Ive seen some Boat Mate trailers with the sprare in the front right under the bow. It makes ground clearence a little less if you are backing up hill into your garage or somethuing but looks really nice and out of the way.

Dave if you really want to Weld you might look into Blue Plasti Dip to paint again LOL.

Seriously i woudlnt worry about someone steeling the mount, ive never even herd of that, its the wheel and tire they want, and if yours is locked on then they will go to the next one most of the time. They arnt looking for a hard score they want it fast and easy.