If you’ve spent any time scrolling through van build photos on Instagram, you’ve seen them: the rugged-looking rear door racks holding a massive spare tire affixed to a sleek ladder to access the roof. They look cool, but at roughly $1,200, they are a significant investment for any build.
At Out There Vans, we get asked all the time: Is a rear door tire rack actually worth it?
Today, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of the White Top Adventures Rear Door Tire Rack & Ladder Combo for Sprinter and Transit vans to help you decide if this upgrade belongs on your rig.
The Factory Setup: Understanding the Spare Tire Cage
Before deciding to move your tire, it’s important to understand how your van is set up from the factory. For all three major models—the Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster—the spare tire cage is located on the exterior undercarriage of the van. However, accessing that tire varies wildly between models:
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Mercedes Sprinter: The bolt to lower the tire cage is located inside the van, just inside the rear doors.
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Ford Transit: The bolt is also on the interior, but it is located about 8-10 inches inside the rear cargo area.
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RAM ProMaster: Unlike the others, the ProMaster tire mechanism is located on the exterior of the van, behind the passenger rear tire.
ProMaster Note: Interestingly, many newer ProMaster models don't even come with a factory spare or an undercarriage cage. Because of this, it may become more common for ProMaster owners to look toward exterior carriers as the only way to safely carry a spare on the road.
4 Reasons to Move Your Spare to the Rear Door
1. Easier Access (Especially for Transits)
If you get a flat tire on the side of a muddy road, the last thing you want to do is crawl under your van to lower a heavy tire cage. With a rear door rack, you just unlock the tire, spin off the mount, and you’re ready to go.
The Transit Trap: Because the Transit's access bolt is 8-10 inches inside the cargo area, many DIY builders accidentally cover the access port when installing their flooring or a slide-out bike tray. If you’ve "buried" your access point, a rear door rack isn't just an upgrade, it’s a necessity.
2. Upgrading to Oversized Tires
Planning on putting some beefy all-terrain tires on your van? Most oversized tires simply won't fit in the narrow factory spare tire cage under the van. A rear door rack allows you to carry a matching full-sized spare, no matter how aggressive your tire setup is.
3. Reclaiming Storage Real Estate Under the Van
By moving the tire to the door, you free up a massive cavity under the van. This is prime real estate for:
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Auxiliary Water Tanks: We often install Northwest Conversions tanks here, adding up to 28 gallons of fresh water.
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Grey Water Storage: Keeping your waste water outside the van saves interior cabinet space.
4. Better Roof Access
The "Combo" part of these racks is the integrated ladder. Having a sturdy, fixed ladder makes it easy to:
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Clear snow off your solar panels.
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Troubleshoot your Starlink dish.
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Secure gear on your roof rack.
Because it’s mounted to the door, it doesn't overhang the side of the van or block your side windows.
Why We Recommend White Top Adventures Rear Door Tire Racks
When we look for exterior components to stock at our Grand Junction workshop, we prioritize durability and weight. The White Top Adventures combo is a shop favorite for several reasons:
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Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Unlike heavy steel racks that can put unnecessary strain on your rear door hinges, these are made from high-quality powder-coated aluminum. They are rust-resistant and light enough to handle easily during installation.
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Dual-Purpose Engineering: By combining the tire carrier and the ladder into a single unit, you save weight and minimize the number of holes or brackets attached to your van.
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Intelligent Ladder Design: The lower section features smaller "stud" rungs designed specifically to let you climb up and around the spare tire. Once you clear the tire, the rungs transition into larger, burlier platforms for a secure footing as you reach the roof.
Compatibility Notes:
The White Top Adventures Rear Tire Carrier Ladder is currently available for Sprinter and Transit Vans.
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Ford Transit: These racks are universal and work with all factory hinge types.
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Mercedes Sprinter: These require 180-degree hinges. If your van came with 270-degree hinges, you’ll need to swap them out (we carry the replacement hinges right here at Out There Vans).
The Reality Check: Why You Might Skip It
While we love these racks, they aren't for everyone.
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The Budget: At roughly $1,200 shipped, that’s money that could go toward an awning, a better battery system, or a heater. If you’re on a tight budget and don't plan on upgrading your tires, the factory location works just fine.
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Security: A tire on the back of the van is more visible. While the White Top Adventures rack includes a locking provision, a determined thief can access a door-mounted tire more easily than one locked in a cage under the van.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building a rugged off-grid rig, need more water capacity, or simply want the peace of mind of easy tire access, the White Top Adventures Tire Rack & Ladder Combo is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Ready to upgrade your rig? Shop Rear Tire Carrier Ladders at Out There Vans.
Have questions about fitment or hinges? Drop a comment below or swing by the shop in Grand Junction—we’re always happy to help you get your build "out there!"
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