For vehicle owners who want to carry bikes without sacrificing trunk space or removing the spare tire, a spare-tire mounted bike rack is a practical solution. The following five options are among the most compatible and dependable for SUVs and trucks, delivering safe bike transport, easy installation, and solid durability. This guide highlights each rack’s mounting method, carrying capacity, and key features to help you compare quickly and choose the best fit for your rides and cargo needs.
| Product | Brand | Mount Type | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Racks SR1 | Hollywood Racks | Spare Tire Rack | 2 bikes up to 35 lbs each | Fully adjustable to fit most spare tires; steel construction; quick assembly |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike 322DN | Allen | Spare Tire Mounted Carrier | 2 bikes up to 70 lbs total | 15-inch carry arms; high clearance; patented tie-down cradles |
| Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike S302 | Allen | Spare Tire Rack | Two bikes | High clearance design; quick-set arms; dual compound cradles |
| HOMEE Rear Bike Rack | HOMEE | Rear Rack (bike-on-vehicle style) | 110 lbs maximum | Universal compatibility; adjustable; alloy steel; durable |
| King Mills Fat Tire/E-Bike Rack | King Mills | Rear Rack (for fat tire and e-bikes) | 30 kg / 66 lbs | Expandable from 14″ to 20″; aluminum alloy; quick-release |
Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Rack
The Hollywood Racks SR1 is a dedicated spare-tire bike carrier designed for SUVs and Jeeps with a mounted spare tire. It is described as ready for the road, aiming to make trips or trails easier by providing a secure, bike-friendly platform that sits above the tire. The rack is adjustable to accommodate different spare tire sizes, with support arms that can be centered for side-mounted tires, ensuring compatibility with various vehicle setups. Built from steel, it emphasizes durability while keeping the overall weight manageable for installation and removal. Each bike is supported by arms designed to hold up to 35 pounds, making it a practical option for standard road and mountain bikes. Note that this rack is not suited for electric bicycles, which require additional considerations for weight and clearance.
- Two-bike capacity up to 70 lbs total
- Adjustable to fit most spare tires
- Steel construction for durability
- Centering for side-mounted tires to maintain balance
Because it attaches to the spare tire area, the SR1 helps keep bikes away from road spray and exhaust while preserving trunk space. Installation is straightforward, and the design supports various frame sizes, though riders with electric bikes should seek a higher-capacity option or hitch-based rack for added weight and dimension considerations.
Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Carrier (322DN)
Allen’s Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Carrier (Model 322DN) uses a high-clearance design to position bikes well above the road and exhaust, reducing heat exposure and debris contact. It features 15-inch long carry arms that can accommodate two bicycles and a combined load of up to 70 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of bike styles and frame sizes. The system employs patented individual tie-down cradles to secure each bicycle independently, reducing risk of frame contact or shifting during transport. The overall construction emphasizes rigidity and ease of use, with a focus on preventing bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact during travel.
- High clearance to keep bikes away from exhaust
- Two carry arms up to 15 inches long
- Supports two bicycles up to 70 pounds total
- Patented individual tie-down cradles protect bicycles
For users who frequently haul two bikes on larger family trips, this carrier provides a robust, simple mounting system. Its design favors stability and bike protection, though users should verify compatibility with their vehicle’s spare-tire size and wheelbase before purchase.
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302)
The Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack from Allen employs a patented design that raises bikes high and away from the road and hot exhaust. It features quick-set 15-inch carry arms that snap into place right out of the box, simplifying installation. The rack uses dual compound tie-down cradles to protect and secure bicycles, reducing frame contact and improving stability during transit. The S302 model is known for its straightforward mounting, broad compatibility with common SUV or truck spare tires, and a balance of weight capacity and ease of use. Users should confirm fitment with their exact spare tire dimensions and vehicle design, but this rack provides a reliable, durable option for two-bike transport.
