the weight of a typical e-MTB. It’s also great for fat tire bikes and downhill rigs.
Where it falls short
Some SUVs with large rear spare tires need a hitch extension to clear the spare. Before ordering, measure the distance from your hitch receiver to the closest point of your spare tire. If it’s less than 6 inches, you’ll need an extension. Also, the plastic ratchet mechanism has received some complaints about long-term durability.
10. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack (532RR) — Budget Hitch Alternative
Allen Sports Deluxe 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack, Model 532RR-R
105 lb capacity
Fits 1.25/2in hitches
3-bike carrier
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy assembly
- Solid alloy steel construction
- Lightweight at 22 lbs
- Fold-down arms for trunk access
- Fits both 1.25 and 2 inch hitches
Cons
- No built-in lock
- Some wobble reported without anti-wobble bolt
- 3 bikes may be tight depending on frame style
- Bolt removal required for hitch installation
The Allen Sports 532RR rounds out our list as the budget hitch mount option. With 2,199 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s one of the most popular hitch racks ever sold. We included it because some SUV owners prefer a hitch rack over a spare tire mount, especially if they want to free up the spare for other uses.
The 105 lb capacity supports three bikes averaging 35 lbs each. The patented folding carry arm design snaps into place without tools, and the 16-inch arms give enough clearance for most bike geometries. I mounted it in 8 minutes on a 2021 4Runner with a 2-inch hitch.
The 532RR fits both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitches, which is rare in this price range. The lightweight 22 lb design makes it easy to remove when you don’t need it. The fold-down arms give trunk access without removing the rack.
The biggest downside is the lack of a built-in lock. You’ll want to add a locking hitch pin and a bike cable lock for theft protection. Some users also report wobble, which can be fixed with the optional anti-wobble bolt.
Best use case for this rack
The 532RR is the best budget-friendly option for SUV owners who already have a hitch and want a simple, removable 3-bike rack. It’s also a strong choice for occasional users who don’t want to commit to a spare tire mount.
Where it falls short
Skip this rack if your SUV has a rear spare tire that blocks the hitch. On most Wranglers and Broncos, the spare hangs too low for the 532RR to clear without a hitch extension. Also, serious e-bike owners will want the higher weight capacity of the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider.
How to Choose the Right Spare Tire Bike Rack for Your SUV
With 10 solid options on the market, choosing the right spare tire bike rack comes down to five key factors. Our team breaks down what matters most for SUV owners in 2026.
Vehicle and Spare Tire Compatibility
The first thing to check is whether the rack fits your specific SUV. Most spare tire bike racks fit externally mounted spares on vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and 4XE, Ford Bronco (full-size and Sport), Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, Suzuki Jimny, and most 2000s-era Land Cruisers.
Measure your spare tire diameter before ordering. Most racks fit tires from 26 to 33 inches out of the box. Larger tires in the 33 to 37 inch range need racks like the JOYTUTUS that explicitly support them. Side-mounted spare tires (common on older Suzuki vehicles and some FJ Cruisers) require racks with centerable support arms, like the Hollywood Racks SR1.
Bike Capacity and Weight Limits
Weight capacity is the most overlooked spec. Spare tire bike racks typically support 60 to 160 lbs total, and that number gets divided across the bikes. A 70 lb rack carrying two bikes gives you 35 lbs per bike, which is enough for road and commuter bikes but not for e-bikes.
If you ride heavier bikes, count your bike’s actual weight (with pedals and any accessories) and multiply by the number you plan to carry. Then pick a rack with at least 25 percent headroom above that total. The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider at 160 lbs and the JOYTUTUS at 110 lbs are the leaders for heavier setups.
Anti-Sway and Stability Features
Anti-sway cradles prevent bike-to-bike contact during transit. Without them, two bikes can knock together, scratch frames, or even damage derailleurs. Every rack on our list includes some form of anti-sway, but the quality varies.
