Spare Tire Lock FYI

I know this topic has come up before. But rather then add on to an old post I decided to make a new one.

I worked on my spare tire cover for over 2 hours and I no matter what I did I could always pull off the spare tire cover by twisting it or simple pulling it back. The previous owner had the same problem because he screwed on pad lock hasp to hold the spare tire cover in place. 

After endless testing I discovered that I could not match up the spare tire screw tightening handle and lock without disengaging the keyed spare tire lock bolt. No matter what I did: pushing the cover in, turning it, adding a rubber edging pad. Nothing helped.  Every time I'd back up the handle 180 degrees to set the keyed lock the bolt would disengage and I could pull the tire cover off.

Eventually I found the the notch made into the circular pipe was too shallow to hold the keyed lock bolt in place after backing off the 180 degree needed to set the lock. So I cut a metal tab and screwed it to add length to the locking tab cut into the metal tube holding the tire. That tab now stops the lock bolt in the locking position every time I back off the handle to engage the keyed lock. I also put a new and thicker seal on the back of the cover that keeps it water proof and also gives the cover a snugger fit.

Same problem and cause I had with my RV. We did eventually get the cover back on after a couple of hours of two guys pushing on it while locking it. I figure if I ever have to take it off to get to the spare I will never be able to get it back on by myself. Will probably have a extension piece welded on at that time.

We have the same issue. The cover came off once, no way to get it back on properly. It looks to me like the threads were actually damaged on the screw, because it was forced on.

Zolman, I'm not following exactly what you did. I know it would be a pain for you but could you take a picture of your product?

Thanks,
Doug