A cradle for a spare tire includes a hub, arms extending from the hub, fasteners configured to secure the spare tire to the cradle, and wheels on the arms to support the cradle for movement. The arms have adjustable radial lengths. The fasteners are adjustable for different tire sizes.

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to mount a wheel in multiple positions on a vehicle body. An example apparatus includes a bracket having a first post extending therefrom and an aperture spaced from the first post, the first post to slidably receive one of a plurality of fastener apertures in a vehicle wheel, the aperture of the bracket to receive a fastener extending through a respective other one of the fastener apertures to hold the wheel to a vehicle body in at least two different positions.

An apparatus is provided for retaining a spare tire in a storage position on a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a retainer assembly and a cooperating post. The retainer assembly includes a housing and a first actuator, a first retainer and a first biasing element carried by the housing. The post includes a retainer receiver wherein the first biasing element biases the first retainer into engagement with the retainer receiver. A related method of removing a spare tire from a storage position in a motor vehicle is also presented.

An apparatus is provided for retaining a spare tire in a storage position on a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a retainer assembly and a cooperating post. The retainer assembly includes a housing and a first actuator, a first retainer and a first biasing element carried by the housing. The post includes a retainer receiver wherein the first biasing element biases the first retainer into engagement with the retainer receiver. A related method of removing a spare tire from a storage position in a motor vehicle is also presented.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for changing a traction motor and a wheel assembly out of a locomotive. The apparatus is suitable for use in the field. The apparatus comprises: (i) a frame that is dimensioned to fit under the locomotive and within a railroad track; (ii) a wheel-assembly-support system that is configured to support the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly is clear of the track; (iii) a traction-motor-positioning system that is operable to position the traction motor with respect to the locomotive; and (iv) a drive assembly that is configured to drive the fame, the wheel-assembly-support system, and the traction-motor-positioning system under the locomotive in a reversible manner. The wheel-assembly-support system, the traction-motor-positioning system, and/or the drive assembly is/are operable by way of a remote control. Methods of changing a traction motor and/or wheel assembly out of a locomotive on a track are also provided.

A reversible load floor for a vehicle includes a first side defining a planar surface. The reversible load floor also includes a second side disposed opposite of the first side. The second side includes a container, which extends from the second side along a vertical axis at a center of a spare tire such that, in a first position, the first side is accessible via a cargo compartment and the container is disposed over the spare tire, and, in a second position, the first side extends across a top of the spare tire and the container is accessible via the cargo compartment.

An illuminated spare tire cover, designed to enclose an externally mounted spare tire, has an outer covering with a plurality of grommeted openings therethrough. The openings form a pattern. An electric light is located within each opening, such that a lighted image is created through the pattern when the lights are illuminated. Strips of Velcro hold the lights in place. The lights can be configured as various images, logos, symbols, lettering, etc. An internal layer made of non-flammable material fits over the interior surface of the outer covering to insulate and support the cover and reinforce the lights located within the interior surface of the outer covering. The cover is equipped with electrical wiring and an electrical connector plug. An extension cord is connected to the vehicle's electrical outlet and run under the vehicle's seats to be connected to the electric connector plug.

A load divider dolly has: a chassis; ground engaging wheels; a tow vehicle mount pivotally mounted to the chassis; a variable volume element mounted to adjust a pitch angle between the chassis and the tow vehicle mount; and a pressure control system configured to, during use, supply and exhaust fluid such as gas to and from the variable volume element to distribute load between a tow vehicle and the ground engaging wheels of the load divider dolly.

Tire carriers for use with vehicles are disclosed herein. An example tire carrier, includes a frame including telescopically coupled tubes; and a lock carried by one of the tubes, the lock structured to mechanically engage another one of the tubes to fix the tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position, the lock structured to reduce the mechanical engagement with the other one of the tubes to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward a raised position.

A lifting system for generating a lifting force on a portion of a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel and a force-generating mechanism structured to be received inside a rim cavity of the wheel. The force-generating mechanism is also structured to be operably connected to a frame of a vehicle. A bearing member is operably connected to the force-generating mechanism. The bearing member is structured to transmit a force generated by the force-generating mechanism to a surface in physical contact with the bearing member. The bearing member is also structured for operably connecting the wheel to the force-generating mechanism. Force applied by the force-generating mechanism may be sufficient to lift a portion of the vehicle off of a ground surface, or the force may only be sufficient to apply a parking brake force without lifting the vehicle.