Understanding the Swing Away Spare Tire Hitch Mount
A swing away spare tire hitch mount is an accessory designed to carry a spare tire on the rear of a vehicle or trailer, utilizing the existing trailer hitch receiver. Its primary advantage is the ability to swing the tire carrier out of the way, providing unobstructed access to the vehicle's trunk, tailgate, or the trailer's cargo area without needing to remove the tire itself. This mechanism is critical for frequent access needs. It's a practical solution for off-road vehicles, RVs, utility trailers, and even some UTVs like the Can Am X3, where spare tire storage can be challenging.
- Provides easy access to trunk/tailgate by swinging away.
- Secures spare tire externally, saving interior space.
- Fits standard trailer hitch receivers.
- Ideal for RVs, trailers, and off-road vehicles.
The core principle involves a pivot point integrated into the hitch-mounted bracket, allowing the entire arm holding the spare tire to rotate, typically 90 to 180 degrees. This avoids the common issue of a permanently mounted spare tire blocking access. Understanding this principle is fundamental to appreciating its utility. Many designs accommodate various tire sizes, from compact spare tires to full-sized off-road tires, sometimes requiring specific spare tire hanger for trailer solutions if a standard mount isn't robust enough.
Key Components and Functionality
At its heart, the swing away spare tire hitch mount consists of a robust hitch-mounted arm or frame that inserts into your vehicle's 2-inch receiver. Attached to this is a vertical post or bracket designed to hold the spare tire using a lug bolt pattern, similar to how it attaches to a wheel hub. The swing-away feature is engineered via a sturdy hinge mechanism, often secured with a pin or locking bolt to keep it stationary during transit. This simple yet effective design ensures the spare tire is held securely while allowing for its convenient repositioning.
You might also see variations like a spare tire boat trailer mount or a utility trailer spare tire mount, which often adapt this hitch-mount principle for specific trailer types. The essential components remain consistent: a receiver insert, a strong support arm, and a secure tire mounting point. The 'swing away' aspect is the defining characteristic that elevates it beyond a basic hitch-mounted tire holder for enclosed trailer applications.
The primary consideration involves ensuring your vehicle's hitch receiver is rated for the additional weight and leverage the mounted tire imposes, especially during off-road excursions or when carrying larger tires like those for an FJ Cruiser.
The Advantages: Why Choose a Swing Away Mount?
What makes a swing away spare tire hitch mount a popular choice? The most significant benefit is unparalleled convenience. Imagine needing to access your cargo area but being blocked by a spare tire. With a swing away mount, you simply release a pin, swing the tire to the side, and gain immediate, unimpeded access. This is a game-changer for daily drivers and frequent travelers alike.
Enhanced Accessibility and Space Saving
This type of mount effectively moves the spare tire from an interior location (like a trunk or cargo area) or an awkward exterior spot to the rear bumper area. This frees up valuable interior space, which is especially crucial for smaller vehicles or those carrying significant gear. For RV owners, it means easier access to storage compartments or utilities located at the rear of the coach. Our analysis indicates this is a leading reason for adoption.
Furthermore, it simplifies tire changes. Instead of wrestling a dirty, heavy tire out from under your vehicle or from a tight cargo space, it's readily accessible and positioned away from your workspace.
Consider the scenario of loading or unloading bulky items; a swinging spare tire makes this process far less cumbersome than dealing with a fixed mount.
Durability and Load Capacity
Swing away mounts are typically constructed from heavy-duty steel, designed to withstand the rigors of the road, including vibrations, impacts, and varying weather conditions. Their hitch-mounted design leverages your vehicle's existing, robust towing infrastructure. The load capacity is generally high, capable of supporting even larger spare tires often found on Jeeps or off-road modified trucks. This mechanism is critical for safely transporting a spare.
Invest in a mount with a quality locking pin or bolt to prevent accidental swinging while driving; a loose pin is a serious safety hazard.
The secure mounting system, combined with the sturdy construction, ensures your spare tire remains firmly in place, reducing the risk of damage to the tire or the mount itself.
The strategic placement and accessible design of a swing away hitch mount transform a utilitarian necessity into a user-friendly feature.
The sheer practicality of having your spare tire readily available, yet out of the way, makes it a highly desirable upgrade for many vehicle owners.
The Drawbacks: Potential Downsides to Consider
While the benefits are substantial, no accessory is perfect. What are the potential downsides of opting for a swing away spare tire hitch mount? The most immediate concern is the added length and potential clearance issues at the rear of your vehicle.
Increased Rear Overhang and Clearance Issues
Mounting a spare tire on the rear, especially with a swing away mechanism, extends the vehicle's overall length. This can make parking in tight spaces more challenging and increase the risk of hitting obstacles, particularly when backing up. This is a common pitfall for those not accustomed to the added dimensions, especially for a UTV spare tire mount where maneuverability is key.
You must be aware of the altered departure angle. The extended carrier can scrape or impact the ground on steep inclines or declines, potentially damaging the mount or the tire it carries. This is a primary consideration for off-road use or for vehicles with low rear bumpers.
Weight, Rattle, and Access Limitations
These mounts add significant weight to the rear of your vehicle, which can affect fuel economy slightly. Furthermore, even well-built mounts can sometimes develop rattles over time due to vibrations from the road. This is an annoyance that requires periodic tightening or the addition of dampening materials. It is imperative to acknowledge this potential for noise.
While designed for easy access, the 'swinging' action itself can sometimes be stiff or require considerable force, especially if exposed to mud, dirt, or rust. This can negate some of the convenience factor if the mechanism becomes difficult to operate. For example, a spare tire holder for enclosed trailer might be less prone to environmental issues than one exposed on an open rack.
Regularly clean and lubricate the hinge mechanism to ensure smooth operation and prevent seizing, especially if you frequent dusty or muddy environments.
Also, depending on the specific design and how the tire is mounted, accessing the actual hitch pin or receiver lock might become slightly more awkward, requiring you to work around the spare tire itself.
The potential for increased rear-end impact and the physical effort required to swing the tire are the most significant trade-offs.