10 Best Ford Explorer Hitch Mounted Spare Carriers 2026 for Secure, Easy-Access Spare Tire Transport

Need a smarter way to carry a spare without eating up cargo space? The right hitch-mounted carrier can keep your Ford Explorer ready for travel, trail use, or towing days.

Below, we focus on fit, receiver compatibility, load rating, and ease of use so you can choose a setup that feels secure and practical.

Best 10 Ford Explorer Hitch Mounted Spare Carriers Picks for 2026

Universal Spare Tire Receiver Mount – CURT 24-Inch High

For Ford Explorer hitch mounted spare carriers, this CURT spare tire mount is a straightforward option if your vehicle has a standard 2-inch receiver. The 24-inch height and slotted holes are designed to work with a wide range of tire and wheel sizes, making it useful when you need a flexible rear- or front-mounted spare solution.

Best For: Drivers who want a simple, steel hitch-mounted spare tire carrier that fits a 2-inch receiver and offers broad tire compatibility.

Pros:

• 24-inch height with slotted holes for wider tire and wheel fitment
• Standard 2-inch shank works with industry-standard receivers
• Can be mounted on the front or rear where a 2-inch receiver is installed
• Steel build with black powder coat for corrosion resistance

Cons:

• Tire mounting hardware is not included
• Hitch pin is sold separately
• Requires a properly installed 2-inch receiver

Overall, this is a practical no-frills carrier for shoppers focused on fit flexibility and durable construction. It works best as a dedicated spare tire mount rather than a multi-use cargo solution.

Foldable Cargo Basket with Bag – WEIZE 60x20x6 Foldable Carrier

If you are comparing Ford Explorer hitch mounted spare carriers and cargo solutions, this WEIZE hitch cargo carrier is the better pick when you need extra storage instead of a spare mount. The 2-inch rear hitch fit, 500-pound capacity, and included bag, net, and straps make it a useful travel add-on for hauling gear securely.

Best For: SUV owners who want a heavy-duty foldable hitch cargo carrier for camping, travel, or bulky gear.

Pros:

• Large 60″ x 20″ basket with up to 500 lbs capacity
• Foldable design saves space when not in use
• Includes waterproof bag, cargo net, hitch stabilizer, and ratchet straps
• Steel construction with black powder coat for weather resistance

Cons:

• Designed specifically for a rear 2-inch receiver
• Not a spare tire carrier
• Heavier unit at 55 pounds

This carrier makes sense if your goal is expanding cargo room on an SUV rather than mounting a spare tire. The accessory bundle adds convenience, but the size and weight mean it is best for users who truly need the extra hauling space.

Vehicle-Specific Class 3 Hitch – Ford Explorer 2011-2019 2-Inch Hitch

For Ford Explorer hitch mounted spare carriers, the starting point is a properly sized receiver, and this Class 3 hitch is built specifically for Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019 models. With a standard 2-inch by 2-inch receiver, it supports accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers while also delivering towing capability.

Best For: Ford Explorer owners who need a vehicle-specific 2-inch receiver hitch for towing and hitch accessories.

Pros:

• Vehicle-specific fit for Ford Explorer 2011-2019
• Standard 2-inch receiver works with many hitch accessories
• Rated up to 4,000 lbs GTW and 400 lbs tongue weight
• Triple-layer black powder coat helps resist rust and UV damage

Cons:

• It is a hitch, not a spare tire carrier
• Only fits specified Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility years
• Accessory use depends on the separate rack or carrier you choose

This is the right choice if your Explorer does not already have the receiver needed for a hitch-mounted spare or cargo accessory. It is a foundation piece for towing and add-on compatibility, not the carrier itself.

Split-Design Spare Tire Carrier – 2-Inch Receiver Spare Tire Mount

This hitch mount spare tire carrier is a good fit if you want a simple 2-inch receiver solution for SUVs, vans, RVs, or motorhomes. Its split structure is meant to make installation and disassembly easier, while the heavy-duty alloy steel build and powder-coated finish support long-term outdoor use.

Best For: Owners who need a durable, universal-fit spare tire carrier for a 2-inch receiver and 4.5-inch bolt spacing.

Pros:

• Split structure makes installation and removal easier
• Heavy-duty alloy steel construction for strength and impact resistance
• Powder-coated finish for rust and aging resistance
• Includes hardware and a built-in 2-inch receiver for added versatility

Cons:

• Only compatible with 4.5-inch bolt-pitch wheel sizes
• Universal fit still requires confirming receiver and wheel size
• Not aimed at vehicle-specific Ford Explorer fitment

As a spare tire carrier, this model is best when you want a rugged, versatile mount and can verify the bolt spacing before buying. The built-in receiver adds flexibility, but fitment checks are essential.

