Abstract: A spare tire carrier is described for attachments to a vehicle (e.g., to the bumper). The carrier includes an elongated leg member which can be moved between an upward position and a lowered position. Bias means (e.g., a spring) biases the leg member toward its upward position. A tire support arm is secured to the leg member, and the spare tire can be detachably secured to the support arm. Lock means is used to secure the leg in either the upward or the lowered position, as needed.