Abstract: A spare tire for vans, trucks, and the like may be mounted in underslung position beneath the vehicle body. A framework to encompass the spare tire is mounted on a framework below the vehicle body. The spare tire is maintained in position by a conventional lifting mechanism, involving a lug on the end of a cable. A threaded stud projects downwardly from the lug to extend through an aperature in the bottom surface of a cup-shaped housing. A threaded nut tightens the housing against a panel mounted on the framework on the underside of the vehicle body, thereby, the spare tire is completely enclosed against the elements.