Best Bed Rail Tire Carrier Options for Pickup Trucks
Choosing the right bed rail tire carrier helps keep your spare tire secure, accessible, and out of the way on pickups and trucks. This guide reviews five top candidates, highlighting fitment ranges, mounting options, and durability. Each option is designed to accommodate larger tires while maintaining bed clearance and reliability for off-road and daily use. Read on to compare features, mounts, and installation considerations to find the best bed rail tire carrier for your vehicle.
Product at a glance
| Product | Brand | Fits | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier | Rough Country | 33″–40″ tires, up to 14″ wide | Top-of-bed access with corrosion-resistant steel |
| DV8 Offroad Spare Tire Mount for Jeep Gladiator JT | DV8 Offroad | Up to 42″ tires, bed rail mounting | Post-and-clamp design for strong, adaptable mounting |
| Armordillo Pinch Clamp Style Truck Bed Tire Rack Carrier | ARMORDILLO | Up to 37″ tires on various full-size trucks | Pinch-clamp, no drilling, gas can mount |
| Rough Country Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier (Tacoma) | Rough Country | Up to 40″ tires | Heavy-duty steel with protective powder coat |
| Gelacie Adjustable Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier | Gelacie | 33″–40″ tires, up to 14″ wide | Extended mounting distance for larger tires |
Rough Country Universal Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier
The Rough Country universal bed mount fits most truck beds and accommodates tires from 33″ to 40″ with a maximum width of 14″. It offers top-of-bed access for quick tire changes and is built from heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coated finish to resist corrosion. This design supports off-road adventures by providing a sturdy, reliable location for the spare without intruding on cab space. Ideal for mixed-use trucks that require a robust, easily accessible spare.
DV8 Offroad Spare Tire Mount for Jeep Gladiator JT
DV8 Offroad offers a vertical, in-bed tire mount capable of handling up to a 42″ tire with various bolt patterns. Its post-and-clamp design uses the bed rail and sides for strength and bolts into the bed floor for rigidity. It can be mounted on either bed rail and even on both sides simultaneously, providing versatile placement for trucks and Jeep Gladiator configurations alike. The system emphasizes sturdiness and flexibility for aggressive off-road setups.
Armordillo Pinch Clamp Style Truck Bed Tire Rack Carrier
ArmorDillo’s pinch-clamp tire rack combines in-bed mounting with a gas can mount, designed for full-size pickups. It supports up to 37″ tires on an angle and provides a drilling-free installation option for many models. The product emphasizes a blend of rugged style and lasting durability, with a focus on secure clamping and a protective finish. Note it is engineered to fit specific bolt patterns and truck configurations, requiring careful fitment checks before purchase.
Rough Country Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier For Toyota Tacoma
This Tacoma-specific bed mount keeps an oversized spare close at hand with quick access in tough trails. It supports tires up to 40″ in diameter and offers adjustable settings for various sizes and bolt patterns, including common 5×5 and 6×5.5 configurations. Built from high-strength steel and finished in rugged black powder coat, it’s designed to resist off-road wear while delivering dependable performance on rough terrain.
Gelacie Adjustable Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier
Gelacie’s carrier is designed to fit a wide range of pickups and SUVs from 2004–2025 with tires from 33″ to 40″ and up to 14″ wide. It emphasizes a black powder-coated steel construction for rust resistance and extended mounting distance to provide clearance for larger tires. The design aims for broad compatibility across brands while maintaining solid mounting strength for on- and off-road use.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting a bed rail tire carrier include compatibility, mounting method, tire size range, and ease of access. The following perspectives help evaluate options:
- Compatibility: Confirm wheel bolt patterns and bed rail presence. Some carriers fit most full-size trucks, while others target specific models like Tacoma or Gladiator. Ensure the carrier supports the tire size you plan to run (33″–40″ with up to 14″ width in many options).
- Mounting Method: In-bed versus bed rail mounting affects clearance and access. Some designs bolt to the bed floor and rails for rigidity; others clamp or pinch onto rails, offering simpler installation with no drilling in some cases.
- Access and Convenience: Top-of-bed accessibility is valuable for quick tire changes, especially in off-road scenarios. Consider whether the design allows easy release and replacement without removing other equipment.
- Durability and Finish: Look for heavy-duty steel construction and corrosion-resistant coatings. Powder coats help resist chips and rust in harsh outdoors conditions.
- Versatility and Expansion: Some carriers support mounting on both sides of the bed or multiple tires, which can be beneficial for multi-vehicle fleets or shared trucks used for expeditions.
- Fitment Nuances: Pay attention to bolt-pattern compatibility, tire width limits, and any exclusions (e.g., specific Ram or Ram TRX configurations). Read manufacturer notes on fitment to avoid incompatibilities.
For buyers, the best choice balances tire size needs with vehicle type and installation preference. If you frequently travel off-road, prioritize a carrier with robust mounting to the bed floor and rails, extended clearance for larger tires, and access that works with your habit of loading gear. If you want a quick, drill-free setup on a broader range of trucks, a pinch-clamp or rail-mount design could be advantageous. Finally, verify that the selected option leaves sufficient room for other bed accessories and cargo while keeping the spare secure during transit.