Below the tailgate and to the right of my license plate is a round key slot that is covered with a plastic cap. The ignition key unlocks the cylinder that is located behind the cap. The whole lock barrel comes out when I unlock it. There is nothing behind it and the owners manual offers no explanation as to what it's for. Anybody know?

 

Looks like where you jack the spare tire down.

 

Pcart23 is correct. That prevents people from being able to lower your spare without your keys. Theft reduction.

 

They both are correct that is what it is for

 

previous 3 guys are correct!

 

Thanks guys (and/or girls) I knew your would have the answer.

 

I'd advise doing a test run on how to crank the spare down and up if you have time. No fun trying this out on a dark rainy night. Rod goes through hole and into a slot to lower spare. Also a good time to make sure you have enough air in the spare.

 

i take the tire off and put it in the box open box chain it up or reg cab it should fit behind the seat sometimes they get stuck up there and then your kinda screwed w a flat

 

Haha, that is due to salt from the roads. Don't think they have that problem in FL

 

ooo nicely done we do in good old iowa hate this place sometimes...... love it others oh well