Explorer Foundation Hitch – Ford Explorer 2011-2019 Class 3 Receiver

If you’re building out ford explorer hitch mounted spare carriers, this DBXB-RV Class 3 hitch is the foundation piece for 2011-2019 Ford Explorer models and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles. It gives you a standard 2-inch receiver for a spare tire carrier, cargo carrier, or other hitch-mounted accessory, with a bolt-on design that matches factory mounting points.

Best For: Explorer owners who need a vehicle-specific 2-inch hitch as the base for hitch-mounted accessories, including spare tire carriers.

Pros:

• Vehicle-specific fit for Ford Explorer 2011-2019 and Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019
• Class 3 2-inch receiver supports ball mounts, cargo carriers, and other compatible accessories
• Rated for up to 4,000 lbs GTW and 400 lbs tongue weight
• All-welded steel construction with black powder coat for rust resistance

Cons:

• Only fits the listed Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility model years
• Accessory use still depends on the lowest-rated towing component in the setup

This is the right kind of hitch if you need a secure, model-matched receiver before adding a hitch-mounted spare carrier. The included hardware and factory-point bolt-on install should keep the setup straightforward.

Universal Spare Tire Carrier – Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Mount

For ford explorer hitch mounted spare carriers, this universal spare tire mount is the simplest style to compare if your Explorer already has a standard 2-inch receiver. It fits 4/5/6/8 lug trailer wheels, uses slotted holes for height adjustment, and can be installed on the front or rear as long as the hitch receiver is properly installed.

Best For: Drivers who want a universal, adjustable spare tire carrier for a 2-inch hitch receiver.

Pros:

• Universal design fits 2-inch receivers
• Compatible with 4/5/6/8 lug wheels
• Height adjusts up to 27 inches using slotted holes
• Bolt-on installation with included hardware

Cons:

• Not vehicle-specific, so fit depends on your receiver and tire setup
• Made for a properly installed standard 2-inch hitch receiver

This carrier makes sense if you want adjustable tire fitment without drilling or cutting. Since it’s universal, it’s more flexible than a vehicle-specific carrier, but you’ll want to verify clearance and tire compatibility before buying.

Late-Model Explorer Hitch – 2020-2026 Class 3 Tow Hitch

If you’re shopping ford explorer hitch mounted spare carriers for a 2020-2026 Explorer, this Autekcomma Class 3 hitch gives you the 2-inch receiver you need for compatible hitch-mounted accessories. It’s designed for late-model Explorer fitment, but note that the installation requires a trim panel according to the instructions.

Best For: 2020-2026 Ford Explorer owners who need a heavy-duty 2-inch receiver for towing or accessories.

Pros:

• Fits Ford Explorer 2020-2024 and 2025-2026 models without factory receiver
• 6,000 lbs GTW and 600 lbs tongue weight rating
• Standard 2-inch x 2-inch receiver for compatible accessories
• Dual-coat finish resists rust, chipping, and UV damage

Cons:

• Requires trim panel per the installation instructions
• Not compatible with vertical hanging bike racks
• Does not fit models with the factory receiver on specified years

This is the strongest towing-rated option in the group and a practical starting point if you need a receiver for mounted gear. Just make sure your Explorer fitment matches the listed model years and receiver configuration before ordering.

Cargo Capacity Pick – 53" x 19" Hitch Cargo Carrier with Bag

If you’re comparing ford explorer hitch mounted spare carriers options and also need extra rear storage, this WEIZE hitch cargo carrier is the practical pick. It fits a standard 2-inch receiver and adds a large steel basket for luggage, camping gear, or moving items on road trips.

Best For: Ford Explorer owners who want a hitch-mounted cargo basket with included storage accessories.

Pros:

• Fits standard 2″ receivers on SUVs, cars, and trucks.
• Heavy-duty steel construction with 500 lb capacity.
• Includes tie-down straps, cargo net, and waterproof bag.
• Powder-coated finish helps resist rust and corrosion.

Cons:

• Not compatible with hitch sizes other than 2″.
• It is not foldable.
• Bulkier than a simple spare tire mount.

This is a strong choice if your main goal is hauling more cargo rather than carrying a spare tire. The included accessories make it easier to secure and protect gear for longer trips.

