I just purchased a new 2006 XC90. After driving Chevy Trucks for years and needing to install aftermarket spare tire locks that actually lock the spare wheel/rim to the frame to prevent spare tire theft (a thief does not bother nor care if the winch lowering mechanism is locked as they cut the cable, take the tire and are gone in seconds)- I noticed the Volvo has the same under-carriage spare, winch lowering type device. I cannot seem to locate a Winch-Lock, McGuard, Pop Lock or other brand that is available for Volvo. Anyone gone down this road and can offer tips?

 

Hi! Have had my '05 XC90 for over a year now, and had never given the matter of stolen spare tires a thought until I read your thread. I had one stolen spare on my '95 Blazer years ago, and used a heavy Krypton lock and cable to keep the tire safe. After I read your thread, I crawled under my ride to check how the spare is secured. It is lowered by turning the adjusting tab in the luggage area behind the third row seats. The tab is attached to a threaded shaft which screws into a steel holding plate and is covered by a steel tube. I couldn't find any evidence of the use of a cable, unlike GM products.

Doesn't look like a locking device is needed with this setup. Hope this helps.

Niel

 

Thanks Niel, I will have to get under this 06 and see if the same applies. I found the lowering **** behind the seat while at the dealer but assumed it may be attached to the same (pretty much useless from an anti-theft perspective) cable type assembly you find on GM's. Hopefully - (1) less aftermarket item to buy.

 

Niel, just as a follow up and for anyone else with a 2006 XC90 - the 2006 version also has the lowering mechanism surrounded by a steel tube to prevent any access. It also appears to be a threaded rod assembly versus the old cable style that were so easily cut. Thanks again.