Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a spare tire on the exterior of a motor vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a support base which is capable of being rigidly affixed to the frame of a motor vehicle. The support base supports a swing down spare tire mounting bracket having means for mounting the spare tire. The spare tire mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the support base so that the mounting bracket can be pivotally swung about a generally horizontal axis between a first upright vehicle operating position and a second generally horizontally disposed vehicle access position. A catch means is also disclosed for releasably locking the swing-down bracket in its first upright position. In addition, bumper means affixed to the support base are disclosed for protecting the vehicle spare tire mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus is capable of supporting a table for holding food and drink when the mounting apparatus has been pivotally swung down to its second horizontally disposed position.