CE Smith Heavy-Duty Side Mount Spare Tire Carrier for Trailer — Galvanized 15" Max, 4/5-Lug, No-Drill U-Bolt Mount

The CE Smith 27310G is a heavy-duty side-mount spare tire carrier that secures 4- or 5-lug wheels up to 15" to your trailer frame without drilling.

Built from galvanized 3/16" steel and shipped with zinc-plated hardware, this side-mount carrier is designed to keep a spare tire mounted vertically on the trailer tongue or frame rails while increasing ground clearance. Its offset geometry repositions the wheel so it clears the frame and road obstacles, and the included U-bolts make installation fast and reversible. The carrier supports trailers with frame dimensions up to 4" high and 1"–3.5" wide and works with most common 4- and 5-lug patterns (not compatible with 5-on-5" or 5-on-5.5" bolt patterns).

How does the carrier increase ground clearance and reduce contact with the trailer frame?

The 27310G uses a vertical and lateral offset to move the spare away from the frame and closer to the trailer side. With a 5" vertical offset and a 4.5" side offset, the wheel sits higher and farther out, clearing crossmembers and road debris.

• 5" vertical offset lifts the tire above frame rails
• 4.5" lateral offset pushes the wheel outward from the trailer
• Galvanized steel resists corrosion that could reduce clearance over time

What installation method does this tire carrier use and do I need special tools?

Installation is designed to be simple and non-permanent: the carrier clamps to the trailer frame using supplied U-bolts, so no drilling or welding is required. The U-bolts can be arranged crossed for short frames or parallel for greater reach, adapting to different frame shapes and widths.

• Includes zinc-plated U-bolts and hardware—no additional fasteners required
• Clamps to frames up to 4" H and 1"–3.5" W
• Swap U-bolt orientation for tighter or extended fits

Which tires and wheel bolt patterns will this carrier support?

The carrier holds most 4- and 5-lug wheels up to 15" diameter, making it suitable for common trailer tires and small utility or boat trailer wheels. Check your wheel’s bolt pattern before ordering: this model is not compatible with 5-on-5" or 5-on-5.5" bolt patterns.

• Accepts 4- or 5-lug wheels—maximum 15" diameter
• Not compatible with 5-on-5" or 5-on-5.5" patterns
• Designed for standard trailer wheel sizes used on small to mid-size boat trailers

How durable is the construction for marine or long-term outdoor use?

The frame is fabricated from 3/16" galvanized steel and welded for strength; the included zinc-plated hardware adds corrosion resistance. This combination gives the carrier the durability expected for trailer and marine environments without frequent maintenance.

• Galvanized 3/16" steel frame resists rust and chipping
• Welded construction increases holding strength under load
• Zinc-plated bolts and U-bolts minimize corrosion at attachment points

Who this is for: the CE Smith 27310G is ideal for boaters, anglers, and trailer owners who need a robust spare mounting solution that preserves ground clearance and avoids permanent modification to the trailer. It suits owners of small to mid-size trailers with frames within the specified range who want an easy-to-install, corrosion-resistant spare carrier that keeps a 4- or 5-lug, up-to-15" wheel accessible and out of harm’s way during transport.