Losing Spare Tire - Twice

[Tenbrooks]

We have a 2019 DRV Mobile Suites model 40KSSB4 5th wheel. The spare tire is located under the unit near the rear. The spare is held in inside a spare tire cavity that secures the tire with a drop cable system. The cable is activated via a long-handle turn device through a socket behind the back license plate.

Now for my question. We have lost our spare tire twice. The first time, it was picked up and a stranger tracked us down soon after it fell off in a small Montana town and returned the tire as we left town. Hard to believe, but true.

Last fall I was working on the bottom of the unit and to my surprise the spare tire was gone. It's somewhere in America but not on my trailer. I'm thinking the small clip used to secure the tire is coming loose during our travels due to vibration, especially as it is located at the rear of the unit. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how to better secure the spare tire using the cable drop device? I think the clip at the end of the cable is just too small, but it must be small enough to be removed through the wheel hub opening. For now, my spare tire is riding in the bed of my F350.

Thanks ......