Patent attributes
A cargo and storage rack for increasing the carrying capacity of a vehicle having a spare tire mount on the exterior of the vehicle. Retaining features of a mounting boss engage the retainment features of the spare tire to the spare tire mount. The mounting boss is adapted to receive storage brackets above or below or both of above and below the mounting boss, to secure cargo securing features at desired distances of engagement from the boss. Rails of any bracket secured to the boss provide support for alternately translating and selectably locatable cargo supporting features, such that the rack can secure cargo without a bracket that provides its own securing features. Optionally, the rack can support cargo with any combination of selectably locatable cargo supporting features on the rails and a bracket, and the rack comprises methods of construction and customization that facilitate rapid reconstruction of the rack and removal from the vehicle.