Abstract: A spare wheel storage apparatus for a vehicle includes a mechanism for moving a spare wheel between a storage position and an unloading position along a path of travel, and a wheel presentation mechanism for presenting the wheel extending at least to a partially exposed unloading position from underneath the vehicle, wherein the spare wheel extends generally horizontally with a portion protruding outwardly with respect to a vertical plane corresponding to an outermost external periphery of the vehicle body contour. The wheel presentation mechanism includes first and second elongated, flexible members, such as cables, wires or the like, connected to the vehicle body portion at positions disposed between the storage position and the vertical plane corresponding to the vehicle body contour.

Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus is disclosed for a spare tire lift-and-carry apparatus having intermeshing gears. The anti-theft apparatus includes a movable pin engageable with the intermeshing gears, such that when the pin is in a first position, movement of the intermeshing gears is prevented, and when the pin is in a second position, movement of the intermeshing gears is permitted. The pin is normally biased toward the first position. An actuating member is operably connected to the pin for moving the pin from the first position to the second position. Preferably, the actuating member is located within a secure area of the vehicle, such as a passenger compartment, a trunk, or a car jack storage area. A lock is provided on the actuating member for temporarily locking the pin in the second position.