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If your SUV, Jeep, or Bronco carries its spare on the tailgate, a spare-tire-mounted bike rack skips the hitch entirely and mounts straight to the wheel. These eight range from budget strap-on frames to premium locking racks and heavy-duty swing-out carriers for riders who also need tailgate access.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thule Spare Me 2 (963PRO) | $380-$400 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Yakima SpareRide | $375-$400 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack | $160-$250 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Swagman XP 2-Bike Spare Tire Mount Rack | $180-$200 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bicycle Spare Tire Rack (302DN) | $115-$130 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Malone Runway 3-Bike Spare Tire Rack | $120-$135 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | RIGD UltraSwing Multi-Fit Spare Tire Hitch Carrier | $1,600-$1,700 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Hollywood Racks Spare-Tire Rack Parts / Support Arm Upgrade Kit | $25-$40 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Thule Spare Me 2 (963PRO)
Thule’s flagship spare-tire rack, carrying two bikes up to 75 lbs combined with an integrated locking cable and Stay Put cradles.
- 2-bike capacity, 75 lb combined
- Adapter fits standard and oversized tires
- Integrated locking cable
- Stay Put Cradles for stability
- Most secure and premium build of the group
- Locking cable protects both bikes and rack
- Most expensive option here
Yakima SpareRide
Yakima’s 2-bike spare-tire rack, built to turn a rear-mounted spare into a bike carrier without a hitch.
- 2-bike capacity
- Folding arms
- Fits most rear-mounted spare tires
- Yakima build quality and accessory compatibility
- Comparable price to the Thule Spare Me 2 without a locking cable included
Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Bike Rack
A widely used 2-bike strap-on rack rated for bikes up to 35 lbs each, a mid-price step up from the basic Allen Sports frame.
- 2-bike capacity, 35 lb each
- Adjustable for most spare tire sizes
- Strap-on mount, no drilling
- Well-reviewed, easy installation
- No integrated lock
Swagman XP 2-Bike Spare Tire Mount Rack
A 2-bike spare-tire rack from a brand known for budget-friendly, no-frills bike carriers.
- 2-bike capacity
- Adjustable tire-size straps
- Steel construction
- Solid mid-range option between the budget and premium tiers
- Fewer stabilizing features than the Thule or Yakima
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bicycle Spare Tire Rack (302DN)
The most affordable dedicated 2-bike spare-tire rack from a long-running budget rack brand.
- 2-bike capacity
- Webbing-strap tire mount
- Folds for storage
- Lowest price for a true 2-bike rack
- Fabric straps feel less secure than steel-clamp designs on rough roads
Malone Runway 3-Bike Spare Tire Rack
A 3-bike steel spare-tire rack with adjustable arms, for groups who need more than two bikes without going to a hitch carrier.
- 3-bike capacity, up to 33 lbs each
- All-steel construction, folds flat
- Fits left- or right-offset spare tires
- More bike capacity than most spare-tire racks at this price
- Heavier to lift on and off than the 2-bike options
RIGD UltraSwing Multi-Fit Spare Tire Hitch Carrier
A swing-out hitch carrier that mounts the spare tire itself and swings the whole assembly aside for tailgate access, with room to add a bike rack accessory.
- Swing-out design for full tailgate/hatch access
- Multi-fit tire carrier up to 37″ tires
- Accepts bike rack accessories
- Solves the tailgate-access problem the direct-mount racks can’t
- Far more expensive than a direct tire-mount rack; requires a hitch
Hollywood Racks Spare-Tire Rack Parts / Support Arm Upgrade Kit
An accessory upgrade for Hollywood’s SR1 that adds a support arm for extra stability on rougher roads.
- Bolts onto existing SR1 rack
- Adds a second stabilizing point
- Cheap way to shore up a budget rack’s stability
- Only useful as an add-on, not a standalone rack
Buying tips
- Direct tire-mount racks (Thule, Yakima, Hollywood, Allen, Malone, Swagman) are cheaper and lighter, but block tailgate/hatch access; a swing-out hitch carrier like the RIGD costs far more but solves that.
- Check your spare tire’s weight rating and your rear door’s swing clearance before buying, a loaded 2-bike rack adds real weight hanging off the door hinges.
- Fabric-strap racks (Allen, base Hollywood) are noticeably cheaper than steel-clamp designs, but recheck strap tension after the first few miles of any trip.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.