Foldable Tire Carrier – Foldable Hitch Spare Tire Carrier for Trailer Wheels

For ford explorer hitch mounted spare carriers searches, this ECOTRIC unit is aimed at spare tire transport rather than cargo hauling. It works with a 2-inch hitch receiver and is designed to carry trailer wheels with 4, 5, or 6 lugs in a foldable, space-saving setup.

Best For: Drivers who need a foldable hitch-mounted spare tire carrier for trailer wheels.

Pros:

• Fits vehicles with a 2″ hitch receiver.
• Compatible with 4, 5, and 6 lug trailer wheels.
• Foldable design helps save space when not in use.
• Steel construction with powder-coated finish for durability.

Cons:

• Instruction manual is not included.
• Designed for trailer wheels, not general cargo.
• Not as versatile as multi-use hitch baskets.

This carrier makes sense if your priority is keeping a spare wheel mounted at the hitch without adding unnecessary bulk. The folding design and hardware-only package keep the setup straightforward.

Heavy-Duty Tire Mount – 220 lb Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier

If you’re shopping ford explorer hitch mounted spare carriers and want a heavier-duty wheel bracket, this EYOUHZ carrier is built for that job. It uses a standard 2-inch hitch receiver, supports up to 220 lbs, and is designed to hold larger off-road or trailer tires securely.

Best For: Owners who want a heavy-duty hitch-mounted spare tire carrier for large tires.

Pros:

• Universal fit for standard 2″ x 2″ trailer receivers.
• Supports up to 220 lbs.
• Steel construction with textured powder coat finish.
• Includes a nylon tie-down strap with metal hooks.

Cons:

• Primarily designed for spare tire transport, not cargo.
• Heavier at 54.1 lbs.
• Only suitable for vehicles with a 2″ hitch receiver.

This is a solid match if you want a secure rear tire bracket with strong materials and a simple tie-down system. Its extra clearance and high weight rating make it better suited to larger tires than basic light-duty mounts.

How We Picked the Best Ford Explorer Hitch Mounted Spare Carriers

For Ford Explorer Hitch Mounted Spare Carriers, the most important filters are receiver size, Explorer model-year compatibility, tire bolt pattern, and real-world durability. We prioritized options that support common 2-inch receivers, offer straightforward installation, and include enough adjustability to handle different wheel and tire setups.

We also looked at security and convenience details such as anti-rattle fit, folding or compact designs, and overall build quality. For Explorer owners who tow, camp, or haul gear, a carrier should be stable enough for highway driving and easy enough to remove when not in use.

Quick Comparison

In this group, some products are true spare tire carriers, while others are trailer hitches or cargo carriers that may support a broader hauling setup. That distinction matters. If your main goal is a rear-mounted spare, focus on dedicated tire carriers with the correct bolt pattern and clearance. If you need towing or cargo capacity alongside spare storage, a hitch or cargo basket may be the better fit.

Best for Different Needs

Choose a dedicated spare carrier if you want the cleanest spare-tire solution. Choose a Class 3 hitch if you need to add towing capability first. Choose a cargo carrier if your real priority is extra storage and you only want to manage a spare as part of a larger loadout.

Key Buying Factors for Ford Explorer Hitch Mounted Spare Carriers

Fitment: Confirm the carrier fits your Explorer’s receiver size and model year. A 2-inch receiver is the most common match, but exact compatibility matters for newer and older generations.

Wheel pattern: Many spare carriers are built for 4-, 5-, or 6-lug trailer wheels. Make sure the mounting pattern matches your spare before you buy.

Weight and clearance: Check tire size and carrier weight limits, especially if the spare sits high or extends far from the bumper. You want enough clearance for hatch access and suspension movement.

Security: Anti-wobble hardware, locking options, and solid welds help reduce noise and theft risk.

Convenience: Folding arms, removable pins, and adjustable brackets make daily use much easier, especially on a vehicle used for family driving as well as weekend trips.

Who Should Buy Which Ford Explorer Hitch Mounted Spare Carriers?

If you drive off-road, tow regularly, or want a dedicated external spare solution, prioritize a purpose-built carrier with the strongest fitment and best hardware. If you mainly need extra hauling room, a cargo carrier may be more useful than a tire-only mount. If you are upgrading the back of your Explorer for towing first, start with a compatible Class 3 hitch and add accessories afterward.

In short, the best choice depends on whether you value tire security, cargo flexibility, or towing readiness most. Matching the product to your actual use case will give you a safer, quieter, and more useful setup.