Recreational Vans
A spare tire table attachment is a compact work surface that mounts to the spare tire or the rear tire carrier. It folds out at camp to create a stable platform for cooking, gear staging, laptop work, and quick repairs. Most designs pivot down on a hinge and support themselves with struts, cables, or side arms. The best versions pack flat against the tire, ride quietly on the highway, and deploy with one hand. Because it rides outside the cabin, it saves interior space and keeps messy tasks out of your living area.
You will commonly see aluminum for light weight and corrosion resistance, while steel adds stiffness and lower cost at the expense of weight. Powder coat and anodized finishes help with durability and clean up. Table tops may be solid sheet with drain slots, slatted aluminum to shed debris and heat, or composite cutting surfaces for food prep. Quality hinges span the full width for even load distribution, and stainless hardware with nyloc nuts resists loosening over rough roads. Look for rounded edges that are kind to soft goods and easy to wipe down.
There are three popular approaches. Strap mounted plates cinch directly around the spare and work across many tire sizes. Carrier mounted tables bolt to a swing out or rear bumper arm and feel the most solid. Hub mounted plates lock through the wheel center or lug area using a model specific interface. Each approach can be quiet and durable if the attachment points are tight, the latch is positive, and the design includes rubber isolation where metal meets metal.
Proper fitment starts with tire diameter, section width, and wheel offset. Confirm there is flat space on the tire face for a backing plate or that your swing out has existing accessory holes. Check clearance to ladders, high mount brake lights, license plate brackets, and bike racks. Keep an eye on departure angle so the folded table does not become the lowest point on the rear. If you have rear barn doors, make sure both sides can still swing freely with the table stowed.
Most spare tire table attachment designs carry 25 to 75 pounds on level ground. That is plenty for a stove, kettle, cast iron pan, and pantry items, but heavy water containers are better off on the ground. Dynamic loads matter off road, so a table that feels rock solid in the driveway may flex after miles of washboard. A wide hinge, deep side flanges, and triangulated supports reduce bounce. Choose a latch that pulls the table tight to its cradle to prevent chatter.
Measure tire diameter, tire face width, and the height from ground to tire center. Note the space on either side for swing arms and ladders. Open your rear doors and track their path to confirm no collision with a folded table. Record the distance from the tire to the bumper and to any rear camera. These simple measurements prevent surprises and ensure you pick a table that sits where you want it and opens to a comfortable working height.
Ideal working height lands at or slightly below your elbow when standing on level ground. If your spare sits high, consider a design with a lower drop or an auxiliary step for safe reach. Think through your camp workflow. Many travelers stage stove on the table, pantry in a nearby drawer, and water on a stand to the side. Add a windscreen if you cook in gusty areas, and keep heat sources away from body panels to avoid paint discoloration.
Dust, rain, and food prep do not mix, so give the surface a quick wipe before cooking. Slatted tops drain well after a rinse, while solid tops need more attention to keep water from pooling. If your trips include beach sand, a blast of fresh water at the end of the day protects hinges and latches. Once a month, check all fasteners for torque and inspect cable crimps or support arms for wear.
Rattles are not inevitable. Rubber bumpers between the table and its stowed cradle, plus a compression latch, keep the assembly quiet. On strap mounted setups, place protective pads between the strap and tire to prevent squeaks. A felt or rubber strip where the table touches the tire sidewall can eliminate buzz at highway speeds. If you hear a new noise after rough tracks, retension the latch and confirm no rocks are trapped behind the plate.
Aluminum sheds heat quickly in the sun and cools faster at night, while dark steel absorbs more heat during the day. In cold climates, gloves make cleanup more comfortable. For food safety, designate one side as prep and the other for cookware. A roll of biodegradable wipes and a soft brush handle most messes, and a quick wax on painted or powder coated surfaces helps grime rinse off later.
A spare tire table attachment can be more than a single accessory. When planned with exterior lighting, an inverter outlet, and secure storage, it becomes the heart of your outdoor kitchen or mobile workstation. A clean build routes power safely, avoids vibration hot spots, and keeps door swing and ladder use smooth. If you want that cohesive feel, professional integration ensures every piece plays well together and lasts.
Closing the loop on selection, focus on fitment, load handling, and ease of use first. Then layer on refinements like utensil hooks, cutting board inserts, and heat resistant mats. Choose quality hardware now and you will enjoy a quiet ride and a clean deploy at every campsite.
OZK Customs builds full rigs that make a spare tire table attachment feel like part of the van rather than an afterthought. Our team designs mounts, adds lighting, and integrates power so your outdoor kitchen or workstation comes alive the moment the table drops. We listen to how you travel, then engineer a simple and reliable setup that stays quiet on the road and rock steady at camp.
Ready to dial in a complete system around your spare tire table attachment, from lighting to storage to power? Share your goals and we will map the right path to a dependable, quiet, and easy to use setup that fits your platform and your trips. We build freedom you can count on.
Ready for a purpose built solution that fits your rig and your trips? Tell us how you travel, and OZK Customs will engineer a clean, rattle free integration with the right power, lighting, and storage to support it. Start your build conversation today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com