Looking For Spare Tire Carrier For 8-Lug Wheel That Will Not Damage/Markup Upgraded Wheels
Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/29/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2019 GD Imagine TT, and recently upgraded my wheels and tires. I bought w spare wheel and tire without thinking, and didnt realize that my spare mount will markup ruin my new wheel. So, Im looking for a spare mount or way to adapt my existing mount to hold the spare safely without damaging it. It has 8-6.5 lug pattern, so Im hoping it shouldnt be too difficult to match up. Any suggestions are welcome.
asked by: Stephen
Expert Reply:
Hey Stephen, thanks for reaching out. I looked online at a few pictures of the spare tire carrier on these GD Imagine TT campers and it looks like they are similar to the Bumper Spare Tire Mount part # TR-1 that we carry. Similar in that is uses two wheel bolts with a metal plate and I am guessing this metal plate is marking up your wheel?
One thing I am running into here is this; all of the bumper mounted spare tire carriers capable of holding an 8 lug wheel use a similar metal plate. So, I do not have an alternative bumper mounted carrier to offer you.
One thing that comes to mind is the Lippert RV Spare Tire Mount with Winch # LC159041 which mounts to the undercarriage of the camper and holds the tire in place with a metal bracket. This goes thru the center hole of the wheel so this would be a bit more gentile on the wheel since it is mounted directly to the frame and not bouncing around on the rear bumper.
You could try putting some kind of softer material between the metal plate and the wheel. Maybe a piece of hard plastic or even wood would be more gentile on the wheel and cause less markup. I would be a bit hesitant to do this though since I would worry about the stability of the tire mount with the added material.
What a lot of people do is just use a basic steel wheel for the spare instead of using an "upgraded" wheel. That way any markups and scratches are a bit easier to swallow. Use the spare only when needed then put the upgraded wheel back on whenever you can. So one option could be to get a more basic wheel for the spare. If you want to let me know your tire size I am happy to look into it and find a nice affordable option for you.
Feel free to reach out if there is anything else I can do.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Bumper Spare Tire Mount - U-Bolt Mount
- Spare Tire Mount
- Bumper Mount
- Bolt-On
- 5-Bolt
- 6-Bolt
- 8-Bolt
- RV
- Standard Finish
- Stromberg Carlson
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Do Kenda Karrier Trailer Wheel And Tire Combo KE69JV Come Pre Balanced?
- Q&A: Will a 225/75R16 Tire and 8-Lug Wheel Fit On the etrailer Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier # e98ZR?
- Q&A: Soft Start for Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS With Coleman-Mach 48204-669
- Q&A: Comparing Kenda KR03, KR35, And KR53 Tires
- Q&A: Can You Mount a Spare Tire to the 24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Q&A: Can I Install A Propane Tank Inside A Tongue Mounted Toolbox?
- Q&A: Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution System For 7,600 Pound Trailer
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Article: Spring Towing Readiness Checklist
- Article: How to Winterize & De-Winterize Your RV (Simple Guide)
- Article: 4-Step Guide to Installing RV Solar Power
- Article: What are the Common Types of Propane Fittings Used on RVs?
Jesse M.
12/22/2025
Hey Stephen, how did things turn out with the spare tire mount on your Imagine trailer? Did the Lippert undercarriage mount or the softer material idea help protect your upgraded wheel? Your update could make it easier for others facing the same issue.