Planning a long towing trip around Perth? You’ve sorted the playlists and fuelled up the rig. Mapped out your stops, maybe a few hidden gems, roadhouse burgers, and unbeatable sunsets. It’s all going perfectly… until you hear that dreaded hiss and thump. Yep, a flat tyre!
Nothing kills the vibe faster than being stuck on the side of the road with no spare in sight. Especially when help could be hours or even hundreds of kilometres away.
Carrying a reliable spare tyre mount isn’t just smart, it’s survival.
In the rugged outskirts of Perth, having the best spare tyre carrier and knowing exactly where to mount it is just as important as packing enough water or snacks.
So, let’s walk through this easy guide to help you choose the right spare tyre mount for long towing trips, because flat tyres shouldn’t be the reason your holiday ends early.
What Is a Spare Tyre Mount?
A spare tyre mount, also called a spare tyre carrier, tyre holder, or wheel mount, is a durable frame or bracket designed to securely hold your spare tyre on your vehicle, trailer, or ute.
It’s like a trusty sidekick which keeps your spare tyre locked in place, easy to grab, and ready for action when a flat tyre strikes.
Why a Spare Tyre Mount Is a Must for Long Towing Trips
Imagine you’re towing a caravan along the scenic roads of Western Australia, heading toward a sunset camping spot near Perth. Out of nowhere, a tyre goes flat, leaving you stranded on a quiet stretch of highway. Without a spare tyre mount, your spare might be buried under camping gear or, worse, left at home.
A spare tyre carrier saves the day by keeping your extra tyre secure and within reach. Here’s why it’s important for long towing trips:
- Effortless Access – No more digging through your trailer or vehicle to find your spare.
- Space Saver – A mount frees up valuable room in your ute or trailer for other essentials.
- Safer Journeys – A secured spare reduces the risk of it shifting or causing damage while towing.
- Stress-Free Adventures – Knowing you’re ready for a flat tyre lets you focus on enjoying the ride, not worrying about what-ifs.
How Many Spare Tyres Do You Need for a Towing Adventure?
Getting a flat tyre in Australia isn’t a matter of “if” but “when.” Especially when you’re towing across Perth’s rugged backroads or venturing into WA’s more remote spots. Sharp rocks, deep potholes, loose gravel, and heavily corrugated roads don’t exactly go easy on your tyres.
So, how many spare tyres do you actually need? The answer depends on a few key factors:
Where You’re Going (City vs Remote Outback)
If your towing plans are mostly along sealed roads around Perth or nearby areas with regular service access, one spare tyre might do the job. But if you’re heading into the outback or off-grid locations, two spares are highly recommended.
Condition of Your Tyres
Got tyres that are close to the end of their life? They’re more likely to wear out or puncture, especially when towing heavier loads. If your tread is worn or uneven, consider bringing a second spare, even if you’re not going far off-road.
Your Risk Tolerance
Some seasoned travellers are confident with one spare and a solid tyre repair kit. Others won’t even hit the highway without two full spares, complete with rims. Think about what makes you feel safe and prepared—there’s no shame in being extra cautious.
Where to Mount Spare Tyres | Top 6 Spare Tyre Mount Options for Towing
Now that you know how many spare tyres you’ll need, the next big question is: where do you put them?
Choosing the right spare tyre mount affects your vehicle’s weight distribution, handling, space usage, and how quickly you can access your spare when you need it most. Let’s explore the most popular types of spare tyre mounts for long-distance towing in Western Australia:
1. Rear Bumper Spare Tyre Mount
It is one of the most trusted ways to carry a spare for 4WD owners and tourers. It positions your spare right where you can see it, sturdy, accessible, and built to handle rugged conditions. This setup is especially useful for towing caravans or boats, where quick access to a spare is crucial.
