jsut took mine off for the winter ----2 1/2 year old spare and the rim shows
a little surface rust ..Oiled the Mechanism and Cable and oil sprayed the heck
out of the area where the tire covered the under-carriage. I will soak with more
oil in a few days and then leave the Spare in the bed for the winter.I will
probably tie it down with 1500 lb ratchet strap rather then buying a Spare Tire
mount for in the bed for 4 months. Brian