Spare Tyre Guide: Where to mount them and how many you need

We all love an Aussie road trip. Fighting over rights to play music, outback pubs, roadhouse feeds, and sunsets so good you think you’re dreaming. Then POP! Nothing puts a damper on an adventure faster than a flat tyre—especially if you’re unprepared. Out here, where help can be hundreds of kilometres away, carrying the right number of spares and knowing where to mount them is as essential as packing enough water.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about spare tyres for 4X4 touring: how many to carry, the best place to mount them, and how to make sure you’re ready for whatever the tracks throw at you.

Why You Need Spare Tyres (Yes, Plural)

It’s not a matter of if you’ll get a flat in Australia—it’s when. Our country’s tracks are riddled with sharp rocks, hidden stakes, and potholes the size of a Suzuki Jimny. Add corrugated roads and the extra load of touring gear, and your tyres are under constant assault.

One spare tyre might be enough if you’re sticking to bitumen and the odd gravel road close to civilisation. But if you’re heading into remote areas, particularly on tougher tracks like the Gibb River Road or Simpson Desert, carrying a second spare is a no-brainer. Out here, a single flat can easily be followed by a second, and you don’t want to be caught short. Ask me how I know.

flat tyre offroad 4wd

How Many Spares Do You Need?

The number of spare tyres you carry depends on:

1. Your Destination: Remote areas demand at least two spares. For more accessible locations with regular road services, one may suffice.
2. Your Tyres’ Condition: Worn tyres are more prone to damage. If your tyres are near the end of their life, consider carrying a second spare—even on less demanding trips.
3. Your Risk Tolerance: Some tourers prefer carrying one spare and a good repair kit (more on that later), while others won’t leave home without a full second tyre and rim.

Where to Mount Spare Tyres

Now that you know how many spares to bring, the next question is: where do you put them? Spare tyre mounting isn’t just about convenience—it’s about weight distribution, accessibility, and maximising space.

1. Rear Mount

The rear tyre carrier is the most common spot for a spare. Back in the day most 4X4s would come with a rear-mounted spare, these days they are usually mounted under the vehicle so you may need to purchase a rear spare wheel carrier if you’re running two spares.

• Pros:
  • Easy to access.
  • Doubles as a solid rear bar and provides protection.
  • Keeps the spare off your roof, preserving aerodynamics.
  • Doesn’t take up interior space.
• Cons:
  • Adds weight to the rear of the vehicle, potentially affecting handling.
  • Can obstruct rear visibility.
  • Price: a spare wheel carrier will set you back at least $1,500

2. Roof Rack

If you’re running out of space elsewhere, the roof rack is a popular option for spare tyre storage.

• Pros:
  • Frees up room on the rear and interior of the vehicle.
  • Great for second spares or tyres you don’t need frequent access to.
• Cons:
  • Lifting a tyre onto the roof can be a back-breaking task, especially if you’re on your own.
  • Raises your vehicle’s centre of gravity, which can affect handling.

Pro tip: Wherever you decide to put your spare, ensure that it works for you. Ask yourself, if I’m slightly injured and need to get the spare down, will I be able to? Will my wife or partner be able to if I am unable? Etc.

mud terrain tyre off road

3. Underside Mount

Most vehicles nowadays come with factory mounts for spare tyres under the tray or boot.

• Pros:
  • Hidden away, so it doesn’t take up exterior or interior space.
  • Doesn’t affect aerodynamics or centre of gravity.
• Cons:
  • A pain to access when you’re bogged or in rough terrain.
  • Underside mounts can collect dirt, mud, and rust over time, so regular maintenance is a must.
  • Limited space: generally if you go up in tyre size you won’t be able to use the factory under vehicle mount.

4. Inside Your Vehicle

For those who want to keep their spares clean and secure, mounting them inside is an option. It wouldn’t be my first choice, though. Remembering that nice clean spare inside your vehicle willone day be swapped out with a dirty flat on the side of the track.

• Pros:
  • Protects the tyre and wheel from damage, dirt, and UV exposure.
  • Ideal for soft-roaders or lighter 4X4s without dedicated exterior mounts.
• Cons:
  • Eats into valuable interior space.
  • Can easily make your cabin feel cramped.
  • Can damage your interior when swapping out spares and flats, etc.

vehicle interior off-roading

Tyre Repair Kits

If carrying two spares isn’t feasible for you, make sure you’ve got a good tyre repair kit and a compressor. These kits can patch up punctures and help you limp to the nearest town if you’re caught without a second spare.

Pro tip: Practice using your repair kit at home on an old tyre before you’re stuck on the side of the track with a flat.

The Verdict

As with most 4X4mods, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your trip, your rig, and your appetite for risk. But as a general rule:

• For remote areas or challenging tracks, carry two spares (and a puncture repair kit).
• For lighter touring or day trips, one spare and a good quality repair kit will usually suffice.

And remember, a well-maintained tyre is less likely to fail. Run the correct air pressures for the terrain you’re tackling, inspect for damage, and rotate your tyres regularly to keep them in top shape. As for where to mount them, a lot of tourers prefer one spare at the rear and one on the roof. For me, I prefer a dual rear wheel carrier. Yes, it puts the weight past the rear axle, but it keeps the spares accessible in the majority of situations and adds protection to your vehicle in a lot of instances.