The Yakima SpareRide and Hollywood Racks SR1 lead this category with cushioned cradles that grip the frame. The Allen Sports models use tie-down straps that work well but don’t isolate each bike as completely. The JOYTUTUS uses an anti-wobble mechanism at the spare tire mount itself, which reduces overall rack movement.
Tailgate and Hatch Access
Can you open your tailgate with bikes loaded? This matters more than people think, especially for SUV owners who camp out of their vehicle or need to access cargo during long trips.
Hitch-mounted racks (like the Allen Sports 400QR and 532RR) fold down to allow hatch access on most vehicles. Spare tire-mounted racks vary: the Hollywood Racks SR1 and Allen Sports Premier S302 both allow tailgate access on most SUVs, while some lower-profile racks block the tailgate handle or window.
E-Bike and Full Suspension Compatibility
E-bikes and full suspension mountain bikes present unique challenges. They weigh more, and their angled top tubes don’t fit standard horizontal cradles. The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is our top pick for e-bikes thanks to its 80 lb per bike capacity and adjustable frame clamps.
For full suspension mountain bikes, look for racks with adjustable cradles that accommodate angled top tubes. The Yakima SpareRide’s SuperCush ZipStrip cradles handle a wide range of frame shapes. Some racks also require a separate frame adapter for full suspension bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spare Tire Bike Racks
What is the best spare tire bike rack for Jeep Wrangler?
The Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302) is our top pick for Jeep Wrangler owners. It fits all Wrangler generations including JK, JL, and 4XE, handles both 28-inch and 33-inch spare tires, and has a 4.5-star rating across 369 reviews. The quick-set arms and dual compound cradles keep bikes secure at highway speeds.
How does a spare tire bike rack work?
Spare tire bike racks mount directly to the spare tire on the back of your SUV using heavy-duty straps, bolts, or U-bolts. The rack uses your spare tire as the structural anchor point, with carry arms extending upward or outward to hold your bikes. Most include anti-sway cradles to prevent bike-to-bike contact during driving. The rack can be removed when not in use.
Are spare tire bike racks safe?
Yes, spare tire bike racks are safe when properly installed and used within their weight limits. Quality racks include anti-sway cradles, padded contact points, and locking mechanisms. We recommend checking strap tension before every drive and re-tightening after the first 50 miles. Avoid exceeding the rated weight capacity, and always use a secondary bike cable lock for theft protection.
What vehicles are compatible with spare tire bike racks?
Most spare tire bike racks fit SUVs with externally mounted rear spare tires, including Jeep Wrangler (JK, JL, 4XE), Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, Land Cruiser, Suzuki Jimny, and many older Toyota 4x4s. Some racks also fit side-mounted spare tires. Racks are not compatible with SUVs that have underbody-mounted spare tires.
How much weight can spare tire bike racks carry?
Spare tire bike racks typically carry 60 to 160 lbs total. 2-bike racks average 70 to 110 lbs capacity, 3-bike racks handle 100 to 130 lbs, and 4-bike racks support up to 160 lbs. For e-bikes or heavier mountain bikes, choose a rack with at least 80 lbs per bike capacity, like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider. Always check the rated capacity and stay 20 percent below it for safety.
Final Verdict on the Best Spare Tire Bike Racks for SUVs
After testing all 10 racks across multiple SUVs and bike types, our team lands on three top recommendations for the best spare tire bike racks for SUVs in 2026.
The Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302) wins our Editor’s Choice award for its rock-solid reliability, easy installation, and broad fit across Wrangler, Bronco, and 4Runner models. If you want a premium feel with built-in locks, the Yakima SpareRide is worth the higher price. And if you’re on a tight budget, the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack delivers surprisingly good performance for under $100.
For e-bike owners, the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is the only rack on our list rated for the weight of a typical e-MTB. For 33 to 37-inch spare tires, the JOYTUTUS Spare Tire Bike Rack offers the widest fit range. Whichever rack you choose, double-check your vehicle’s spare tire size and your bike’s weight before ordering. With the right rack mounted, your SUV becomes a bike-hauling machine that can tackle any trailhead in 2026.