How to Mount a Bike Rack Onto a Spare Tire

boy mountain bike lake reservoir sunset bicycle image by david hughes from Fotolia.com

Bike racks are designed to allow a bike to be securely mounted on the roof, hitch, trunk or spare tire. Spare tire mounts are a popular option among owners of vehicles that have the spare tire mounted to the rear on the outside of their vehicle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Spare tire bike mount kit
Lug wrench
Gloves

Step 1

Remove the lug nuts that are holding the spare tire to the vehicle. Use a lug wrench and turn the lug nuts in a counter-clockwise direction so they can be removed.

Step 2

Remove the spare tire from the vehicle and place the bike rack mounting plate onto the threaded studs. Typically, the mounting plate will fit a variety of wheel bolt patterns.

Step 3

Place the spare tire back onto the vehicle. The tire will be mounted on top of the rack mounting plate with the rack mounting post extending through the hole in the tire wheel. Replace the lug nuts by threading them clockwise onto the studs and tightening with a lug wrench.

Step 4

Position the rack in front of the spare tire. Line up the mounting tube on the back of the rack with the mounting post extending through the large hole in the wheel.

Step 5

Insert the included threaded attachment bolt through the hole in the front of the bike rack and into the mounting post. Turn the threaded bolt clockwise to tighten the rack against the tire. Adjust the spacers along the frame of the rack to provide a secure fit. Tighten the rack tightly against the tire.

Tips & Warnings

Periodically recheck the rack to make sure it is securely attached to the spare tire.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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