Abstract: A vehicle step assembly for mounting on a vehicle adjacent to the body of the vehicle may include an elongated step having opposite ends and a hollow space formed in the step and extending between the ends, and at least one support bracket with a mounting portion configured to mount on the vehicle and a support portion configured to support the elongated step, with the support portion having a support surface on which the elongated step rests. The assembly may also include at least one clamp mounting the step on the at least one support bracket, with the at least one clamp being configured to engage the step at substantially any location along the length of the step between the opposite ends.

Abstract: A tire carrying device for carrying a spare tire on the outside of a van or pickup. Spring loading, uniquely placed, provides a compact means of providing easy lifting of the tire on an outside carrier, while at the same time allowing easy dropping of the tire to clear a tailgate or the like for access to the vehicle.