I traded my OE tire carrier for an off road style carrier. It mounts to the tail gate and instead of 3 lug nuts it uses the one center bolt to hold the tire on.

The question is, the only weather proof pad lock I found that fits, is made by Brinks, but it seems kinda flimsy. Is there a better way of keeping someone from stealing the spare?

 

I used a simple bicycle cable lock for mine but if someone wants it they will get it no matter what you use. Some people just suck!!!

 

A Masterlock bicycle insulated cable lock.

 

Some of the locks they make for treestand hunters are pretty stout and are pvc coated cables to hold down noise in the woods. I think one of the better ones does have a Masterlock locking system. Very similar to the bicycle style locks. I guess depending on what wheel you are running a guy could weld a tab that sticks through a hole on the wheel and have a plate that goes over it and then a regular padlock of your choice on that tab. I would put some kind of rubber on the plates backside to stop rattle and wear on my wheel though.