On a ute with a canopy or tray, the spare usually goes in one of four places: under the tray, on the headboard behind the cab, on the side of the canopy, or on a rear swing-away carrier. Under-tray mounts keep weight low and out of the way; the others are easier to reach but take up space or add weight further out. Pick the spot based on wheel size, how often you need it and how much payload you have left.
Fitting a tray or canopy often moves the spare wheel. The factory carrier under a tub doesn’t always survive the change, and a larger aftermarket tyre may not fit where the original did. It’s worth deciding where the spare goes before the build, not after.
Under the tray
Many trays leave room for an under-tray carrier, either reusing the factory winch-down mount or a new bracket. It keeps the wheel low, out of the weather and away from anything you need to open.
- Good for: keeping the tray and canopy clear, low centre of gravity.
- Watch for: under-tray toolboxes and water tanks competing for the same space, and larger wheels that won’t clear.
- Getting it out: under a ute in mud or sand is the worst place to be changing a tyre. Make sure the release works and keep it clean.
If you’re also planning under-tray toolboxes, sort out which goes where first.
On the headboard
A vertical mount on the headboard, behind the cab, keeps the wheel close to the axle and easy to reach. The trade-off is tray length: the wheel takes up space that would otherwise go to the canopy.
It suits tray-backs without a full-length canopy, or builds where a slightly shorter canopy is acceptable. Check rear-window visibility once it’s on.
On the side or rear of the canopy
- Side mount: quick to reach, but it adds width and can block a side door or gullwing. Plan door openings around it.
- Rear swing-away carrier: common on touring builds. It frees up space underneath and is easy to reach, but it puts weight behind the rear axle and you have to swing it out to open the back.
- Roof: possible on a roof rack, but lifting a full-size wheel overhead is hard work and raises the centre of gravity. Usually a last resort.
Size, weight and security
- Measure the actual wheel. If you run larger all-terrain or mud tyres, give the builder the real diameter and width, not the factory size.
- Count the weight. A full-size wheel and tyre is heavy, and the carrier adds more. Both count toward payload. Our payload guide shows how quickly the numbers add up.
- Lock it. An exposed spare is easy to take. Use a locking nut or a lockable carrier.
- Keep plates and lights clear. Rear carriers must not hide the number plate or tail lights.
Planning it into a build
The spare is easier to deal with at the design stage. A tray and canopy made to order can leave the right gap underneath, add a headboard bracket or reinforce the rear for a carrier, instead of bolting something on afterwards.
UTE HARIO builds are made to order, so tell us your wheel size and where you’d like the spare when you get a quote. Start with the HARIO FC-180 jack-off crossdeck canopy, see how tray and canopy combos fit together, or browse more build and fit-out guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep the spare wheel under the tray after fitting a canopy?
Often yes, if the tray and chassis leave room for the factory carrier or a new under-tray mount. It depends on the tray design, any under-tray toolboxes and the size of the wheel, so check it at the quote stage.
Is it a problem if my spare wheel is bigger than standard?
It can be. Larger all-terrain or mud tyres may not fit the factory spot under the ute. Measure the wheel and tell the builder, so the carrier is sized for it rather than the original.
Where is the best place to mount a spare on a canopy?
There is no single best place. Under the tray keeps weight low and out of the way, a headboard mount keeps it close to the axle but uses tray length, and a side or rear mount is easy to reach but adds weight further out.
Does a spare wheel carrier count toward payload?
Yes. The wheel and the carrier both count toward payload, along with the canopy, tools, water and everything else on board.
Should I carry two spares?
Some remote tourers do. It adds a lot of weight, so weigh it against your payload and where you actually travel.