In older 4WDs, you’d usually see the spare tyre mounted on the back by default. But with many modern setups shifting the spare underneath, you may need to invest in a rear tyre carrier if you’re planning to carry a second spare or run larger tyres.
| Pros | Cons |
– Easy to access – Adds protection and strength to the rear – Helps with airflow by keeping the roof clear – Saves interior space for other gear | – Adds extra weight to the back of your rig – Can block your rearview mirror – Rear spare carriers are sometime expensive |
2. Roof-Mounted Tyre Carrier
If you’ve run out of room elsewhere, the roof rack becomes the next logical place to mount a spare. It keeps things out of the way and can work really well for your second spare. But let’s be honest, it’s not fun hoisting a heavy tyre above your head, especially when you’re tired or solo in the middle of nowhere.
| Pros | Cons |
– Frees up space at the back and inside your vehicle – A handy option for carrying a second spare tyre | – Lifting a heavy tyre onto the roof isn’t for everyone – Raises your centre of gravity and could affect handling |
Always ask yourself, if I’m injured or alone, could I safely get that tyre down?
3. Underbody Spare Mount
Most modern 4WDs and utes come standard with a spare tyre mounted underneath, usually tucked under the tray or boot. It’s a neat and tidy option that keeps the tyre out of the way and maintains your vehicle’s balance.
However, it can be a nightmare to get to when you’re stuck in mud or off-road. And if you’ve upsized your tyres, the factory mount won’t fit them anymore.
| Pros | Cons |
– Keeps your spare hidden and protected – Doesn’t use up any cabin or roof space – Maintains good vehicle balance | – Hard to access on rough tracks or when bogged – Prone to rust, mud, and grime – Sometimes can’t fit larger off-road tyres |
4. Hitch-Mounted Spare Tyre Carrier
If you’ve got a tow hitch, you’re already halfway there. Hitch-mounted spare tyre carriers are easy to install and can be swapped out when needed. They’re a smart option if you want a mount that doesn’t get in the way of your roof or cabin space.
| Pros | Cons |
– Doesn’t crowd your interior or roof – Can be added or removed as needed | – Can block your rear access – Need upgrades or extra support for rough tracks |
5. Inside the Vehicle
Stashing your spare inside your car can seem like a clever idea. No mud, no rust, no sun damage. But let’s be real. When you swap out your flat tyre on a dusty trail and have to bring that dirty wheel inside your clean cabin, you might regret that choice.
| Pros | Cons |
– Keeps the tyre clean, dry, and away from UV damage – A good option for vehicles without exterior mounts | – Takes up valuable room inside the car – May damage the car interior |
6. Trailer-Mounted Tyre Holder
If you’re towing a caravan, trailer, or boat, why not mount a spare directly onto the trailer itself? It keeps the tyre close to the trailer wheels, which are more likely to suffer a flat during long hauls. Plus, it lightens the load on your vehicle.
| Pros | Cons |
– Easy access when a trailer tyre goes flat – Keeps the setup balanced and trailer-specific | – Requires trailer compatibility – May need custom fitting depending on trailer type |
9 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spare Tyre Mount
Choosing a spare tyre mount is about finding the right fit for your towing setup, your vehicle, and the kind of trips you take across WA. Here are 9 key things you should think about before locking in your mount:
1. Mount Type: Match it with Your Towing Trip
Your destination plays a big role in what mount will work best:
- Exploring the Outback? Go for heavy-duty options like hitch-mounted or roof-mounted carriers.
- Towing heavy trailers or machinery? An underbody mount helps keep things streamlined and balanced.
- Coastal caravan holidays? Lighter setups like bumper or tongue mounts are usually more than enough.
2. Durability: Choose a Mount Built to Handle Aussie Conditions
From WA’s red dirt to salty coastal air, your tyre mount needs to hold up against the elements. Look for materials like powder-coated steel and galvanised finishes. These material help prevent rust, corrosion, and early wear and tear.
3. Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the Mount Fits Your Vehicle
Not all mounts fit all vehicles. Make sure the mount you choose matches your ride. For example, hitch-mounted carriers are ideal if your 4WD or ute has a 2-inch receiver (very common in Australia). Some rear mounts may need reinforced bumpers or a specific mounting plate. So, check compatibility before you buy.
4. Load Capacity: Know the Mount’s Weight Limit
Spare tyres can be heavy especially 33-inch off-road ones. Your mount should be strong enough to hold the weight. So, look for minimum 50–120 kg weight capacity depending on your tyre size.
5. Trailer Storage: Pick the Best Spot to Store Spare Tyre
Your trailer setup matters too. Different trailers offer different mounting spots:
- Caravans work well with tongue or rear bumper mounts
- Boat trailers can be better suited to undercarriage setups
Balance, available space, and ease of access are all important when choosing the right location.
6. Accessibility: Make Sure It’s Easy to Access
When you’re broken down on the side of the road, you don’t want to wrestle with a hard-to-reach tyre. Consider rear bumper mounts as they make accessing your spare tyre quicker and safer, especially in remote areas.
7. Security Features: Look for Built-in Safety
Unfortunately, theft can happen especially when your vehicle is left unattended. A secure mount can help. Choose one with:
- Lockable bolts
- Security cables or anti-theft fasteners
8. Installation: Know If You Can Install It Yourself
Some mounts are easy bolt-on jobs. Others? Not so much. Like, hitch mounts are usually DIY-friendly. Whereas, underbody or rear bumper mounts may need welding or pro installation. Always check the install process.
9. Budget Wisely: Balance Cost & Quality
There’s a spare tyre mount for every budget. Basic models start around $50 and heavy-duty or lockable versions can go over $300. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better especially when you’re trusting it to hold a crucial piece of your towing setup.
Spare Tyre Mount Installation Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
Got your new spare tyre mount? Great. Now it’s time to install it the right way. A proper setup means better safety, smoother towing, and long-lasting performance. Here’s how to make sure your mount is fitted securely:
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions – Every mount is a little different. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Don’t skip this step, even if you’ve installed one before.
- Use High-Quality, Reliable Hardware – Double-check that all bolts, nuts, and brackets are rated to handle the weight of your spare tyre.
- Protect Against Rust – Apply an anti-rust coating or spray to any exposed metal parts. It’s a small step that can add years to your mount’s life.
- Check for Proper Clearance – Make sure the mount doesn’t block your rear door, trailer hitch, or tail lights.
- Give It a Good Shake Test – Once it’s installed, give the mount a solid tug. It should feel tight and secure.
- Get Professional Help – Some mounts can be tricky to install. Don’t risk damage. Reach out to a professional installer in Perth if you’re unsure.
Safety Tips for Using Spare Tyre Mounts on Long Trips
A spare tyre mount is only as good as how you use it. Stay safe with these tips:
- Regular Inspections: Check the mount for rust, loose bolts, or wear before every trip.
- Secure the Tyre: Ensure the tyre is tightly fastened to prevent it from shifting during long-distance towing.
- Balance Weight: Improper weight distribution can affect towing stability. Place heavier spares closer to the vehicle’s centre.
- Carry Tools: Pack a jack, lug wrench, and tyre repair kit for quick fixes.
- Know Your Route: Perth’s remote areas can have limited service. Plan for flat tyre scenarios with Kings Car Towing’s breakdown towing service on speed dial.
Got an accident or a breakdown? Need help with towing or roadside emergencies?
Reach Out Kings Car Towing for Fast & Reliable Towing Services in Perth
We are just a call away, 24/7.
Call us at 0450124232 and let us help you make every trip safe and stress-free.
At Kings Car Towing, we specialise in towing solutions. Whether you’re preparing for a long towing trip or need emergency towing after a flat tyre, our towing services in Perth and Western Australia have you covered.
Need help picking your spare tyre mount? Share your towing plans with us, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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