Ford has filed a patent for a movable spare-tire mount designed to simplify the process of accessing a spare wheel on pickup trucks and SUVs. The patent, US serial number 12773055, was filed on March 18, 2024. The proposed mechanism features a folding rack that pivots and extends, lowering the tire to the ground rather than relying solely on a vertical winch cable.
The design aims to move the spare wheel away from the vehicle's underside, potentially keeping drivers from having to crawl under the frame. The assembly also includes an integrated lug wrench, eliminating the need to search for tools in the vehicle. Furthermore, the folding arm is intended to hold the wheel in place against the hub during installation to assist the driver.
While the patent outlines a mechanism suitable for body-on-frame vehicles, Ford noted that patent filings are a routine way to protect intellectual property. The company emphasized that the concepts described in such documents are not a guarantee of future production. The trend of replacing full-size spares with inflation kits may also limit the application of this technology.
