I got my new plates today and while I was changing them I noticed there is a spot where a key locks something to the right of the rear plate, what is this for?

 

the spare tire I assume.

 

Spare tire access hole. The lock is there to prevent spare tire theft. Your ignition key is the key for the spare tire lock.

 

The old ones had a lug nut style lock way inside the tube. People would loose the key or if bought used not get it at all. About 35-50 bucks to replace, this is a great improvement IMO !

 

That makes sense, I was sitting there looking at it for awhile. Im glad I never got a flat so far cause otherwise I would have never know why my spare wasnt coming off.

 

If you have time it's a good idea to do a practice run on how to drop down the spare and go about doing a tire change on the side of the road. You'll wish you had if you have not tried it yet.

 

I was going to take mine out, maybe I will this weekend, I had to take the jack out to mount the amp, so why carry a spare? Ill just leave it at dads garage.

on topic, the same key that fits the spare should fit the tail gate right?

well my ign key will not fit either one.

 

Any roadside rescue company across the country can bring you a jack. Not so much on a spare tire and wheel to fit your truck.

 

Like GTRider said, anybody can bring a jack, whether it is a AAA type services or even a passing cop who decides to stop. They likely wont be carrying a spare tire out to you though.

Your ignition key should be able to unlock any of the exterior locks on the truck. If it can't then either you're doing it wrong or the tailgate/spare lock were swapped out for a different one at some point in time. I'm sure your local dealer can get the locks fixed up or maybe even a locksmith could.

 

I KEEP MINE SPRAYED WITH WD40. Try to change one after a couple of years with rust and mud.

 

I call dad, worse comes to worse he has to get a floor jack from the garage anyway, and thats where the tire will be. Very worse case, I load my truck up on the car hauler and he pulls my ford home with a dodge

Now if I had a freaking tool box, I could store my junk it it, I so want a black tool box.

 

why not just put your jack under one of the front seats, mines under the front seat and the tire iron and stuff is just in one of the side compartments on the rear doors.

 

thats a good idea, but I will one day get a tool box, and put it there.

 

its a good idea to lubricate the spare winch and check tire pressure atleast once a year

 

You should have just mounted your amp behind the back seat so that you cold have left the jack in place.