Finding the right spot for a v nose enclosed trailer spare tire mount can be a bit of a headache because of that unique wedge shape at the front. Most of us buy a V-nose trailer because it's easier to tow and cuts through the wind better, but when it comes time to mount a spare tire, you realize that the extra space isn't always "usable" space. You can't just slap a standard tongue mount on there and call it a day because the front of the trailer is literally sitting right where the tire should be.
If you've ever had a blowout on the side of the highway, you know that the last thing you want to do is start digging through your cargo to find a loose spare buried under a mountain of gear. Getting that tire mounted securely is one of those projects that you'll thank yourself for later. There are a few different ways to go about it, and each has its own set of pros and cons depending on how you use your trailer.
Why the Interior Wall is Usually the Winner
For most folks, mounting the spare on the interior wall of the V-nose is the way to go. It's probably the most common setup you'll see, and for good reason. Since the front "V" part of the trailer creates these awkward angled walls, they often end up as dead space anyway. Bolting a v nose enclosed trailer spare tire mount right into the wall studs in that corner keeps the tire off the floor and out of the way of your main cargo.
One of the biggest perks of an interior mount is that your tire isn't sitting out in the sun. If you've ever looked at a spare that's been sitting on a trailer tongue for three years, you've probably seen the dry rot. UV rays eat trailer tires for breakfast. By keeping it inside, the rubber stays fresh, and you don't have to worry about some random person with a lug wrench walking off with your spare at a rest stop.
When you're installing one inside, just make sure you're actually hitting the wall studs. Most enclosed trailers use thin plywood or Luan for the interior skin, and that's definitely not strong enough to hold a 50-pound wheel while you're bouncing down a potholed backroad. You'll want to find the metal uprights and use self-tapping screws or bolts to get a solid connection.
Dealing with the Tongue Mount Struggle
If you're dead set on keeping the tire outside to save every inch of interior space, the tongue mount is your other primary option. However, with a V-nose, this is where things get tricky. On a flat-front trailer, you have a couple of feet of open tongue space to work with. On a V-nose, the "nose" of the trailer often extends pretty far out over the frame rails.
If you want to put a v nose enclosed trailer spare tire mount on the tongue, you usually have to look for a low-profile or offset bracket. You have to be incredibly careful about your turning radius too. If the tire sits too high or too far forward, you might actually hit the back of your truck during a tight turn or when backing into a driveway. It's a "measure twice, cut once" kind of situation.
I've seen some guys mount the tire flat on the tongue, tucked under the curve of the nose. It works, but it makes it a real pain to get to the jack handle or the safety chains. If you go this route, just make sure you can still operate your weight distribution hitch if you use one.
The Under-Frame Hidden Mount
If you really want to get fancy and keep the trailer looking clean, you can look into an under-frame mount. This is basically a heavy-duty carrier that bolts to the underside of the trailer frame. It's a great way to use space that otherwise does absolutely nothing.
But, and this is a big "but," think about the logistics. If you get a flat tire on the side of a narrow, muddy shoulder, do you really want to be crawling under the trailer to get the spare out? It's also a magnet for road salt and grime. If you live in a place where they salt the roads in the winter, that mounting hardware is going to rust shut faster than you can say "flat tire." If you go this route, make sure the mechanism is well-greased and maybe check it a couple of times a year to make sure it hasn't seized up.
Why Not Just Leave It on the Floor?
I know a lot of people who just toss the spare tire in the front of the V-nose and leave it there. It seems easy, right? No drilling, no hardware, no work. But honestly, it's a bad idea for a few reasons. First off, an unsecured tire is a projectile. If you have to slam on the brakes or if heaven forbid you're in an accident, that tire is going to go flying. It can do some serious damage to your cargo or even the trailer walls.
Secondly, it's always in the way. No matter where you put it on the floor, you're going to be moving it every time you need to reach something else. Using a proper v nose enclosed trailer spare tire mount to get it up on the wall or tucked onto the tongue just makes the whole trailer feel more organized. It's one of those small upgrades that makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy using your trailer.
Choosing the Right Hardware
When you're shopping for a mount, don't just grab the cheapest thing you find on the internet. You want something heavy-duty. Look for powder-coated steel or galvanized metal so it won't rust. Most mounts are pretty universal, meaning they'll have slots for different bolt patterns like 5-on-4.5 or 6-on-5.5. Just double-check your wheel's bolt pattern before you buy.
Also, think about the depth of the mount. Some tires are wider than others. If you have a beefy set of tires on your trailer, you need a mount that holds the wheel far enough away from the wall so the rubber isn't rubbing or putting pressure on the plywood.
Maintenance Matters
Once you have your v nose enclosed trailer spare tire mount installed and the tire is all snug, you can't just forget about it. I'm guilty of this myself—you assume because the tire looks fine, it is fine. But trailer tires lose air over time. There's nothing worse than changing a flat only to realize your spare is also flat.
I try to make it a habit to check the pressure in the spare every time I check the main tires. Since it's mounted and easy to reach, it only takes a second. If it's mounted inside, it's also a good idea to occasionally check the bolts on the mount itself. The constant vibration of the road can loosen things up over time, and you don't want the mount rattling against the wall.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, picking the right v nose enclosed trailer spare tire mount comes down to how much you value your interior space versus how much you hate crawling under your trailer. For most of us, the interior wall of the V-nose is the sweet spot. It's easy to install, keeps the tire protected, and utilizes space that's usually wasted anyway.
Whatever you choose, just make sure it's secure. A spare tire is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but when you do need it, you want it to be right where it's supposed to be—aired up, easy to get to, and ready to get you back on the road. It's a simple Saturday afternoon project that saves you a massive headache down the line. So, grab a drill, find those studs, and get that tire off the floor. You'll be glad you did.