SPARE WHEEL CARRIER FOR A VEHICLE

A vehicle may include a first rear pillar. A vehicle may include a second rear pillar spaced from the first rear pillar. A vehicle may include a bench gate pivotable between the first rear pillar and the second rear pillar. A vehicle may include a window gate arranged above the bench gate, the bench gate and the window gate defining an interface seam. A vehicle may include a spare wheel carrier including: a hinge bracket rigidly coupled to the first rear pillar, the hinge bracket including a first hinge stud, and a second hinge stud, the interface seam positioned between the first hinge stud and the second hinge stud, a strike plate rigidly coupled to the second rear pillar; and a carrier beam rotatably coupled to the first hinge stud and the second hinge stud and including a latch positioned to selectively engage the strike plate.