I recently helped a friend change a tire on a ~2014 F-150. The spare tire is under the bed of the truck, and we discovered to access it you unlock an access plug from the rear bumper, stick a rod in the hole (heh), and crank it to lower the tire down on a cable from a winch-type assembly.
I never knew that was a thing, how long have pickups been like that and do all pickups have spare tires on a cable/winch?
Been that way as long as I’ve know and yes most pickups are that way. Some other cars do it too, The Dodge minivans have the winch between the two front seats and its a real bitch to get at. The Sienna vans had them under the rear passenger door.
Another fun one is the PT cruiser, some of them had a cage you wind down and it hinged so it slides out. My Toytota van also has the cage thing.
haven’t changed that awkward system since day one. rust makes it useless which is why most just toss spares/jack/lug wrench in the bed. tesla ditched the spare altogether. stay in car and use phone app for roadside service
My 2013 Toyota Highlander has a similar system.