- High clearance to protect bikes from road heat
- 15-inch carry arms for quick setup
- Two-bike capacity with secure, dual- cradle system
- Patented design for versatile frame styles
HOMEE Rear Bike Rack
The HOMEE Rear Bike Rack is described as a universal, adjustable option rated for up to 110 pounds. It is designed for broad compatibility across 26″-29″ frame sizes and different bike types, from road to mountain, with an alloy steel construction for durability. The rack body is adjustable to accommodate various bike geometries, and installation is intended to be straightforward with included accessories. The ability to shift the rack’s dimensions helps with fitment on different vehicles, while the undercarriage protection and frame compatibility aim to reduce contact damage during transport. This option emphasizes versatility for a broad bike collection and utility beyond just standard mountain bikes.
- 110 lb capacity for heavier or multiple bikes
- Universal fit for most 26″-29″ bikes
- Adjustable rack dimensions for diverse frames
- Alloy steel construction for durability
King Mills Fat Tire/E-Bike Rear Rack
The King Mills Fat Tire Bike Rack and Electric Bike Rack is designed for fat-tire and electric bikes with a load capacity of 30 kg (66 lbs). It expands from 14 inches to 20 inches, improving fitment for wider tires and frames. The rack is made from aluminum alloy and features a quick-release mechanism to simplify installation and removal. This option is particularly suitable for riders who frequently switch between standard bikes and larger-fat-tire or electric bikes and want a rear mounting solution with adjustable width and solid construction. The expandable design helps accommodate a broader range of bikes while preserving vehicle access and mounting stability.
- Expandable width from 14″ to 20″
- 30 kg / 66 lbs capacity
- Aluminum alloy construction for lightness and strength
- Quick-release mounting for easy installation
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
- Mount type and vehicle compatibility: Spare-tire mounted racks attach to the vehicle’s spare tire area, preserving trunk space and offering a clean profile. Confirm your spare tire size, mounting hardware compatibility, and whether your vehicle supports this mounting method without obstructing cameras or sensors.
- Weight capacity and two-bike support: Most spare-tire racks designed for two bikes provide weights ranging from about 70 lbs total to heavier configurations. If you carry heavier bikes or e-bikes, verify your rack’s maximum load and whether it supports heavier frames or fat tires.
- Bike compatibility and frame protection: Look for racks with adjustable arms, padded cradles, and independent tie-downs to prevent frame-to-frame contact. Consider whether your bikes have disc brakes, unique frame geometries, or oversized tires that require wider arms or additional clearance.
- Installation and removal ease: Quick-setup arms, simple latches, and clear installation instructions save time on trips. Some models require base hardware that may attach more securely but take longer to install or remove.
- Security and weather resistance: Determine if the rack includes locking options or if additional cable locks are recommended. Assess corrosion resistance, especially if you frequently drive in rain or salted winter roads.
- Maintenance and warranty: A sturdy rack benefits from routine inspection of bolts, clamps, and plastic components. Check warranty length and what it covers, particularly for moving parts and coatings that resist rust.
Product comparison at a glance
| Product | Mount Type | Two-Bike Capacity | Notable Strength | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Racks SR1 | Spare Tire Rack | Two bikes up to 35 lbs each | Adjustable to fit most spare tires; steel construction | Not for E-bikes |
| Allen Deluxe 322DN | Spare Tire Mounted Carrier | Two bikes up to 70 lbs total | 15″ carry arms; high clearance; secure cradles | Check spare tire fit for vehicle |
| Allen Premier S302 | Spare Tire Rack | Two bikes | Quick-set arms; dual cradle protection | Fitment varies by tire size |
| HOMEE Rear Rack | Rear Rack (vehicle mount) | Up to 110 lbs | Universal compatibility; adjustable | Bulkier; may affect trunk access |
| King Mills Fat Tire/E-Bike Rack | Rear Rack | Fat tire or E-bike compatible | Expandable width; lightweight aluminum | May require extra clearance for large frames |